RMB’s Graduate Programme is designed for top-performing graduates who are passionate about pursuing a career in financial services. It is the gateway to a fulfilling career at RMB - where exceptional people thrive.
What does the programme offer?
The RMB Graduate Programme is an intensive 12–18-month growth journey that gives postgraduate students the opportunity to kick-start their careers at a leading corporate and investment bank. The Programme is designed to expand graduates’ skills, sharpen their thinking and unlock their full potential.
If your application is successful, you will join RMB as a permanent employee and gain exposure to real projects, and meaningful work that shapes the future of financial services.
Throughout the programme, you’ll rotate across diverse business areas – Investment Banking, Global Markets, Treasury and Trade Solutions, Technology, and Operations to give you a holistic understanding of our business and where you can potentially make the greatest impact.
We combine technical training, experiential learning, and leadership development to give you the tools to solve complex problems, think critically, and lead with purpose. Along the way, you’ll engage with thought leaders, industry experts, and graduate alumni, who will mentor and guide you as you carve your career path within RMB.
The RMB Graduate Programme is about empowering you into a confident, future ready professional who thrives both professionally and personally.
What you can look forward to:
- Work in a key area of RMB and contribute to projects that make a real impact
- Experience a year-long development journey focused on leadership, resilience, and adaptability
- Tackle global and African business challenges for strategic exposure
- Get paired with an RMB mentor from day one for career sponsorship
- Benefit from professional coaching, a buddy system, and access to the graduate alumni network
- Engage with RMB leaders, technical experts, and thought leaders
- Join a culture that values diversity and the unique perspective you bring
- Enjoy permanent employment from day one with comprehensive benefits, education support, and wellness offerings
- Access campus perks: on-site gym with graduate discounts, padel court, wellness centre, and laundry services
Application process
- Apply online
Submit your application via the RMB website. You’ll be redirected to Leap.ly to create a profile and upload your supporting documents and academic transcripts.
- Pre-screening
Complete a short questionnaire to confirm that you meet the programme requirements.
- Assessment
Do an online assessment to evaluate your key skills and capabilities.
- Video interview
If successful, you’ll be invited to record a video interview.
- Psychometric assessments
Candidates who progress will complete psychometric assessments.
- Final interview
Successful candidates will be invited to a final interview with RMB leaders.
- Offer stage
If you’re successful, you’ll receive an offer to join the RMB Graduate Programme.
Characteristics of an RMB Grad
- Strong academic track record
- Innovative and driven by an entrepreneurial mindset
- Embraces change and thrives in a dynamic environment
- Passionate and goal orientated
- Collaborative and able to foster meaningful relationships
- A proactive mindset with a passion for learning and self-improvement
- Makes a difference and creates impact through involvement in extra-curricular activities (societies, forums, community work, tutoring, sports and culture)
Qualifying criteria
- Postgraduate degree (Honours degree or higher) in Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Economics, Actuarial Science, Advanced Analytics, Data Science, Quantitative Management or any other relevant degree that will give you the edge in banking
- Average of 65% and higher
- Less than 12 months’ working experience
- South African citizen
Frequently asked questions
What is the RMB Winter School and how do I apply?
As part of the recruitment and shortlisting process, a select number of applicants will be invited to our week-long Winter School where you have the unique opportunity to experience our culture and the world of work. This invite-only experience will allow successful candidates the opportunity to meet our leaders, learn about more about the RMB Graduate Programme and be shortlisted for final interviews.
When and why was the RMB Graduate Programme developed?
The RMB Graduate Programme was established in 2007 to develop and nurture young talent and create a pipeline of leaders in the bank. The programme has since enabled many graduates to kick-start their working careers and grow them into senior roles within the organisation.
What does an ideal candidate for the RMB Graduate Programme look like?
If you have:
A postgraduate degree (Honours degree or higher) in Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Economics, Actuarial Science, Data Science / Analytics.
Strong academic achievements throughout university (average 65% min).
An entrepreneurial spirit.
Been involved in extra-curricular activities (societies, forums, community work, tutoring, sports and culture). You could just be the ideal candidate that we’re looking for.
What type of training and development can graduates expect at RMB?
The RMB Graduate Programme offers a combination of formal and on-the-job training and learning opportunities. As a graduate you can attend group training sessions and/or enroll for additional individual courses to further your studies and grow your skills. RMB also has a very generous study leave policy.
How important are academic qualifications?
While academics are important, you do not have to be a summa cum laude to succeed. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds who can use their diverse perspectives and mindsets to develop innovative solutions for our clients.
Do extramural achievements count at all?
Absolutely. We’re looking for well-rounded individuals and lateral thinkers who push boundaries, question the norm and have excelled in academics, culture and/or sport.
Does the RMB Graduate Programme offer rotations?
The RMB Graduate Programme is predominantly a rotational programme. Rotations are however dependent on the business area graduates are employed in and may differ from one to the next.
Does the RMB Graduate Programme offer exposure to international opportunities?
As our graduates are mostly hired into direct roles in South Africa, international mobility is not currently offered on the programme.
What does “flat structure” really mean?
RMB is known for being non-hierarchical. That means our employees have access to all levels of management in the organisation. You are therefore free to meet and consult with any employee at any level of seniority at RMB to learn and grow. Remember: learning is a two-way street, so you may find that senior employees also learn from graduates.
Is the RMB Winter School a separate programme to the RMB Graduate Programme?
The Winter School forms part of the recruitment and selection process into the Graduate Programme. Qualifying candidates will make one application to the RMB Graduate Programme, then, if selected, will receive an invite to the RMB Winter School.
Does RMB offer coaching and mentoring to graduates?
Yes, our graduates have access to formal monthly group or individual coaching. We believe coaching and mentoring is a powerful tool for employees to learn, grow and evolve their careers.
Can graduates get involved in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) projects?
RMB is a place where all people, regardless of race, age, social standing, disability, language, sexual orientation or gender, are encouraged to show up authentically and fearlessly reach their potential. We appreciate the uniqueness that each person brings to create diverse thinking to come up with innovative solutions for our clients. RMB aims to reflect the societies in which we operate at all levels of the organisation, ensuring that our decision-making forums are diverse and inclusive.
How invested is RMB in the mental wellness of graduates?
Employee wellness is one of our top priorities. We encourage all employees to make use of all the wellness services on offer at all our campuses, including:
- ICAS (Independent Counselling and Advisory Services)
- State of the art gym facilities
- Medical centres
Does RMB offer students bursaries?
RMB does not currently offer a formal bursary programme, but employees and students can enquire about bursary opportunities offered by the FirstRand Foundation (https://studytrust.org.za/frft-bursary/)
What is the duration of the RMB Graduate Programme?
The Programme is offered over 12 months, however each candidate will be offered a permanent position across various business units at RMB after completing the programme.
Is the RMB Graduate Programme open to foreign nationals?
The RMB Graduate Programme is open to South African citizens only.
Is the RMB Graduate Programme hybrid or in-person?
RMB is a very high touch organisation where employees thrive on interpersonal relationships. At the start of their careers, graduates will need to form a community of like-minded individuals who regularly interact in-person. It is for this reason that the RMB Graduate Programme is based Sandton, Johannesburg.
Does RMB support CSI initiatives?
RMB has a big network of organisations that we support through the RMB Hug Fund. Graduates will have the opportunity to raise funds for a charity of their choice. The Hug Fund will then match whatever amount they raise to support that particular charity.
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I believe that we have a role to continuously nurture our young talent. Just giving them a job is simply not enough. We need to make sure that they are valued, heard and can meaningfully contribute from day one. Our Graduate Programme is geared to empower our young talent who are kick-starting their careers for an amazing career at RMB.”
Rob Leon, Co-Head: Investment Banking Division
