Ogilvy South Africa OG Graduate Programme 2026: Paid 12-Month Creative Opportunity for Emerging Talent
Overview
The Ogilvy South Africa OG Graduate Programme 2026 is a 12-month paid graduate experience for aspiring creatives who want careers in advertising, marketing, communications and brand strategy. Graduates join multidisciplinary teams and work on live client briefs from the first day rather than classroom exercises. Ogilvy describes itself as operating in more than 80 countries with nearly 25,000 professionals, and the programme draws on the legacy of David Ogilvy, who began his advertising career at 25.
What you get
The programme pays a competitive salary and offers structured learning, mentorship from a dedicated graduate fellow, a senior industry mentor and creative leaders, real client project experience, networking with leading marketers and a collaborative, inclusive culture with agency events. Learning areas include creative strategy and campaign development, digital marketing and integrated communications, brand storytelling and content creation, consumer behaviour and behavioural science, client relationship management and cross-functional problem-solving. Briefs come from industries such as automotive, quick service restaurants, fast-moving consumer goods and retail.
Who can apply
Ogilvy looks for ambitious emerging creatives with original thinking and enthusiasm for advertising, marketing and communications. The listing states no specific degree or age requirement. Applicants should be ready to choose one of two creative briefs, show creative thinking and problem-solving, and present innovative ideas. The agency says how candidates think matters more than following a formula.
How to apply
Applicants visit the Ogilvy South Africa Graduate Programme portal, review the creative briefs, pick the one that suits them, develop and submit an original creative response and complete the application before closing. Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
Key dates
Applications close on 7 September 2026 at 00:00.