Practice Interview Questions: Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) Internships

Understanding the Purpose of the Internship

The internship aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional working environment. Interns are placed in relevant departments based on their qualifications, where they gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to public sector operations, governance, and financial administration.

Motivation and General Interview Questions

Interviewers may ask questions such as:

• Why are you interested in the GEPF Internship Programme?
• What do you understand about the role of GEPF?
• How will this internship help you achieve your career goals?
• Why is public sector experience important to you?
• What do you hope to gain from a two-year internship programme?

What they are looking for: A clear interest in learning, commitment to public service, and an understanding of how the internship supports your career development.

General Role-Related Interview Questions (All Qualifications)

These questions apply across most internship fields:

• What do you understand about working in an organisation that manages public funds? → Working with public funds requires a high level of responsibility, transparency, and accountability because the organisation is trusted to protect the interests of its members and the public.
• Why is professionalism important in a public sector organisation? → Professionalism ensures accountability, ethical conduct, and trust when managing public funds and serving members.
• What does ethical behaviour mean to you in a professional workplace? → Ethical behaviour means acting with honesty, respecting confidentiality, following rules and policies, and making decisions that are fair and in the best interest of the organisation and its members.
• How would you handle confidential information? → By following organisational policies, limiting access, and treating all sensitive information responsibly.
• What skills do you hope to develop during this internship? → Practical workplace skills, communication, teamwork, and a better understanding of public sector operations.
• How would you approach learning tasks or systems you are unfamiliar with? → I would start by asking questions, reviewing available guidelines, observing experienced colleagues, and practising until I am confident and accurate in completing the task.
• How do you think this internship will prepare you for long-term employment? → It will help me gain practical workplace experience, understand professional expectations, and apply my academic knowledge in a real working environment, which will improve my employability.

Behavioural Interview Questions (Graduate Level)

Prepare examples from your studies, projects, or volunteer work:

• Tell us about a time you had to meet a deadline.
• Describe a situation where you worked as part of a team.
• Give an example of how you handled a challenge or setback.
• Tell us about a time you had to learn something new quickly.
• Tell us about a time you had to adapt to a new environment or situation.

Using the STAR Method to Answer Questions

STAR explained:

1. Situation: Describe the context
2. Task: Explain your responsibility
3. Action: What you did
4. Result: What you learned or achieved

Sample graduate answer:

1. Situation: During my final year, I worked on a group research project.
2. Task: I was responsible for collecting and analysing information.
3. Action: I organised my tasks, collaborated with the team, and met deadlines.
4. Result: The project was completed successfully, and I improved my teamwork and time-management skills.

If You Have No Work Experience

GEPF understands that many applicants may not have formal work experience. You can use examples from:

• University projects or assignments
• Group work or presentations
• Volunteering or community involvement
• Administrative or organisational tasks at school or home

Focus on skills, attitude, and willingness to learn.

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

• Not researching GEPF before the interview
• Giving very short or unclear answers
• Failing to explain how the internship links to your career
• Ignoring ethical and professional responsibilities
• Speaking negatively about unemployment or past challenges

Final Interview Preparation Checklist

• Research GEPF and its role in the public sector
• Understand the purpose of the GEPFuture Internship
• Prepare examples using the STAR method
• Bring certified copies of required documents
• Dress professionally and communicate clearly

Qualification-Specific Interview Questions

Below are qualification-specific interview questions with clear model answers, tailored for the GEPF Internship Programme.

Logistics / Supply Chain Management

• How can supply chain principles be applied in a public sector organisation like GEPF? → Supply chain principles support efficient procurement, contract management, and service delivery by ensuring resources and services are obtained on time and at the best value.
• Why is supplier management important in public sector operations? → It ensures compliance, cost control, service quality, and reduces risks associated with delays or poor performance.
• How can inefficiencies in procurement affect service delivery? → Inefficiencies can cause delays, increased costs, and negatively impact internal operations and member services.
• What role does planning play in logistics management? → Planning helps align demand, budgets, and timelines to ensure smooth operations.
• How would you add value as a supply chain intern? → By supporting documentation, tracking processes, and improving coordination between departments.

Human Resources

• What role does HR play in a pension fund organisation? → HR supports recruitment, employee development, compliance, and workforce wellbeing.
• Why is fair recruitment important in the public sector? → It ensures transparency, equality, and compliance with labour laws and policies.
• How does HR contribute to organisational performance? → By ensuring skilled, motivated employees and effective performance management.
• How would you handle confidential employee information? → By strictly following policies and maintaining discretion at all times.
• What HR skill is most important for an intern? → Professional communication and attention to detail.

Industrial Psychology

• How does industrial psychology support organisational effectiveness? → It helps improve employee performance, motivation, and workplace wellbeing.
• Why is employee engagement important? → Engaged employees are more productive and committed to organisational goals.
• How can workplace stress affect performance? → It can reduce productivity, increase errors, and affect morale.
• How would you apply theory to real workplace situations? → By observing behaviour, supporting HR initiatives, and applying evidence-based practices.
• What value can an industrial psychology intern add? → Supporting assessments, training initiatives, and employee wellbeing programmes.

Investment Management

Why is long-term investment planning important for GEPF? → Because pension funds must ensure sustainability and future benefit payments.

What factors influence investment decisions in pension funds? → Risk, return expectations, regulatory requirements, and long-term liabilities.

Why is diversification important? → It reduces risk and stabilises returns over time.

How would market volatility affect pension funds? → Short-term fluctuations occur, but long-term strategies help manage volatility.

How would you support investment teams as an intern? → Through research, data analysis, and reporting support.

Economics

• How do economic conditions impact pension funds? → Inflation, interest rates, and growth affect investment returns and benefit sustainability.
• Why is inflation a concern for retirement funds? → It reduces the real value of retirement benefits.
• How does government policy affect pension systems? → Through regulation, fiscal policy, and labour market changes.
• How would you apply economic theory during the internship? → By analysing trends and understanding their impact on fund performance.
• Why is economic stability important for members? → It supports predictable and sustainable retirement outcomes.

Finance

• How does financial management support GEPF’s objectives? → It ensures funds are managed responsibly, efficiently, and transparently.
• Why is budgeting important in public institutions? → It controls spending and supports accountability.
• How can financial analysis support decision-making? → By identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• What is financial risk in a pension fund context? → The risk of insufficient funds to meet future obligations.
• How would you apply your finance knowledge as an intern? → Through reporting, analysis, and supporting financial controls.

Accounting

• Why is accurate accounting critical at GEPF? → It ensures transparency, compliance, and trust.
• What role do audits play in public organisations? → They verify accuracy and accountability.
• How does compliance affect accounting processes? → It ensures financial activities follow legal standards.
• What accounting skills are essential for an intern? → Accuracy, organisation, and ethical conduct.
• How would you ensure correctness in your work? → By following procedures and double-checking information.

Information Technology / Computer Science

• Why is data security important at GEPF? → Because sensitive personal and financial data must be protected.
• How do IT systems improve service delivery? → They automate processes and improve accuracy.
• What would you do if a system issue occurred? → Report it promptly and follow escalation procedures.
• How does technology support efficiency? → By reducing manual work and errors.
• How would you contribute as an IT intern? → Supporting systems, troubleshooting, and documentation.

Law (LLB)

• Why is legal compliance important in pension funds? → Pension funds operate under strict legislation to protect members.
• What laws are relevant to pension fund operations? → Pension Funds Act, labour legislation, and governance regulations.
• How does confidentiality apply to legal work? → Sensitive information must be protected at all times.
• How would you support legal teams as an intern? → Through research, drafting, and compliance monitoring.
• Why is ethics important in legal environments? → To ensure fairness and trust.

Graphic Design / Multimedia Design

• Why is visual communication important in public organisations? → It improves understanding and accessibility of information.
• How can design support member communication? → By making information clear, engaging, and user-friendly.
• What design tools are you familiar with? → Tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
• How would you ensure designs align with GEPF’s brand? → By following brand guidelines and approval processes.
• How can design improve service delivery? → By simplifying communication and reducing confusion.

Business Administration / Business Management

• How does administration support organisational efficiency? → It ensures smooth coordination and record management.
• Why are procedures important in the public sector? → They ensure consistency and compliance.
• How would you prioritise multiple tasks? → By planning and managing deadlines effectively.
• What role does communication play in administration? → It supports coordination and problem-solving.
• How would you add value as a business intern? → By supporting operations, reporting, and improving processes.