Are you a recent graduate seeking real workplace experience, mentorship, and a platform to grow professionally? Telkom’s Elevate Graduate Internship Programme offers exactly that — a structured two-year opportunity for ambitious graduates to rotate across business units, sharpen their skills, and contribute meaningfully to organisational projects.
Located in Centurion, Gauteng (South Africa), this programme is ideal for passionate, innovative, and agile graduates across a wide array of disciplines.
What the Elevate Graduate Internship Entails
Rotational Experience Across Business Units
Over the course of two years, interns will rotate (where applicable) across relevant business areas. This ensures exposure to multiple facets of the organisation, fostering a well-rounded understanding of how different functions interconnect.
Practical Projects and Daily Operations
Interns are expected to support both ongoing and new strategic or operational initiatives within their assigned business unit. Tasks may include problem-solving, project support, process improvement, and research work that bridges academic knowledge with real business challenges.
Professional Development & Mentorship
A major benefit of the programme is access to workshops, training sessions, progress reviews, and one-on-one mentorship. Interns are encouraged to seek feedback, build on their strengths, and refine areas for growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
You will work alongside diverse teams—functional units, external vendors, and leadership stakeholders. This collaboration helps to develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and stakeholder management.
Disciplines & Areas of Focus
Telkom welcomes graduates from a broad spectrum of fields, including but not limited to:
- Digital Transformation & Technology (IT, data science, software development, cybersecurity)
- Gaming & Creative Media (game development, animation, UX/UI design)
- Sales, Marketing & Customer Insights (digital marketing, e-commerce, branding)
- Finance & Business (accounting, economics, auditing, supply chain)
- Engineering & Technical Fields (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical)
- Legal, Compliance & Governance (law, risk management, corporate governance)
- Science & Research (environmental science, biotechnology, applied mathematics)
- Social Sciences & Humanities (psychology, sociology, education, public policy)
This wide range ensures that graduates from virtually any academic background can find a suitable match.
Who Should Apply: Qualifications & Requirements
Academic Credentials
- A completed degree at NQF Level 7 (i.e. a three-year degree) from a recognised South African tertiary institution
- An academic average of 60% or higher
- Graduated within the last two years, or able to complete studies by December 2025
Experience & Certifications
- No full-time work experience in your field of study (the program is targeted at fresh entrants)
- Possession of additional, relevant certifications is favourable but not mandatory
Additional Criteria
- Must be a South African citizen
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Willingness to travel and to work shifts or overtime when needed
Key Competencies & Personal Attributes
To excel in this internship, the following competencies are essential:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Capacity to plan, prioritise tasks and work independently
- Ability to apply academic theory to business challenges
- Creative and innovative thinking
- Adaptability to evolving technologies and work environments
- Teamwork, openness to feedback, accountability, and integrity
Interns will also be expected to be familiar (or develop familiarity) with productivity tools (e.g. MS Office) and relevant discipline-specific software or digital platforms.
Benefits & What You Stand to Gain
- Hands-on experience in a corporate setting, rotating across critical business units
- Exposure to leadership, stakeholders, and high-impact projects
- Mentorship and structured professional development
- A bridge between academic learning and real world application
- Strong foundation for future career opportunities within or outside Telkom
How to Apply & Key Dates
The job posting was published on 6 October 2025, with the role based in Centurion, Gauteng. Interested candidates should review the qualifications carefully, tailor their applications to showcase strong academic performance and alignment with one or more of the disciplines listed above, and ensure they meet all the additional criteria (citizenship, driver’s license, travel readiness, etc.).
Apply Now: Telkom Elevate Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026
Since this is a competitive programme, applicants should emphasise their analytical thinking, adaptability, willingness to learn, and relevant academic or personal projects that reflect the competencies sought.
Conclusion
The Telkom Elevate Graduate Internship Programme presents a powerful stepping stone for graduates who wish to transition smoothly from academia to industry. With rotational assignments, mentorship, cross-functional exposure, and opportunities for professional growth, this programme is ideal for those committed to building purposeful, dynamic careers.
If you are a motivated recent graduate in South Africa, this could be your door to gain invaluable work experience, refine your skills, and contribute meaningfully in a leading technology and telecommunications environment.
