Apply for the Administrative Internship at the University of the Western Cape under the W&RSETA Leadership Chair. Gain hands-on experience in research, administration, and stakeholder coordination.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC), in collaboration with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority, has announced an exciting opportunity for an Administrative Intern within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. This internship forms part of the newly established Wholesale & Retail Leadership Chair in the Western Cape, an initiative aimed at advancing research, skills development, and industry collaboration within one of South Africa’s most dynamic sectors.
Designed as a work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunity, this internship offers students and recent graduates a structured platform to gain practical workplace experience while contributing to meaningful academic and industry-driven projects.
Strengthening the Wholesale and Retail Sector
The Wholesale & Retail Leadership Chair is a strategic initiative focused on strengthening the sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the Chair seeks to drive transformation and build capacity within the wholesale and retail ecosystem.
The Administrative Intern will play a supporting role in this mission, contributing to the operational and research coordination activities that underpin the Chair’s work.
Purpose of the Internship
The primary objective of the internship is to provide hands-on exposure to administrative processes within a higher education and research environment. At the same time, the intern will gain insight into how sector-focused initiatives are developed, implemented, and evaluated.
This dual focus ensures that participants not only build administrative competencies but also develop an understanding of research coordination and stakeholder engagement within a professional setting.
Key Responsibilities
The role of the Administrative Intern is multifaceted, encompassing a range of operational and support functions. The selected candidate will assist with scheduling meetings, managing diaries, and coordinating logistics for various activities led by the Leadership Chair.
They will also support the organisation of stakeholder engagements, workshops, and learning sessions—key components of the Chair’s outreach and capacity-building efforts. Maintaining accurate filing systems, databases, and stakeholder records will be another critical responsibility, ensuring that information is well-organised and accessible.
In addition, the intern will assist with data collection activities, including surveys and interviews, contributing to research outputs and evidence-based decision-making. Administrative duties such as procurement support, minute-taking, and tracking follow-up actions will further enhance the intern’s exposure to professional workflows.
The role also involves assisting in the preparation of reports, presentations, and knowledge products, providing valuable experience in professional communication and documentation.
Academic Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants must hold or be completing a qualification in a relevant field. Suitable disciplines include:
- Wholesale and Retail Management
- Business Administration
- Management
- Marketing
- Logistics or Supply Chain Management
- Or a related field
This internship is particularly suited to candidates who are seeking to complete their work-integrated learning requirements or who are looking to gain entry-level experience in administration and research support.
Essential Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate strong organisational and administrative abilities. Basic computer literacy—particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—is essential for handling documentation and communication tasks.
Effective written and verbal communication skills are also critical, as the intern will interact with internal teams and external stakeholders. The ability to manage time efficiently, work collaboratively, and maintain attention to detail will further contribute to success in this position.
Added Advantages
While not mandatory, certain attributes and experiences will strengthen an application. These include prior exposure to the wholesale and retail sector, as well as an understanding of the higher education and skills development landscape.
Basic knowledge of research processes or data collection methods will also be beneficial, particularly given the role’s involvement in supporting research activities.
Professional Development Opportunities
This internship offers more than just administrative experience—it provides a holistic learning environment where participants can develop both technical and soft skills. By working closely with academic and industry professionals, the intern will gain valuable insights into project coordination, stakeholder management, and research implementation.
The experience gained through this programme can serve as a strong foundation for future roles in administration, project management, research support, or the retail sector.
Why This Opportunity Matters
In a competitive job market, practical experience is often a key differentiator for graduates. This internship addresses that need by offering structured exposure to real-world tasks within a reputable institution.
Moreover, by contributing to a sector-focused initiative, the intern will be part of a broader effort to drive economic growth, innovation, and transformation within South Africa’s wholesale and retail industry.
Stipend: R 9,000 per month.
Application Requirements: Detailed CV, proof of registration for the current academic year, certified copies of qualifications and academic records, and contact details for at least two referees.
Application Deadline: Applications must be forwarded to Itebogeng Masibigiri at [email protected] by 15 May 2020 at 17:00.
Enquiries: For more information, contact Thabang Motsoeneng at [email protected].
Final Thoughts
The Administrative Internship at the University of the Western Cape represents a valuable opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain meaningful experience in a dynamic and impactful environment. Through a combination of administrative support, research involvement, and stakeholder engagement, the programme equips participants with the skills needed to thrive in their careers.
For students and graduates looking to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, this internship offers a strategic entry point into both the higher education and retail sectors.
Applications must be forwarded to Itebogeng Masibigiri at [email protected]
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