The Robben Island Museum (RIM) is offering an exciting opportunity for graduates to gain hands-on experience and skills in a variety of fields through its Graduate Programme. This structured 12-month internship provides valuable work experience for graduates from universities, universities of technology, or other institutions of higher learning. Not only does this program allow young professionals to build their portfolios, but it also offers a chance to work in one of the most historically significant places in South Africa—Robben Island.
About the Robben Island Museum Graduate Programme
The Graduate Programme at Robben Island Museum is a one-year internship designed to give graduates the chance to develop their skills and knowledge in a real-world workplace environment. This structured, work-based programme is set up to help participants expand their work experience and professional expertise in their respective fields.
Successful candidates will be placed within different departments of the museum, depending on their qualifications, and will enter into a 12-month contract with RIM. The programme is focused on developing a diverse range of skills, providing opportunities in the following departments:
- Heritage
- Office of the CEO
- Marketing and Tourism
- Education
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Supply Chain Management (SCM)
- Operations
Qualifications and Opportunities by Department
The Robben Island Museum offers internship placements to graduates with qualifications in various disciplines. Below is a breakdown of the qualifications required for each department:
1. Heritage Department
- Qualifications:
- Audio Visual / Multi-Media Studies
- National Diploma in Nature Conservation
- Postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies or Archives
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Learn to preserve and manage cultural heritage
- Gain expertise in audio-visual and multimedia production in a museum context
2. Office of the CEO
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies (LLB)
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (Performance Planning & Evaluation)
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Develop legal and administrative skills
- Participate in high-level operations and governance
3. Marketing & Tourism
- Qualifications:
- Diploma in Marketing
- Degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, or Media Studies
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Work on strategic marketing campaigns
- Gain insights into the tourism industry and museum marketing
4. Education Department
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Library Science
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Develop educational materials for museum tours and activities
- Work with schools and visitors to promote learning
5. Human Resources
- Qualifications:
- National Diploma in HR or Industrial Psychology
- National Diploma in Health & Safety
- Basic Life Support qualification (HPCSA registered), Code 10 driver’s license with PrDP
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Assist with HR functions such as recruitment and employee relations
- Contribute to health and safety protocols in the workplace
6. Finance Department
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Assist with financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting
- Gain experience in accounting and financial operations
7. Supply Chain Management (SCM)
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in SCM, Logistics, or Procurement
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Learn about supply chain management in the museum and heritage context
- Manage procurement processes and vendor relationships
8. Operations Department
- Qualifications:
- ND in Public Relations Management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), or Hospitality
- ND in Travel & Tourism
- B Tech in Facility Management
- BEng/BSc in Structural or Civil Engineering
- National Diploma in ICT, Information Systems, Computer Science, or relevant certifications (CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA)
- Skills & Experience Gained:
- Work on operational projects related to the museum’s infrastructure
- Support customer service and tourism-related functions
Stipend and Benefits
The Robben Island Museum Graduate Programme offers a stipend of R6,500 per month, providing financial support during the 12-month contract period. While the stipend is relatively modest, the experience and skills gained from working at such a prestigious institution are invaluable for career development.
Additionally, interns will be part of a historic and cultural environment, gaining exposure to the museum’s operations, visitors, and international significance. This internship is an excellent opportunity for those looking to further their careers in museum studies, heritage management, or related fields.
Recommended for you: From Personal Details to References: Building a Professional CV in 7 Easy Steps
How to Apply
To apply for the Robben Island Museum Graduate Programme, applicants must submit the following:
- A detailed CV
- Contactable references
- A copy of their ID
Important Notes:
- Email: Send applications to Recruit1@robben-island.org.za
- Subject line: Use the qualification of your application as the subject line (e.g., “Marketing Graduate Programme”).
- Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 14th August 2025 at 16:00. Late submissions will automatically be disqualified.
- Response time: If you do not hear from RIM within 30 days of your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Applicants are also reminded that Robben Island Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. The museum reserves the right not to make an appointment if no suitable candidates are found.
Also check: High-Paying Skills You Can Learn in 6 Months or Less
The Robben Island Museum Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable skills and work experience in various professional fields. This internship is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in pursuing a career in heritage, marketing, human resources, finance, tourism, and more.