Graphic Design Specialist Internships
Graphic design specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working graphic designers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings cover Agriculture & Farming, with JBS INTERNATIONAL, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, and EMCOR among the employers posting roles now.
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JBS’s paid graphic design internship, extending through August 31, 2026, offers an opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates, to gain experience in a range of graphic design tasks and responsibilities. Internship may be part- or full-time depending on selected applicant’s availability. The intern who participates in this program will develop essential skills that are not attained in the academic world and enable them to make the transition from academic to professional life. The Graphic Design intern works collaboratively with the graphic design team to design and create files for print and online materials such as reports, social media designs, brochures, infographics, and promotional campaign materials. The Graphic Design intern will have opportunities to apply and augment their graphic design skills and expertise in a range of areas depending on project needs; areas may include visual style and branding, management of illustrated and photography assets, document formatting and page design, data visualization, copy layout, creation of original and adapted graphic elements for a range of resources, and other aspects of graphic design. The Graphic Design intern will collaborate with senior graphic designers, multimedia specialists (e.g., motion graphics specialists, videographers, instructional designers), and other communications professionals (e.g., writer/editors, technical assistance professionals, communications specialists) at JBS to gain an understanding of client brand standards and to refine the processes used to create visually engaging concepts. The Graphic Design intern will gain experience in and a greater understanding of the federal contracting industry and may help support JBS business development and proposal processes.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Assist with designs for a variety of print and online materials which may include reports, PDF tip sheets, presentation slide decks, brochures, promotional campaign materials, social media assets, etc.
- Understands, maintains, and accurately applies various client brand standards
- Meets assignment deadlines and maintains process flow
- May search for stock images and helps maintain stock image asset libraries
- Manages and maintains company-standard file structures for working assets
- Work with the senior designers to determine best possible design approach to assigned job requests
- Assists Graphic Designers in making additions and revisions to existing files
- Takes constructive criticism on designs; incorporates revisions from senior graphic designers
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Junior or Senior college student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree OR graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in graphic design or a related field.
Language: English Fluency (Written and Oral)
Experience:
- No direct work experience in graphic design is necessary, but applicants who can demonstrate relevant work experience are preferred. Portfolio (please share link in cover letter or application submission) is necessary and should showcase samples of applicant’s design work from academic and/or professional experiences.
- Must be able to organize, track and complete multiple tasks during the workday as priorities change. Key qualifications include initiative, organizational skills, ability to work well in a team, and strong communication skills (oral and written).
- High level of attention to detail.
- Experience with print and digital media layout
- Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud programs: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat DC
- Experience using the standard suite of Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Technical Knowledge:
- Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Formatting skills in Word and PowerPoint are highly desirable but not required
- Basic understanding of Section 508 compliance and accessibility standards is desirable but not required.
Competencies:
- Ability to take direction well and work independently on projects
- Good communication skills: phone, verbal, and written
- Ability to interact and collaborate with coworkers and management
- Strong attention to detail and organization
- Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment
- Desire to learn and grow in design skills and software knowledge to keep abreast of industry concepts and developments
Location: Remote with the consideration that if a candidate lives within a 50-mile radius of our North Bethesda or San Mateo offices, employment will be considered hybrid.
Physical Requirements:
- Extended Computer Use: Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer keyboard and mouse
- Vision: Must be able to see and read computer screens and printed materials
- Dexterity: Capable of using hands and fingers to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring precision
- Communication: Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with team members and stakeholders
- Mobility: Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and bend to access office equipment and attend meetings
- Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances
- Sensory Abilities: Must be able to perceive and interact with the environment using hearing and speaking skills
- Work Environment: Primarily works in a typical office environment, with exposure to computer screens and moderate noise levels
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.
This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include cover letter, resume, and at least (3) professional references.
Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at jobs@jbsinternational.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Graphic Design Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Agriculture & Farming
Tips for Your Graphic Design Specialist Internship Search
Apply earlier than the role's start date suggests
Large employers recruit summer graphic design specialist interns the preceding fall, meaning deadlines arrive months before the role begins. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates. Map out the employers you want, note when their programs historically open, and submit in the first wave.
Build a portfolio before you need it
Hiring teams assessing graphic design specialist intern candidates want something concrete to review. Coursework projects, personal briefs, and spec work all count. Document each project with the tools used, your specific contribution, and a link to the finished piece so recruiters can evaluate your work without asking follow-up questions.
Work campus resources and direct applications together
Campus 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 graphic design specialist cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and reduces competition for those roles.
Practice your portfolio walkthrough before every interview
Graphic design specialist intern screens typically include a portfolio review where you explain your process and design decisions out loud. Interviewers weigh how you think about a brief, handle feedback, and articulate trade-offs as much as the finished work. Practice walking through each project verbally so your reasoning is clear and confident under pressure.
Target structured design programs at larger employers
Many larger companies run cohort or rotational internship programs built to train graphic design specialist candidates new to professional work. These programs offer structured mentorship and defined project rotations. They recruit early and fill fast, so identify the ones that match your interests and submit your application in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 31% of the graphic design specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you begin, then filter by location and work type so you spend time only on roles you can actually take. Migrate Mate's filters let you narrow by work type from the start.
Graphic Design Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a graphic design specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A strong portfolio is the concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess for graphic design specialist candidates. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a graphic design specialist 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 graphic design specialist interns is the quality of your work on real projects, the team's open headcount, and return-offer timing. Position yourself by delivering consistently and building relationships, without counting on an offer before it is made.
When should I apply for graphic design specialist internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, so applications open months before the role begins. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, which means openings appear year-round. Checking regularly and applying as soon as roles appear gives you the widest window.
Are graphic design specialist internships paid?
Most professional graphic design specialist internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, so it differs from one role to the next. Listings show pay where the employer discloses it, making it straightforward to compare opportunities as you search.
What should a graphic design specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that show the tools you used and link directly to the finished work, such as a design portfolio or case study. Add relevant coursework to show foundational knowledge, keep everything to one page, and make sure every portfolio link is current and accessible.
Are there remote graphic design specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 69% of the graphic design specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get graphic design specialist 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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