In today’s competitive job market, gaining experience in marketing and sales through an internship can set you apart from the crowd. Whether you’re passionate about digital marketing, brand strategy, content creation, or direct sales, there are plenty of exciting internship opportunities waiting for you in South Africa.
This guide breaks down the top marketing and sales internships to apply for in 2025, and how to boost your chances of getting hired.
💼 Why Choose a Marketing or Sales Internship?
Marketing and sales internships give you:
- Hands-on experience with campaigns, clients, products, and customers
- A chance to build your portfolio with real-world projects
- Exposure to tools like Google Analytics, social media platforms, CRMs, and email marketing tools
- Valuable soft skills like communication, persuasion, and negotiation
- Better job opportunities post-graduation
These internships are ideal for students studying Marketing, Business, Media, Communications, Public Relations, or even Psychology.
🏆 Top Marketing & Sales Internships in South Africa (2025)
1. Unilever Future Leaders Programme – Marketing Track
Location: Johannesburg & Durban
What You’ll Do: Work on brand strategy, market research, product launches, and digital marketing.
Unilever is known for nurturing talent and offers rotational internships in marketing and sales roles.
2. Coca-Cola Beverages SA Sales & Marketing Internships
Location: National (Gauteng, KZN, Eastern Cape, etc.)
Focus Areas: Sales strategy, market development, trade marketing
Interns assist in planning promotions, building relationships with retailers, and managing brand presence.
3. L’Oréal Marketing Internships
Location: Johannesburg
Best For: Digital marketers, brand storytellers, social media lovers
L’Oréal offers creative and strategic roles in brand management, influencer campaigns, and retail activation.
4. Multichoice Group Graduate Programme
Location: Johannesburg
Fields: Marketing, Communications, Digital Media
Get involved in marketing strategy, content campaigns, and audience engagement at one of SA’s top media companies.
5. Heineken South Africa – Commercial Graduate Internship
Location: Stellenbosch & Johannesburg
Focus: Sales development, trade marketing, route-to-market strategies
Perfect for students who want to explore fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and on-the-ground sales operations.
6. Nedbank Graduate Trainee – Marketing & Sales
Location: Johannesburg
Ideal For: Students in business, communications, or digital media
Interns help with internal communications, brand development, customer insights, and digital campaigns.
7. Smaller Agencies & Startups
Don’t overlook digital marketing agencies and local startups. Many offer flexible, hands-on internships where you’ll wear multiple hats—social media, email marketing, client outreach, and more.
Search on:
🚀 Tips to Stand Out When Applying for Marketing & Sales Internships
✅ 1. Build a Personal Brand
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Start a blog or content portfolio
- Use social media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter) to showcase your interest in marketing trends, branding, or digital storytelling
✅ 2. Create a Digital CV or Portfolio
- Include any freelance work, school projects, or mock campaigns
- Add metrics if possible (e.g. “grew Instagram account by 30%”)
- Link to your social profiles or personal website
👉 Need help? Download our Free Marketing CV Template
✅ 3. Take Free Certifications
Boost your knowledge and credibility with free or affordable certificates:
- Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
- Meta (Facebook) Blueprint Courses
- LinkedIn Learning – Sales or Social Media Strategy
✅ 4. Practice Your Pitch
Sales and marketing are about communication. Be ready to:
- Explain why you’re passionate about branding or customer relationships
- Share ideas you’ve seen work in real life
- Show creativity and confidence in interviews
🔍 Where to Find Marketing and Sales Internships in South Africa?
- ✅ GoIntern.co.za – Updated weekly with fresh internship listings
- ✅ LinkedIn – Set alerts for “Marketing Intern” or “Sales Graduate”
- ✅ Careers24
- ✅ Indeed
- ✅ Check company websites under “Careers” or “Graduate Programmes”
🧠 Final Thoughts
Marketing and sales internships can launch you into exciting careers in brand building, advertising, digital media, or customer management. If you’re creative, driven, and passionate about connecting with people—this is your field.
With the right approach and a standout application, your dream internship is within reach.
👉 Start exploring marketing and sales internships now on GoIntern.co.za and take your first step into the world of business and branding.
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