AI & Investment Graduate (Cum Laude / Honours / Master’s) – Network Finance (Joburg)

Recruiting Agency: Network Finance (“The Talent Detective”)

Contact Recruiter: K. Mongalo

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech), Investments & Artificial Intelligence

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent (Graduate / Entry-Level Role)

Posted Date: 02 October 2026

Closing Date: 30 November 2026

About Network Finance & The AI + Investments Opportunity

Network Finance is recruiting on behalf of an innovative, technology-driven investment firm in Johannesburg. The organisation operates at the cutting edge where capital markets, portfolio analytics, and modern Artificial Intelligence intersect.

This opportunity is strictly an entry-level / graduate position tailored for high-achieving recent graduates with limited or no full-time professional experience. Rather than requiring years of commercial experience, this role focuses on finding exceptional academic talent, raw analytical capability, and a deep curiosity for solving complex data problems using AI within the investment sector.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Deliverables

The AI & Investment Graduate will develop skills across four core technical and operational areas:

1. AI & Machine Learning Exploration

• AI Feature Prototyping: Under senior guidance, build and experiment with AI algorithms, prompt pipelines, and predictive models tailored to financial market data.
• Data Pipeline Development: Assist in cleaning, structuring, and feature-engineering complex financial and operational datasets for machine learning workflows.

2. Investment & Quantitative Analytics

• Financial Modeling: Support quantitative analysts and portfolio managers in analyzing asset allocations, risk metrics, and market trends.
• Systems Integration: Help bridge technical software solutions with core investment management platforms.

3. Problem Solving & Technical Research

• Root-Cause Analysis: Investigate complex technical questions (“Why does this process behave this way?“) and propose data-backed optimizations.
• Proof of Concepts (POCs): Help build functional prototypes to test new AI tools, automated workflows, and investment research algorithms.

4. Learning & Professional Mentorship

• Agile Collaboration: Participate in technical peer reviews, code pairing, and structured learning sessions alongside experienced AI engineers and quantitative specialists.

Candidate Profile & Minimum Entry Requirements

To qualify for consideration for this graduate program, candidates must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• Educational Qualifications:
  • Honours or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Informatics, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related technical field (Essential).
  • Cum Laude graduates and top-tier academic achievers are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience Level:
  • Strictly Graduate / Entry-Level. Designed specifically for candidates with limited or no full-time professional experience (Essential).
  • Candidates with several years of full-time professional experience are strictly excluded.
• Core Competencies & Mindset:
  • Strong mathematical reasoning and quantitative problem-solving skills.
  • High proficiency in data manipulation, logical thinking, and coding fundamentals.
  • Genuine passion for the fusion of Artificial Intelligence, technology, and Investment markets.
  • Inquisitive mindset with a high drive to ask critical questions, learn continuously, and build scalable solutions.
• Location:
  • Must be located in or willing to relocate to Johannesburg, Gauteng (Essential).

What This Opportunity Offers

• True Entry-Level Gateway: A platform that values academic excellence, curiosity, and potential over years of commercial experience.
• Cutting-Edge Domain Exposure: Direct hands-on exposure to how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing investment management.
• Mentorship Culture: Continuous learning from senior AI developers, quantitative analysts, and FinTech leaders.

Career Advice for Graduate Applicants

1. Highlight Academic Distinction: Place your degree classification, GPA, Cum Laude status, Dean’s List honors, and top-subject marks on page 1 of your CV.
2. Detail Technical Projects: Include a dedicated section outlining your Master’s/Honours thesis, capstone projects, coding repositories (GitHub), or AI/data models built during university.
3. Custom Email Application: Send your application directly to kmongalo@networkfinance.co.za with a clear subject line: “Application: AI & Investment Graduate – [Your Name]”.

Sample Graduate Interview Questions

Analytical Thinking & AI Curiosity

• Question (Problem Breakdown): “Can you walk us through a complex data or engineering problem from your Master’s/Honours thesis and explain how you tested your assumptions?”
• Question (Investments + AI): “Where do you think Artificial Intelligence provides the biggest advantage in modern investment management—risk analysis, trade execution, or research?”

How to Apply

Submit your updated CV, academic transcripts, and a short intro directly via email:

• Recruiting Agency: Network Finance
• Contact Recruiter: K. Mongalo
• Email: kmongalo@networkfinance.co.za
• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Target Level: Recent Honours / Master’s Graduates (0 years experience)
• Closing Date: 30 November 2026