Graduate Trainee – Social Sciences

Company: FirstRand

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

About FirstRand

FirstRand is a leading South African financial institution that places people at the heart of everything we do. We believe that our people are our most valuable asset and we strive to create a workplace that values diversity, innovation, and integrity.

Role Overview

We are looking for a motivated graduate with a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Development Studies, or a related field) to join our Human Capital team. The position is part of a two‑year graduate programme that combines learning, project work, and cross‑functional rotations.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality service that surpasses customer expectations through innovative solutions.
• Plan, execute, and report on tasks efficiently.
• Participate in innovation initiatives and contribute to new ideas and projects.
• Share knowledge and collaborate on projects to support team learning.
• Complete training assignments and engage actively in your graduate development plan.
• Act with integrity and model FirstRand values in all interactions.
• Apply critical thinking and problem‑solving skills to real‑world challenges.
• Use data and insights to inform decisions and create impact.
• Identify and seize opportunities for improvement.

Candidate Profile

• Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated interest in human development, social innovation, or organisational culture.

Programme Structure

Year 1 – Human Capital Placement

You will join the FCC Human Capital team and participate in initiatives that shape employee experience, learning, and development, inclusion and diversity, and graduate programme design. You will work on real projects that influence how people grow and thrive at FirstRand.

Year 2 – Rotational Experience

Depending on your interests, you may rotate across different business units or Human Capital divisions within the FirstRand Group, including RMB and FNB. This will deepen your exposure to strategic projects and broaden your understanding of how social science can drive business value across contexts.

What We’re Looking For in You

• Curious, courageous, and continuously learning.
• Obsessed with mastery and constantly improving your skills.
• Analytical and proactive, comfortable using insights to solve problems.
• Socially aware and adaptable – able to understand people, culture, and change dynamics.
• Interest in how risk and people intersect, recognizing that decisions influence both business and society.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until 11/12/2025. If you do not apply by this date, your application will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. We support the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities and encourage candidates to disclose their disability status on a voluntary basis. This information will be kept confidential.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our job posting page: firstrand.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.