Practice Interview Questions: Old Mutual Corporate Internship Programme

Career Intent & Company Awareness

These questions assess motivation, career direction, and understanding of the organisation and its operating environment.

• What motivated you to apply for the Old Mutual Corporate Internship Programme?
• What did you learn about Old Mutual and its role in the financial services sector when you researched the company?
• Why do you think Old Mutual’s work is important in South Africa and other markets where it operates?
• What are you hoping to gain from a corporate internship rather than an entry-level permanent role?
• How does this internship align with your long-term career goals?

Academic Background & Practical Thinking

These questions assess foundational knowledge from your qualification and your ability to apply theory in a business setting.

• How does your qualification prepare you for a corporate environment?
• What key concepts from your studies do you believe are most relevant to this internship?
• How would you approach learning new systems, processes, or industry regulations?
• Why is ethical behaviour important in the financial services sector?
• How can graduates add value while still learning on the job?

Professional Behaviour & Work Readiness

These questions assess communication, adaptability, teamwork, and professional conduct.

• Tell us about a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a shared objective.
• Describe a situation where you had to manage your time across multiple responsibilities.
• Give an example of how you handled feedback or constructive criticism.
• Tell us about a time you had to solve a problem using analysis or research.
• Describe a situation where professionalism or integrity was important.

Structuring Clear Answers (STAR Method)

This section assesses your ability to communicate experiences clearly, logically, and with reflection.

STAR explained:

1. Situation: Describe the context
2. Task: Explain your responsibility
3. Action: Describe what you did
4. Result: Share the outcome and what you learned

Sample Graduate Answer:

1. Situation: During my final-year studies, I completed a group project analysing a business case.
2. Task: I was responsible for analysing financial information and presenting findings.
3. Action: I reviewed the data carefully, applied relevant concepts, and worked closely with my team.
4. Result: The project was well received, and I strengthened my analytical and teamwork skills.

Using Academic and Informal Experience

This section assesses how well you can translate non-work experience into relevant workplace skills.

Old Mutual recognises that many graduates may not yet have formal work experience. You can use examples from:

• University or college assignments
• Group projects or presentations
• Student leadership or societies
• Volunteer or community initiatives
• Part-time, casual, or administrative work

Focus on skills, learning, and responsibility, rather than job titles.

Common Graduate Interview Mistakes

• Not understanding the company or financial services sector
• Giving general answers without examples
• Struggling to explain your qualification clearly
• Overlooking professionalism and ethics
• Poor preparation or time management

Interview Preparation Checklist

• Research Old Mutual and its business areas
• Revise key concepts from your qualification
• Prepare 2–3 clear STAR-based examples
• Dress professionally and arrive early
• Bring required documents
• Prepare a thoughtful question for the interview panel

Qualification-Specific Interview Questions

Financial Planning

These questions assess understanding of personal finance principles, ethics, and client-focused thinking.

• How does financial planning help individuals achieve long-term financial security?
• What factors should be considered when assessing a client’s financial needs?
• Why is ethical conduct critical in financial advice?
• How would you explain a complex financial concept to a non-financial client?
• How can financial planning contribute to financial inclusion?

Economics

These questions assess economic awareness, analytical thinking, and understanding of market forces.

• How do economic conditions influence the financial services sector?
• What economic indicators are important for business decision-making?
• How can inflation or interest rates affect consumers and companies?
• Why is economic analysis important for long-term planning?
• How does economics support policy and strategy in financial institutions?

Accounting

These questions assess foundational accounting knowledge and attention to accuracy and compliance.

• Why is accurate financial reporting important in large organisations?
• How do accounting principles support transparency and accountability?
• What role does accounting play in decision-making?
• Why is compliance with financial standards essential?
• How does accounting support risk management in financial services?

Finance / Financial Management

These questions assess financial decision-making, risk awareness, and business understanding.

• How does financial management support organisational sustainability?
• What factors should be considered when evaluating an investment decision?
• Why is cash flow management important for a business?
• How does risk management apply in financial services?
• How can financial analysis support strategic planning?

Information Technology (IT)

These questions assess understanding of technology’s role in business efficiency, data, and security.

• How can IT systems improve efficiency in financial services?
• Why is data security important in a financial organisation?
• How do information systems support decision-making?
• What role does technology play in customer experience?
• How would you approach learning a new system or platform?

Business Management

These questions assess organisational awareness, coordination, and strategic thinking.

• How does business management contribute to organisational performance?
• Why is planning and coordination important in a corporate environment?
• How do managers balance people, processes, and performance?
• How can graduates add value in a business team?
• What challenges do large organisations face in managing operations?