Copywriter Internship

Oliver Agency; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 56,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

OLIVER South Africa is offering a 12-month Copywriter Internship in Durban, with hybrid work (3 days in studio). You’ll learn to interpret briefs, develop ideas and write engaging copy for brands across digital and advertising.

You’ll work with experienced copywriters, designers, and client services teams and participate in structured training and mentorship. You will strengthen writing, storytelling, and creative-thinking skills while gaining an understanding of the end-to-end creative process

Qualifications

• A completed degree or National Diploma in Copywriting, Advertising, Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong writing ability and creative thinking.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading and editing skills.
• The ability to adapt your writing style for different brands, audiences and channels.

Responsibilities

• Interpret briefs and audience insights to develop original copy.
• Generate ideas and contribute to campaign concepts.
• Write engaging copy for digital, social media, advertising and other marketing materials.
• Develop headlines, captions, scripts and short- and long-form content.
• Adapt copy for different brands, audiences, channels and tones of voice.
• Collaborate with designers to ensure copy and visuals work together effectively.
• Conduct brand, audience, competitor and cultural research.
• Present ideas and explain the thinking behind creative decisions.
• Refine work based on feedback from creative leads and clients.
• Ensure copy aligns with briefs and project objectives.

Skills

Copywriting

Conceptual thinking

Storytelling

Research

Editing/ proofreading

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Copywriting/Advertising/Communications/Journalism/English/Marketing

Job description

Established in 2004, OLIVER is the world's first and only specialist in designing, building, and running bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems for brands. We partner with over 300 clients in 40+ countries and counting. Our unique model drives creativity and efficiency, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions that resonate deeply with audiences.

As a part of The Brandtech Group , we're at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise how we create and deliver work. Our AI solutions enhance efficiency, spark creativity, and drive insightful decision-making, empowering our teams to produce innovative and impactful results.

Role: Copywriter Intern

Location: Durban, South Africa (Hybrid, 3 days a week in Studio)

About the role:

OLIVER South Africa's Copywriter Internship Programme is a 12-month opportunity offering practical experience in copywriting, conceptual thinking and content development within a fast-paced creative environment.

Working alongside experienced copywriters, designers, creative leads and client services teams, you will learn how to interpret briefs, develop original ideas and write engaging copy for different brands, audiences and platforms.

Through structured training, coaching and mentorship, you will strengthen your writing, storytelling and creative-thinking skills while gaining an understanding of the end-to-end creative process.

At OLIVER, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are valued.

What you will be doing:

• Interpret creative briefs, audience insights and key messages.
• Generate original ideas and contribute to campaign concepts.
• Write engaging copy for digital, social media, advertising and other marketing materials.
• Develop headlines, captions, scripts and short- and long-form content.
• Adapt copy for different brands, audiences, channels and tones of voice.
• Collaborate with designers to ensure copy and visuals work together effectively.
• Conduct brand, audience, competitor and cultural research.
• Contribute to brainstorming, concept-development and creative review sessions.
• Proofread and edit copy for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
• Present ideas and explain the thinking behind creative decisions.
• Refine work based on feedback from creative leads, colleagues and clients.
• Ensure copy aligns with briefs, brand guidelines and project objectives.
• Manage assigned tasks and deliver work within agreed timelines.
• Attend structured training, coaching and mentorship sessions.

What you need to be great in this role:

• A genuine interest in copywriting, conceptual thinking and storytelling.
• A completed degree or National Diploma in Copywriting, Advertising, Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong writing ability and creative thinking.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading and editing skills.
• The ability to write clear, concise and engaging copy.
• The ability to adapt your writing style for different brands, audiences and channels.
• Strong research, communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and openness to constructive feedback.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.

Most importantly, you are a curious and conceptually minded writer who is eager to explore ideas, craft meaningful messages and build a successful career in copywriting.

Our values shape everything we do:

Be Imaginative to push the boundaries of what's possible

Be always learningand listening to understand

Be actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist across our community, clients and creations

Our recruitment process does not employ artificial intelligence for selection. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgement.Candidate evaluation and selection are conducted without AI-supported screening or decision-making. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.

OLIVER, a part of the Brandtech Group, is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All applicants shall be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, neurodivergence, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local laws.

OLIVER has set ambitious environmental goals around sustainability, with science-based emissions reduction targets. Collectively, we work towards our mission,embedding sustainability into every department and through every stage of the project lifecycle.