Core Group is recruiting recent graduates for a 12-month Sales Graduate Programme based at One Sandton Drive. Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree completed within the past three years, while a driver’s licence offers an advantage. The company has not published a stipend amount or application closing date at present.
The programme targets ambitious graduates who want to build careers in technology sales and commercial leadership. During the year, participants will gain practical exposure to sales planning, account relationships, customer engagement, retail operations and product campaigns.
How will Core Group develop future sales professionals?
Core Group represents leading technology brands across Sub-Saharan Africa. Its operations cover South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Nigeria.
The company works across retail, sales, marketing, supply chain, customer experience, finance, human resources, business development and technology services.
Therefore, the graduate programme gives participants exposure to more than one part of the commercial process. Graduates will learn how sales teams work with other departments to launch products, understand customer behaviour and reach business targets.
Experienced sales leaders and high-performing teams will also provide structured learning, coaching and mentorship throughout the programme.
What will graduates work on during the programme?
The programme combines practical sales responsibilities with commercial analysis and cross-functional projects.
Graduates will:
- Support the Sales team in reaching business objectives
- Help deliver strong customer experiences
- Build relationships with customers, retail partners and internal stakeholders
- Analyse sales performance and customer trends
- Research market insights that support business decisions
- Assist with sales planning, reporting and forecasting
- Support operational activities across sales channels
- Participate in projects that improve efficiency and performance
- Learn about product launches and promotional campaigns
- Develop an understanding of retail operations and merchandising
- Work with Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain teams
- Collaborate with Retail Operations and Customer Experience teams
- Present recommendations and project updates to business leaders
- Participate in ongoing coaching and development activities
As a result, graduates can build both customer-facing and analytical skills instead of focusing on only one part of sales.
Which qualifications does Core Group accept?
Applicants need a completed bachelor’s degree obtained within the past three years.
Core Group will consider qualifications in:
- Business Management
- Marketing
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Economics
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Supply Chain
- Information Systems
- Finance
- A closely related discipline
The broad qualification range reflects the programme’s commercial and technology focus. For example, engineering and information systems graduates may bring technical insight, while commerce and marketing graduates may contribute customer and market knowledge.
What could make an application stand out?
Core Group wants curious, driven and commercially minded graduates. Consequently, candidates should show more than academic achievement.
Strong candidates will demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in technology and consumer electronics
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Confident communication and presentation ability
- Commercial awareness
- An interest in sales and business development
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Confidence when working with data and Microsoft Excel
- A customer-first approach
- Initiative and resilience
- A proactive attitude
- The ability to collaborate in a fast-moving environment
Leadership experience could provide an additional advantage. Candidates can draw examples from university societies, sport, volunteer work or entrepreneurial projects.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Connect your degree to sales outcomes in your curriculum vitae. For example, explain how an engineering project developed your problem-solving skills or how a commerce assignment strengthened your understanding of customers, pricing or market trends.
Why does technology interest matter?
Core Group operates in an industry where products, customer expectations and sales channels change quickly.
Graduates should therefore show a real interest in consumer electronics and emerging technology. This interest will help them understand product launches, promotional campaigns and the needs of retail partners.
However, candidates do not need a purely technical degree. The programme also values relationship-building, commercial thinking and the ability to translate product features into customer value.
What experience will graduates gain?
Core Group aims to provide a strong foundation for future careers in sales and commercial leadership.
Participants can expect:
- Hands-on experience across sales and commercial operations
- Exposure to leading international technology brands
- Structured learning and professional development
- Mentorship from experienced business leaders
- Experience in sales strategy and account management
- Exposure to retail operations and customer engagement
- Participation in cross-functional business projects
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership skills
- Practical commercial and problem-solving experience
Moreover, graduates will present ideas and recommendations to business leaders. This exposure can help them build confidence and improve their professional communication.
The programme runs for 12 months, although Core Group has not disclosed a salary or monthly stipend amount.
What should candidates know about travel and screening?
Applicants must live in Gauteng or remain willing to relocate. In addition, the programme may require travel when business activities demand it.
A valid driver’s licence offers an advantage, although Core Group does not list it as a strict minimum requirement.
Successful candidates may also undergo background screening. Depending on the circumstances, Core Group may conduct:
- Criminal record checks
- Credit checks
- Qualification verification
- Reference checks
Applicants should therefore ensure that the information in their curriculum vitae and online application remains complete and accurate.
How can graduates submit an application?
Applications must be submitted through the official Core Group online application portal.
Candidates should present their qualification, graduation year, commercial interests and relevant leadership experience clearly. They should also mention their willingness to travel or relocate where applicable.
Core Group has not published a closing date. Therefore, interested graduates should submit their applications promptly while the listing remains available.
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Final Thoughts
The Core Group Sales Graduate Programme offers recent graduates a structured path into technology sales, customer engagement and commercial leadership.
Its broad qualification criteria create opportunities for commerce, marketing, finance, information systems and engineering graduates. Meanwhile, the cross-functional structure allows participants to understand how sales connects with retail, marketing, finance and supply chain operations.
Graduates who enjoy technology, relationship-building and commercial problem-solving could use this 12-month programme to establish a strong foundation for their careers.
