Creative Internships
Creative internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working art directors, designers, copywriters, and creative strategists, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings cover Technology & Software, Energy, and Marketing & Advertising, with TikTok, Versant, and AARP among the employers posting roles now.
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With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
As a Creative Design Studio Intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to creative concepts, graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling while gaining valuable exposure to the creative process within a leading hospitality organization.
- Support the Creative Director and Art Director in coordinating and managing day-to-day creative projects, tasks, and studio responsibilities.
- Coordinate creative projects from initial request through completion, helping maintain timelines, priorities, and deliverables.
- Assist with the coordination of PowerPoint presentations for Highgate's business development initiatives, corporate presentations, and pitches.
- Support the preparation and coordination of mechanical print files and production-ready creative materials.
- Participate in brainstorming and ideation for branded merchandise, promotional items, swag, and marketing collateral.
- Assist with organizing logo exports, brand assets, creative files, and other marketing resources.
- Coordinate the development of marketing materials in collaboration with the Creative Design Studio, Corporate Marketing, and Field Marketing teams.
- Maintain an organized digital filing system, ensuring all creative assets, working files, and completed projects are saved in their designated folders.
- Monitor project deadlines, communicate updates, and follow up with internal stakeholders to keep creative requests moving efficiently.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure creative requests align with brand standards, project requirements, and business objectives.
- Provide general administrative and operational support to the Creative Design Studio as needed.
- Must be currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Arts, Creative Studies, Design, Marketing, or a related field.
- Preference will be given to students entering their Junior or Senior year.
- Familiarity with project management platforms such as Asana and Monday.com, as well as Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Basic understanding of website Content Management Systems (CMS) and back-end website management.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred; however, hands-on graphic design experience is not required.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple requests and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with Creative, Field Marketing, and Corporate Marketing teams.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take initiative in completing assigned tasks.
- Exceptional attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing competing deadlines.
- Confidence to communicate ideas, provide constructive feedback to management, and follow through on project deliverables.
- A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for the hospitality and creative industries.
-
Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions - Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave (provided in accordance with applicable law)
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Educational opportunities / Tuition reimbursement
- Paid jury duty leave, personal leave, medical leave, and military leave in accordance with applicable law
For Employees Based in Washington:
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
- Paid Sick & Safe Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with up to 72 hours of unused time carried over from one anniversary year to the next.
- 8 paid holidays per year; employees working in the City of Denver receive 64 hours of designated holiday time per calendar year
- Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
- 6 days or 48 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service, capped at 1.5x annual accrual rate; non-supervisory employees working in the City of Los Angeles accrue up to 22 days of Compensated Time Off, based on length of service capped at 192 hours of combined PST and CTO.
- Paid Sick Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, unused time is carried over from one anniversary year to the next up to a maximum of 80 hours; employees working in the City of Los Angeles are provided 40 hours of Paid Sick Time annually on their anniversary, unused time is not carried over from one anniversary year to the next.
Please note that certain benefits described above for associates in Washington, Colorado, and California may vary for associates covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”). For such associates, eligibility for and the terms and conditions of benefits are governed by the applicable CBA and any applicable plan documents, and may differ from the benefits described above. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency, the terms of the applicable CBA and governing plan documents will control, as applicable.
**The above-referenced benefits do not apply to part-time positions
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
As a Creative Design Studio Intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to creative concepts, graphic design, branding, and visual storytelling while gaining valuable exposure to the creative process within a leading hospitality organization.
- Support the Creative Director and Art Director in coordinating and managing day-to-day creative projects, tasks, and studio responsibilities.
- Coordinate creative projects from initial request through completion, helping maintain timelines, priorities, and deliverables.
- Assist with the coordination of PowerPoint presentations for Highgate's business development initiatives, corporate presentations, and pitches.
- Support the preparation and coordination of mechanical print files and production-ready creative materials.
- Participate in brainstorming and ideation for branded merchandise, promotional items, swag, and marketing collateral.
- Assist with organizing logo exports, brand assets, creative files, and other marketing resources.
- Coordinate the development of marketing materials in collaboration with the Creative Design Studio, Corporate Marketing, and Field Marketing teams.
- Maintain an organized digital filing system, ensuring all creative assets, working files, and completed projects are saved in their designated folders.
- Monitor project deadlines, communicate updates, and follow up with internal stakeholders to keep creative requests moving efficiently.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure creative requests align with brand standards, project requirements, and business objectives.
- Provide general administrative and operational support to the Creative Design Studio as needed.
- Must be currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Arts, Creative Studies, Design, Marketing, or a related field.
- Preference will be given to students entering their Junior or Senior year.
- Familiarity with project management platforms such as Asana and Monday.com, as well as Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Basic understanding of website Content Management Systems (CMS) and back-end website management.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred; however, hands-on graphic design experience is not required.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple requests and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with Creative, Field Marketing, and Corporate Marketing teams.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take initiative in completing assigned tasks.
- Exceptional attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing competing deadlines.
- Confidence to communicate ideas, provide constructive feedback to management, and follow through on project deliverables.
- A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for the hospitality and creative industries.
-
Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions - Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave (provided in accordance with applicable law)
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Educational opportunities / Tuition reimbursement
- Paid jury duty leave, personal leave, medical leave, and military leave in accordance with applicable law
For Employees Based in Washington:
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
- Paid Sick & Safe Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with up to 72 hours of unused time carried over from one anniversary year to the next.
- 8 paid holidays per year; employees working in the City of Denver receive 64 hours of designated holiday time per calendar year
- Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
- 6 days or 48 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service, capped at 1.5x annual accrual rate; non-supervisory employees working in the City of Los Angeles accrue up to 22 days of Compensated Time Off, based on length of service capped at 192 hours of combined PST and CTO.
- Paid Sick Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, unused time is carried over from one anniversary year to the next up to a maximum of 80 hours; employees working in the City of Los Angeles are provided 40 hours of Paid Sick Time annually on their anniversary, unused time is not carried over from one anniversary year to the next.
Please note that certain benefits described above for associates in Washington, Colorado, and California may vary for associates covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”). For such associates, eligibility for and the terms and conditions of benefits are governed by the applicable CBA and any applicable plan documents, and may differ from the benefits described above. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency, the terms of the applicable CBA and governing plan documents will control, as applicable.
**The above-referenced benefits do not apply to part-time positions
Creative Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Energy
- Marketing & Advertising
Tips for Your Creative Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer creative internships
Large agencies, studios, and in-house creative teams open summer cohort applications as early as September and October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so roles appear year-round, but waiting until spring means competing for fewer spots at the employers you actually want.
Build a portfolio before you need one
Recruiters hiring creative interns evaluate what you've made, not how many years you've worked. Document two or three complete projects, name the tools and software you used, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Final Cut Pro, and put everything in a linked portfolio you can share in any application.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors and career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller creative cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and catches openings that never come to campus.
Practice your creative interview in the actual format
Many creative intern interviews include a portfolio review, a brief concepting exercise, or a campaign critique, not just behavioral questions. Practice walking through your work out loud, explaining the decisions you made and what you'd change, because interviewers weigh how you think through a creative problem as much as the finished piece.
Target structured creative programs and apply in the first wave
Larger agencies and media companies run rotational or cohort internship programs built to train people new to the creative field. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and are competitive. Identify the ones that align with your focus, whether that's copywriting, art direction, or brand strategy, and get your application in as soon as they open.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 60% of the creative internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you're only seeing roles you can actually take.
Creative Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a creative internship?
Lead with what you've made, not where you've worked. Hiring teams expect limited professional experience at the intern level, so a portfolio of personal projects and coursework is the concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess. Apply directly to companies you want to work for, and attend campus career fairs where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a creative internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for creative interns is the quality of your work on real projects, whether the team has open headcount, and how early you signal your interest before the offer window closes. Perform well and treat every brief as a portfolio piece, but don't count on conversion when planning your job search.
When should I apply for creative internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, including agencies and media companies running structured cohorts, recruit summer interns the preceding fall. Smaller studios, in-house teams, and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking regularly and applying as soon as a role matches your skills puts you ahead of later waves.
Are creative internships paid?
Most professional creative internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location. Where employers disclose pay, listings show it, so you can compare roles before applying. Unpaid arrangements are less common at established companies and increasingly rare at larger agencies and media organizations.
What should a creative internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools you used and link directly to the work, whether that's a design portfolio, published campaign case studies, art direction mockups, or brand identity samples. Add relevant coursework, keep the document to one page, and make every link in your portfolio clickable before you send anything.
Are there remote creative internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 40% of the creative internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract applicants nationally, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before seats close.
What is a creative rotational internship program?
Some larger agencies, media companies, and in-house brand teams run structured rotational internship programs that move participants across creative disciplines, such as copywriting, art direction, strategy, and production, over a single summer. These programs are designed for people early in their creative careers, recruit months ahead of the start date, and are competitive, so apply in the first wave.
Can international students get creative internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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