The Up&Up Group, formerly M&C Saatchi Group South Africa, is opening applications for its 2027 LevelUp Graduate Programme, a 12-month, full-time programme created to give emerging talent meaningful, hands-on experience across the advertising, marketing and communications industry.
Applications will officially open on 1 September 2026 and close on 30 September 2026, giving final-year students and recent graduates across South Africa the opportunity to take their first big step into the industry.
The programme runs from January to December 2027. LevelUp will offer placements across The Up&Up Group’s Johannesburg and Cape Town campuses and its diverse group of specialist businesses. Graduates will have the opportunity to learn within a fast-paced agency environment, work alongside experienced industry professionals and contribute to real client work from the start.
More than an internship
Graduates joining the programme are exposed to real briefs, real teams and real challenges, while receiving the support and development needed to build confidence, sharpen their craft and understand how their role contributes to the bigger picture.
Phindile Khuzwayo, group HR partner: talent at The Up&Up Group
“The LevelUp Graduate Programme is about more than giving graduates their first job in the industry; it’s about giving them a strong foundation to build a meaningful career. Over the past year, we’ve intentionally expanded the experience beyond day-to-day agency work, with formal development initiatives with tertiary education facilities and our internal monthly Fire Sessions, where graduates get access to inspiring conversations, senior leaders and different perspectives from across the industry,” says Phindile Khuzwayo, group HR partner: talent at The Up&Up Group.
“When we select graduates, we’re not only looking at what’s on a CV. We’re looking for talent, passion, curiosity and genuine industry enthusiasts – young people who are excited by this industry, hungry to learn and willing to put themselves forward. Skills can be developed, but that hunger to grow, contribute and make the most of every opportunity is what really sets people apart.”
Who should apply?
The LevelUp Graduate Programme is open to final-year students and recent graduates interested in building careers across the broader advertising, marketing and communications industry.
Opportunities span disciplines including copywriting, graphic design, art direction, multimedia, animation, strategy, marketing, communications, research, account management, public relations and digital marketing.
While previous experience through internships, job shadowing, freelance work, student campaigns or personal projects can be beneficial, it is not a requirement.
Zarah Burger, group head of HR at The Up&Up Group, adds: “This opportunity isn’t about shadowing or busy work; it’s about being trusted to create, innovate and deliver work that matters. We’re looking for graduates with the confidence to challenge convention, the ambition to learn fast and the readiness to take it up a notch as the next generation of our industry.”
Ready to LevelUp?
For graduates wondering how to get their foot in the door of the industry, this could be it.
Applications for the 2027 LevelUp Graduate Programme open on 1 September 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare their CVs, portfolios where relevant, and most importantly, be ready to show The Up&Up Group who they are, how they think and what they could bring to the industry.
Applications open: 1 September 2026
Applications close: 30 September 2026
Programme: January–December 2027
Locations: Johannesburg & Cape Town
