But how do you break into an AI career, especially if you don’t have experience? Internships and volunteer work are great ways to get your foot in the door, build valuable skills, and boost your CV. This guide will show you how to start your AI career through internships and volunteer opportunities, giving you a head start in this exciting and fast-growing field.
What Are Internships and Volunteer Work in AI?
Internships: Short-term work placements in companies that provide practical experience. Often, internships are paid, and they can be a gateway to full-time employment.
Volunteer Work: Non-paid work where you gain skills and experience by contributing to a project, startup, or non-profit organization.
Both internships and volunteer positions allow you to build real-world experience, learn new tools, and network with industry professionals.
Why Internships and Volunteer Work Matter in AI Careers
Hands-on Experience: AI is a technical field, and learning by doing is the best way to understand how AI systems work.
Networking: Meet people who can help you land future jobs or offer mentorship.
Resume Boost: Employers value practical experience. Internships and volunteer work can set you apart from other candidates.
Exploration: Internships give you the chance to try different roles (e.g., AI research, data analysis, AI ethics) before committing to one path.
Local Opportunities: Many companies in South Africa are adopting AI, but they often seek interns or volunteers first before hiring full-time employees.
How to Find AI Internships and Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa
1. Search Job Portals and Internships Listings
PNet, Indeed, JobMail, and Careers24 regularly post AI-related internship opportunities.
Keywords to search:
“AI internships South Africa”
“Machine learning internship”
“Data science volunteer positions SA”
“AI research volunteer South Africa”
2. Look at Local Companies Using AI
Companies like Google South Africa, Amazon, MTN, Standard Bank, and Woolworths are using AI and may offer internships or volunteer roles. Start by visiting their Careers pages for specific opportunities.
3. Non-Profit Organizations and Startups
AI-driven startups or non-profits focused on data for social good may offer unpaid positions. Explore platforms like Zindi.africa for data challenges or AI-related projects. The African Data Science Association (ADSA) or ExploreAI Academy may also offer volunteering options.
4. Universities and Research Institutes
Many South African universities, including UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch, collaborate with businesses to offer internships in AI. Research institutes like CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) often provide AI research-based internships.
Steps to Secure AI Internships and Volunteer Work
Step 1: Learn the Basics of AI
Before applying, it’s important to have a foundational understanding of AI. Start with these resources:
- Google AI: Offers free online courses on AI and machine learning.
- Coursera & edX: AI and machine learning courses from institutions like Stanford or MIT.
- YouTube: Look for beginner-friendly AI tutorials.
Step 2: Build Your Skills and Create a Portfolio
- Programming Languages: Learn Python, R, or Julia, which are commonly used in AI development.
- Data Science Skills: Get comfortable with tools like Pandas, NumPy and TensorFlow.
- Projects: Build a portfolio of small AI projects, like a simple chatbot or predictive model, and showcase them on GitHub or LinkedIn.
Step 3: Update Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
- Highlight any AI-related courses, skills, and projects you’ve worked on.
- Mention any relevant academic qualifications or certifications.
- Make your LinkedIn profile visible to companies looking for interns or volunteers.
Step 4: Apply for Opportunities
Apply to internships and volunteer positions even if you don’t meet all qualifications - employers often value enthusiasm and the willingness to learn. Write a tailored cover letter that shows your passion for AI and your eagerness to gain experience.
Step 5: Network in the AI Community
- Join AI and tech-focused groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Participate in local events, such as AI meetups, hackathons, or data science conferences.
- Reach out to professionals in the field for advice or mentorship.
Where to Look for Free AI Training in South Africa
- ExploreAI Academy - A South African training centre offering AI and machine learning courses.
- Google AI for Africa - Provides free AI courses and workshops.
- Zindi - An online platform where data science enthusiasts can work on real-world AI problems and challenges.
- Coursera & edX - Offer free AI courses from top universities.
Start Your AI Career Today
AI is a rapidly growing field, and South Africa offers a wealth of opportunities for those who are willing to start small and work their way up. Internships and volunteer positions provide a low-risk way to break into the industry, learn new skills, and build valuable networks.
Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or career changer, internships and volunteer work are practical and accessible ways to jumpstart your career in AI. The skills you gain through these experiences will not only make you more marketable but will also prepare you for the exciting future of AI in South Africa.
Take the first step now. Find an internship or volunteer position, and start learning and growing in the world of AI.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
