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Marketing & Business Research Internship in Cape Town
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Join an aspiring social enterprise in Cape Town for a customized research project
We offer an exciting opportunity for someone looking for thesis or graduation (research) assignment with a focus on Marketing. Communications, Market Research or Business Development.
Join us in Cape Town, South Africa, if you’re looking for an impactful organization to do your research internship or graduation assignment with. You’ll be part of Monkeybiz, an award-winning social enterprise focuses on skill development and economic empowerment of women in underserved communities. They do this through the traditional art of beading; women are taught how to create strong art pieces with beads, and Monkeybiz sells them on their behalf. This provides dozens of women with a livelihood and encourages entrepreneurship in communities where it’s much needed. As a research intern, you and do marketing or business-related research that will help drive the program forward.
ORGANIZATION
Monkeybiz is a non profit beading project supporting women in Khayelitsha, one of Cape Town’s largest townships. Monkeybiz is dedicated to reviving the tradition of African beadwork by taking the love and knowledge that is passed down, over the centuries, from mother to child and turning this into contemporary artworks. These are then sold online and through various shops, and the artists are empowered bead by bead to become breadwinners and community leaders. As a result, women are financially empowered, crafters become artists, and the art of beadwork is revived.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Depending on your interests, skills and the organization’s needs at that moment your research / thesis assignment can focus on market research, marketing strategy, business development, fundraising, customer analysis or communications.
You can either work fully remotely or be based in Cape Town and join them in the office for several days a week. Besides focusing on your research project or assignment, there is always an opportunity to get (hands-on) involved at the office and in the warehouse.
Requirements
- Independent worker
- Have a just-do-mentality, be flexible and keen to take on different kind of tasks
- Have good written and spoken English skills
- Be precise, accurate and moving fast
- Bring your own laptop
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll be staying at The Lenox, a comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the old Cape Dutch style, The Lenox is characterful and historic. It has multiple balconies, a large dining room, and many other communal spaces. Shared bedrooms include 2 twin beds, and there are plenty of single rooms available as well (at an extra fee). You’ll be walking distance from many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
Communication
Communication
The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Cafes/restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.
Meals
Meals
A simple breakfast, lunch and a delicious cooked dinner (vegetarian & vegan options available) from Monday to Friday are included in your fee. Indulge in local dishes, like bobotie and South African Braai! For desserts, don’t miss out on milk tarts and malva pudding. There is a diverse food scene in Cape Town, so no matter your cuisine preference or dietary restrictions you’ll have plenty of options. Let us know in advance if you have any allergies/dietary needs.
Location details
Location details
Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
You can start your internship with this organization every week, so start and end dates are based on what you and the host organization suits best. Please keep in mind this organization is closed for few weeks of summer holiday at the end of the year.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
2 MONTHS USD 1,814
3 MONTHS USD 2,382
4 MONTHS USD 2,949
5 MONTHS USD 3,517
6 MONTHS USD 4,084
Inclusions
- Transfer from Cape Town International airport to your accommodation and back on arrival and departure day
- Accommodation based on a dorm room (4-8 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
- Two meals (breakfast and dinner) a day from Monday to Friday
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- On the ground support during your stay
- Free WiFi
- Assistance with finding the perfect work placement
- Supervision during your internship
- Check-in and feedback as well as a reference letter after your internship
- Your own account on a career development platform that offers content and courses focused on exploring different career opportunities
- Reference letter at the end of your internship
- A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots interns
Exclusions
- Flights
- Visa, medical and travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Meals during the weekend
- Transport to the office
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Female Empowerment Social Enterprise
TASK FOCUS: Research; marketing / business development
LENGTH: 8-26 Weeks
COST: From USD 1,814
REVIEWS
“It's great to have all these different roles. I do things in this Nonprofit Internship in Cape Town many other interns don’t get the chance to. Monkeybiz really involved me in making certain business decisions.”
Jamie, United StatesDigital Marketing and Sales Internship
READ MORE REVIEWS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Embark on fully customized research internship that will align with your academic requirements
- Join an inspiring social enterprise that provide vital skill development and income generation to South African women
- Gain insight in the day to day running of a nonprofit organisation
- Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the most stunning cities in the world.
- Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during your time off
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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