Are you a Finance or Marketing graduate ready to turn your qualification into a career in financial advice? Discovery is looking for high-potential, unemployed graduates to join the NextGen Adviser Academy. This programme is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical application of financial planning and client relationship management.
Position Details:
- Employer: Discovery
- Locations: Sandton & Pretoria
- Programme: NextGen Adviser Academy
- Start Date: 1 May 2026
- Job Type: Internship (Graduate Programme)
Eligibility Criteria (Strict):
- Education: Must hold a National Diploma or Degree in Finance or Marketing.
- Age: 18–30 years old.
- Status: Must be unemployed and have no prior internship or learnership experience.
- Citizenship: South African citizen.
What You’ll Do:
- Financial Advisory Training: Learn the ins and outs of Discovery’s product ecosystem, including life insurance, health, and investment products.
- Client Relationship Management: Develop the “soft skills” required to engage with clients, identify their financial needs, and provide sound advice.
- Professional Development: Receive mentorship from established financial advisers and business leaders.
- Compliance & Regulation: Gain a deep understanding of the FAIS Act and other regulations governing financial advice in South Africa.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are required to complete two steps to be considered:
- Submit a formal application via the Discovery careers portal
- Email a short 60 to 90-second video to SALES_HR@discovery.co.za explaining why you are interested in the DNAA and why you would be a great fit for the programme
Career Advice for Discovery Applicants
- Finance vs. Marketing Streams: * If you are a Finance graduate, emphasize your understanding of the “Value Proposition” of financial products.
- If you are a Marketing graduate, emphasize your ability to communicate complex ideas simply—this is the most important skill an adviser has.
- The “Adviser” Mindset: Discovery is looking for future Financial Advisers. In your interview, don’t talk about being an “assistant.” Talk about your desire to help people secure their financial future. This is a people-centric role, not just a numbers role.
- The “Unemployed” Filter: Since the programme mandates that you have no prior internship or learnership experience, make this clear in your CV (e.g., “Ready for my first workplace experience”).
Possible Interview Questions
Behavioral & Advisory
- “Why do you want to pursue a career in financial advice rather than a traditional corporate finance or back-office role?”
- “How would you explain a complex financial product (like a retirement annuity or life cover) to a client who has zero financial background?”
- “Describe a time you had to persuade someone to see your point of view. How did you handle the situation?”