You’ve done the hard part—you aced your internship interview! 👏 But what now?
Many students make the mistake of waiting in silence, hoping for a call or email. A simple, polite follow-up can show your professionalism, remind the employer of your interest, and even give you a second chance to stand out.
In this blog post, we’ll show you when, how, and what to say in a follow-up message after an internship interview—plus give you a copy-paste example to use.
đź•’ When Should You Follow Up?
âś… 1. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
This shows appreciation and helps keep you top-of-mind.
✅ 2. Follow up again after 5–7 working days
If you haven’t heard anything and they didn’t give a specific date, it’s okay to send a gentle reminder.
📧 What to Include in a Follow-Up Email
Your follow-up should be:
- Polite and professional
- Short and to the point
- Show interest and enthusiasm
- Mention the position you interviewed for
- End with a thank you
đź“ť Sample Follow-Up Email After Internship Interview
Subject: Follow-Up on Internship Interview – [Your Name]
vbnetCopyEditDear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you're well. I wanted to thank you once again for the opportunity to interview for the [Marketing Intern] position at [Company Name] on [Interview Date]. I really enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your exciting projects.
I’m still very interested in joining your team and contributing to the great work you’re doing. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me to support your decision.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
💬 If You Were Told When to Expect Feedback…
If they said, “We’ll get back to you by Friday,” and it’s now Tuesday the following week, you can say:
Subject: Checking In – Internship Interview Follow-Up
vbnetCopyEditHi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you're doing well. I’m just checking in regarding the [IT Internship] position I interviewed for on [date]. I understand you were planning to make a decision by [given date], so I just wanted to follow up to see if there have been any updates.
I remain very interested in the opportunity and am excited about the possibility of joining your team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
⚠️ Important Tips for Following Up
- Be respectful – never sound pushy or demanding
- Proofread your email before sending
- Use a professional email address
- Don’t follow up too often—once a week is enough
- If you don’t get a response, move on politely
🔚 Final Thoughts
Following up after an internship interview is not just polite—it shows you’re serious, confident, and professional. A well-written email could be the thing that helps you land the opportunity.
So don’t be shy—follow up the right way and stand out.
đź“š More Internship Tips:
- Top Internship Interview Questions & How to Answer Them
- How to Write a CV for Internships in South Africa
- What to Say When Asked “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Internship Interview
Need help crafting your follow-up email? Reach out to us at 📧 info@gointern.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Internships in South Africa 2026
Internships are one of the most effective ways for young people in South Africa to gain real-world work experience. Whether you are a recent graduate, a student still studying, or someone looking to change careers, internships can open the door to valuable opportunities. Below are some of the most common questions about internships in South Africa, along with detailed answers to help you succeed.
1. What is an internship?
An internship is a structured program offered by companies, government departments, or NGOs that allows students and graduates to gain work experience in their chosen field. Internships are usually temporary — lasting anywhere from three months to a year — and may be paid or unpaid.
Unlike casual work, an internship focuses on skills development, mentorship, and exposure to professional environments. Many internships lead to permanent jobs if the candidate performs well.
2. Why are internships important in South Africa?
Internships are especially important in South Africa because many employers require work experience even for entry-level jobs. Since graduates often finish university or college without practical experience, internships help bridge this gap.
Key benefits of internships include:
- Gaining hands-on skills relevant to your career.
- Building a professional network.
- Improving your CV and employability.
- Increasing chances of securing permanent employment.
- Exploring different career paths before committing long-term.
3. Are internships paid in South Africa?
Internships in South Africa can be both paid and unpaid.
- Paid internships usually offer a monthly stipend to cover transport, food, and basic living costs. The amount varies by company and industry.
- Unpaid internships provide work experience without financial support. These are more common in NGOs, creative industries, or small businesses.
Even if an internship is unpaid, the value of experience, references, and networking can outweigh the lack of pay — especially for students looking to enter competitive industries.
4. Who can apply for an internship?
Most internships are designed for:
- Recent graduates who have completed a diploma, degree, or certificate.
- Final-year students seeking workplace experience as part of their qualification.
- Unemployed youth registered with programs like YES (Youth Employment Service).
Some internships are open to all young South Africans aged 18–35, while others may require specific qualifications or skills.
5. How long do internships last?
The duration of internships varies depending on the employer and industry:
- Short internships: 3–6 months, often project-based.
- Graduate internships: 12 months, common in government and corporate programs.
- Work-integrated learning (WIL): 6–12 months, usually required by universities or TVET colleges for graduation.
6. How do I find internships in South Africa?
There are several ways to find internship opportunities:
- Career websites such as GoIntern, Indeed, or Career24.
- Company websites — many big organizations like Sasol, Nedbank, or Eskom advertise graduate internships.
- Government portals like the DPSA (Department of Public Service and Administration).
- University career centers or student support services.
- Networking — asking lecturers, alumni, or professionals in your field.
7. What documents are needed to apply for an internship?
When applying for an internship, you will normally need:
- A South African ID (certified copy).
- An updated CV.
- Matric certificate and/or academic transcripts.
- Motivational letter explaining why you want the internship.
- Proof of residence (for government or municipal internships).
- Bank details (for paid internships).
8. Do internships guarantee permanent jobs?
Not always. Internships are primarily designed to give experience, not employment. However, many companies use internships as a recruitment tool. If you perform well, you may be offered a permanent position.
Your chances of being hired after an internship increase if you:
- Show commitment and professionalism.
- Take initiative and learn quickly.
- Build strong relationships with colleagues.
- Demonstrate that you add value to the organization.
9. What is the difference between an internship, learnership, and apprenticeship?
- Internship: For students or graduates, focused on workplace exposure. Duration is 3–12 months.
- Learnership: A structured program combining theory and practical training. Leads to an NQF qualification. Funded through SETAs.
- Apprenticeship: Technical training in trades (like plumbing, welding, or electrical work) that leads to artisan qualifications.
10. When should I apply for internships in 2026?
Most internships for the 2026 intake will open between September 2025 and February 2026. Graduate programs at large companies usually advertise opportunities towards the end of the year for placements starting in January. Government internships often open at the beginning of the year.
To increase your chances:
- Start searching in the second half of 2025.
- Keep your CV updated.
- Apply to multiple opportunities — don’t wait for just one.
Conclusion
Internships are a stepping stone to building a successful career in South Africa. They provide students and graduates with valuable skills, workplace experience, and networking opportunities that can lead to permanent employment. Whether paid or unpaid, an internship in 2026 could be the launchpad for your future success.
If you’re serious about your career, start preparing your application documents now and keep an eye on internship listings throughout 2025.
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