Accelerated Development Programme at Sanlam

Sanlam invites ambitious and talented final-year students and recent graduates to apply for its Accelerated Development Programme 2027, specifically within the Data, AI, and Engineering Academy. This programme offers a unique opportunity to kickstart a permanent career at one of South Africa's leading financial services groups. Participants will be immersed in a dynamic environment focused on leveraging cutting-edge technologies in data science, artificial intelligence, and engineering to drive innovation and solve complex business challenges. The programme is designed to fast-track your development, providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and practical experience that will shape you into a future leader in the tech and finance sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage in intensive learning modules and workshops covering advanced topics in data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and software engineering principles.
• Collaborate with experienced data scientists, AI specialists, and engineers on real-world projects, contributing to the development and implementation of innovative solutions.
• Participate in the full lifecycle of data-driven projects, from data collection and cleaning to model development, deployment, and monitoring.
• Develop and refine technical skills in programming languages such as Python or R, database management, cloud platforms, and various AI/ML frameworks.
• Contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of robust and scalable data pipelines and engineering solutions.
• Present findings, insights, and project progress to team members and stakeholders, enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
• Actively seek feedback and engage in continuous professional development to enhance technical expertise and soft skills.
• Adhere to best practices in data governance, security, and ethical AI development, ensuring responsible innovation.
• Work collaboratively within agile teams, fostering a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and shared success.

Why Join the Company

Joining Sanlam's Accelerated Development Programme means securing a permanent position from day one with a reputable and forward-thinking financial institution. Sanlam is committed to investing in its talent, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and development in critical areas like Data, AI, and Engineering. You will work alongside industry leaders, gain exposure to complex business challenges, and contribute to projects that directly impact the company's strategic objectives. The programme provides a supportive learning environment, mentorship, and a clear career path, making it an ideal choice for graduates looking to make a significant impact in the digital transformation of financial services.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

When applying for this programme, highlight any projects or academic work related to data analysis, machine learning, or software development, even if they are small-scale. Clearly articulate your passion for technology and its application in finance, demonstrating how your skills align with Sanlam's focus on Data, AI, and Engineering. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities and eagerness to learn, providing examples of how you've tackled complex challenges or acquired new technical skills.

Interview Preparation

1. 'Describe a technical project you've worked on (academic or personal) that you are particularly proud of. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and what did you learn?'
2. 'How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in Data Science, AI, or Engineering, and how do you see these impacting the financial services industry?'
You can practice answering these questions using the Xhosadev Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Sanlam careers portal. Applicants should complete the online application and ensure that their qualification and expected graduation date are correctly reflected.

* Salary is estimated based on market research and may not be accurate.

• Minimum qualification of BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng.
• Fields of study include IT, Computer Science, Data, BI, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance, Actuarial and Engineering.
• Final-Year Students are eligible if their degree is completed by the end of 2026.
• Previous experience is not required.
• Maximum related post-university experience of 12 months.