Business Management Internship Programme 20252026

Clicks Group’s Business Management Internship Programme 2025–2026 offers young professionals a structured entry into South Africa’s leading health and beauty retailer. Below is a comprehensive breakdown tailored for students and recent graduates (ages 18–25) seeking actionable insights for application success.

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Company Intelligence

• History & Industry Position
• Founded: 1968; listed on the JSE.
• Industry: Pharmaceutical and health/beauty retail, with a dominant market position in South Africa and select neighboring countries.
• Size: Operates over 936 stores and 720 pharmacies; employs approximately 19,729 staff.
• Brands: Includes The Body Shop, Sorbet, and M-Kem.
• Market Standing: Consistently in the JSE Top 40 Index for seven years; recognized for sustained financial performance and shareholder value.
• Recent News & Strategic Direction
• Leadership: Bertina Engelbrecht appointed CEO in 2022, the first black female CEO of a listed retail group in SA, signaling a commitment to transformation and diversity.
• Growth: Expanded retail footprint and pharmacy network; share price and market capitalization have grown significantly despite economic challenges.
• Investment: Public Investment Corporation (PIC) increased its stake to over 20% in March 2025, reflecting investor confidence.
• Culture & Work Environment
• Values: Focus on transformation, human capital development, and sustainable growth.
• Employee Experience: Known for a skilled, diverse workforce and strong management; offers career-defining opportunities and internal promotion.
• Customer Focus: Strong brand reputation, loyalty programs (Clicks ClubCard), and emphasis on customer service.
• Mission & Values
• Mission: To be the leading health and beauty retailer, delivering value and quality to customers.
• Values: Integrity, customer-centricity, innovation, and empowerment.
• Locations & Work Policies
• Offices: Headquartered in Cape Town; stores and pharmacies nationwide, including Mpumalanga.
• Hybrid/Remote: Primarily in-person retail roles; some support functions may offer hybrid arrangements, but internships are typically on-site.

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Program Deep Dive

• Structure & Timeline
• Duration: Usually 12 months, aligned with the academic calendar (2025–2026).
• Format: Rotational exposure across store operations, business management, and retail administration.
• Locations: Various, including Mpumalanga and other major provinces.
• Skills & Competencies Sought
• Core: Business management fundamentals, retail operations, customer service, inventory control.
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and initiative.
• Technical: Basic computer literacy (MS Office), numeracy, and analytical thinking.
• Daily Responsibilities & Learning
• Tasks: Assisting with store management, sales analysis, merchandising, stock management, and customer engagement.
• Learning: On-the-job training, shadowing managers, participating in team meetings, and exposure to retail KPIs.
• Mentorship & Training
• Mentorship: Assigned store managers and HR mentors for guidance.
• Training: Structured induction, ongoing workshops (leadership, retail skills), and e-learning modules.
• Career Progression
• Post-Internship: Potential for permanent placement as junior managers, supervisors, or specialist roles in retail operations, HR, or supply chain.
• Growth Path: Internal promotions favored; alumni often progress to store management or head office roles.

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Application Success Guide

• Requirements & Deadlines
• Eligibility: Recent graduates or final-year students (TVET/University), aged 18–25.
• Qualifications: Business management, retail, or related fields preferred.
• Documents: CV, academic transcripts, ID, motivational letter.
• Deadline: Applications typically close in late October or November

• Step-by-Step Process

1. Online Application: Submit via Clicks careers portal.
2. Screening: HR reviews qualifications and experience.
3. Assessments: May include online aptitude tests or case studies.
4. Interviews: Panel or one-on-one, often competency-based.
5. Offer: Successful candidates receive formal internship contracts.

• Common Interview Questions
• Why do you want to work at Clicks Group?
• Describe a time you solved a problem in a team.
• How would you handle a difficult customer?
• What do you know about retail KPIs?
• How do you prioritize tasks under pressure?
• Assessment Centers/Case Studies
• Group exercises (role play, problem-solving)
• Situational judgment tests
• Retail scenario analysis
• Standout Candidate Traits
• Demonstrated passion for retail and customer service
• Evidence of leadership or initiative (e.g., student societies, part-time work)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to learn and adapt

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Insider Tips

• Interview Tips
• Research Clicks’ values and recent news; reference their transformation and growth.
• Prepare examples of teamwork, leadership, and customer service.
• Dress professionally and arrive early; retail values punctuality and presentation.
• Skills Priorities
• Soft Skills: Highly valued—especially communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Technical Skills: Basic retail analytics and computer literacy are important but secondary.
• Industry Knowledge
• Understand retail trends, customer loyalty programs, and the competitive landscape (e.g., Clicks vs. Dis-Chem).
• Be aware of transformation and diversity initiatives in South African retail.
• Questions to Ask Interviewers
• What are the biggest challenges facing store managers at Clicks?
• How does Clicks support career development for interns?
• Can you describe a typical day for an intern in this program?
• What qualities do successful interns share?
• Red Flags to Avoid
• Generic answers lacking knowledge of Clicks or retail.
• Poor communication or lack of enthusiasm.
• Not demonstrating willingness to work flexible retail hours.

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Practical Information

• Salary/Stipend
• Typical retail internships in SA offer R4,000–R7,000/month; Clicks is competitive within this range.
• Benefits
• Paid annual leave, staff discounts, access to training resources, and possible medical aid contributions.
• Start Dates & Duration
• Start: January/February 2025
• Duration: 12 months
• Networking & Alumni
• Interns join a cohort for peer support.
• Alumni network includes managers and head office staff; internal mobility is encouraged.

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Actionable Advice: Tailor your application to highlight retail experience and customer service skills. Show awareness of Clicks’ transformation journey and growth. Prepare for competency-based interviews and group assessments. Ask insightful questions and demonstrate genuine interest in retail management. Avoid generic applications—be specific about why Clicks and retail matter to you.