If you want hands‑on marketing experience right now, Ares Holdings is offering a Trade Marketing Graduate internship that closes on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. This is a chance to see how retail and wholesale campaigns are built and delivered.
What the opportunity is
The role sits in the Brands department and reports to the Trade Marketing Manager. It is a contract internship that gives you exposure to retail campaigns, visual merchandising, consumer promotions, events and wholesale marketing.
Who can apply (requirements / eligibility)
- Recent graduate (any discipline) – the advert does not list a specific degree.
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Good command of English, both written and spoken.
- Basic computer skills (MS Office, Outlook).
- Willingness to learn about retail, wholesale and brand marketing.
What you will gain (skills and experience)
You will learn how brands turn marketing strategy into actions inside stores and through wholesale partners. Key areas include:
- Planning and executing retail and wholesale campaigns.
- Seasonal marketing calendars.
- Visual merchandising and point‑of‑sale (POS) material handling.
- Coordinating consumer promotions and product training.
- Supporting trade events and brand activations.
- Collecting data, analysing performance and preparing reports.
- Managing marketing budgets and purchase orders.
- Working with brand, merchandising, retail operations, sales and creative teams.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Gather the following documents:
- Updated CV
- South African ID copy
- Academic record and qualification proof
- Any certificates for marketing or digital tools
- A brief portfolio (university projects, social‑media plans, event concepts, etc.)
- Visit the official Ares Holdings application page: Apply for Trade Marketing Graduate.
- Create an account or log in, then fill in the online questionnaire.
- Upload each document, checking that the files open correctly.
- Review your details, then submit before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to the duties listed – highlight any project where you managed timelines, coordinated a team or created promotional material.
- Include a short cover note that explains why you are interested in trade marketing and what you hope to learn.
- If you have a portfolio, showcase work that demonstrates visual merchandising, event planning or digital campaigns.
- Proof‑read all documents – spelling or formatting errors can hurt your first impression.
- Apply early. Technical glitches are common on the last day.
- Prepare for a possible short interview by reviewing basic retail terminology and Ares Holdings’ brand portfolio.
Next steps
Take a few hours today to update your CV and collect the required files. Then submit your application through the official link before the 18 August deadline. Even if you do not hear back within two weeks, you will have gained valuable experience preparing a professional application.
Good luck – you are one step closer to a career in trade marketing.