Amplifi, the media investment arm of dentsu, is looking for a data-driven and analytical intern to join their team in Sandton. Programmatic Advertising is the high-tech side of marketing—it’s the automated buying and selling of online ad space in real-time. If you’ve ever wondered how an ad for a pair of shoes follows you from a news site to social media, this is the team that makes it happen.
The Opportunity at a Glance
- Brand: Amplifi (Part of the global dentsu network).
- Location: Sandton, Johannesburg.
- Contract: Fixed-Term Internship.
- Closing Date: 22 February 2026 (11 days left to apply).
What You Will Learn
This role is a “deep dive” into digital math and automation. You will be trained on:
- Demand Side Platforms (DSPs): The software used to buy mobile, video, and search ads automatically.
- Real-Time Bidding (RTB): Learning how millions of ad auctions happen in milliseconds.
- Audience Segmentation: Learning how to target specific people (e.g., “People in Sandton interested in SUVs”) rather than just showing ads to everyone.
- A/B Testing: Running two different ads at once to see which one performs better.
How Programmatic Works
To understand this role, it helps to see where you fit in the digital ecosystem:
Top 5 Potential Interview Questions
Since this is a highly analytical role, the interviewers want to see how you think about data and technology:
- “What is your understanding of Programmatic Advertising?”
- Tip: Define it as the automated buying and selling of digital advertising in real-time using data to decide which ads to show to which people.
- “If a campaign has a high number of impressions (views) but very low clicks, what might be the problem?”
- Tip: This shows analytical thinking. Possible answers: The creative (the picture/video) isn’t engaging, or the ad is being shown to the wrong audience.
- “Can you explain what ‘ROAS’ stands for and why it matters?”
- Tip: Return on Ad Spend. It measures how much revenue a company earns for every Rand spent on advertising. High ROAS = Success.
- “Programmatic involves managing large budgets across many platforms. How do you stay organized and avoid mistakes?”
- Tip: Focus on your attention to detail and your “check and double-check” process for data entry.
- “Which digital brands or ads have caught your eye recently, and why do you think they targeted you?”
- Tip: This shows you are observant of industry trends. Mention an ad you saw on Instagram or a website and explain why you were the “ideal audience” for it.
Career Advice for Programmatic Interns
- Get Certified for Free: Before your interview, go to Google Skillshop and do the “Display & Video 360” (DV360) certification or visit The Trade Desk Edge Academy. Mentioning these free certifications will make you look like a pro.
- Embrace the Spreadsheet: Programmatic is 50% creativity and 50% Excel. Make sure you are comfortable with basic formulas and data sorting.
- Be a “Difference Maker”: Amplifi values people who bring “fresh ideas.” Don’t be afraid to ask, “Why are we targeting this group?” or “Could we try a different ad format?”
- Demographics Matter: In South Africa, programmatic is used heavily to reach specific LSM (Living Standard Measure) groups. Understanding the diverse South African consumer landscape is a huge plus.
Quick Stats: The South African Digital Ad Market
- Market Growth: Digital advertising in SA is expected to reach over R16 billion by 2026.
- Programmatic Share: Over 70% of digital display ads globally are now bought programmatically.
- Employment: Data-driven marketing roles are among the top “scarce skills” in the South African media industry.