R17 Ventures AG, an international digital performance marketing agency, has announced the addition of five interns to its Cape Town office at the V&A Waterfront. This milestone celebrates the company's strong and collaborative relationship with Stellenbosch University, which was further strengthened during a challenge hosted on campus in September 2024.
R17 Ventures says that the initiative, part of Stellenbosch University's centenary celebration of business education, blended academic rigour with real-world application, culminating in an opportunity for top-performing students to secure internships with the agency.
As part of the centenary, the agency hosted a workshop that challenged the Maties students to craft go-to-market strategies for a Swiss brand, targeting generational markets. Working in teams, the BCom students tackled the complexities of marketing, finance and innovation, presenting fresh perspectives and creative solutions. The collaboration underscored the synergy between higher education and industry, equipping students with practical experience while allowing R17 Ventures to identify emerging talent, the agency adds.
After a rigorous evaluation, one team emerged victorious, earning paid internships at R17's Cape Town office. This opportunity exemplifies R17 Ventures's commitment to empowering the next generation of marketing professionals by bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice, says the agency.
Chanté Brand, Academy Lead at R17 Ventures says, "With such a high calibre of students in the participating teams, the competition was tough. It's reassuring to see such a strong student base getting ready to enter the workforce."
Over the next four weeks, the group of interns under the instruction of Brand and R17 leadership will receive hands-on training in performance marketing, gaining invaluable skills that align with global industry standards, R17 Ventures adds.
Raphael Rohner, CEO of R17 Ventures, says, "This initiative highlights our broader dedication to fostering young talent across South Africa. In addition to our partnership with Stellenbosch University — we have our own in-house academy — and also maintain robust relationships with other leading institutions like Red & Yellow Creative School of Business and the IMM Graduate School."
As R17 Ventures continues to invest in the future of digital performance marketing, the agency concludes that it looks forward to watching these talented individuals grow and contribute to the industry and that the success of this initiative underscores the power of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping the innovators of tomorrow.
For more information, visit www.r17ventures.com. You can also follow R17 Ventures AG on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or on TikTok.
*Image courtesy of contributor