Early Career Consult Program - Associate Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Early Career Consult Program - Associate Visual Designer

Company: Kyndryl

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Visual Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Early Career (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand consistency and recognition by creating compelling visual assets across various touchpoints, including digital, social, web, and print.

• Translate business objectives and content requirements into engaging visual designs and layouts that support strategic goals.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, communications, UX designers, and developers, to ensure cohesive and impactful visual solutions.

• Apply and maintain brand standards, design systems, and templates to ensure a unified brand experience for both internal and external audiences.

• Contribute to enhancing communication and strengthening brand identity through high-quality design execution and strategic visual thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Associate Visual Designer," the "Consult Program" designation suggests a structured development path with a focus on client-facing or internal consulting aspects of design. This implies a need for strong communication, problem-solving, and the ability to translate business needs into design solutions, aligning with GTM and marketing operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a wide range of visual assets for digital platforms (web, social media), print materials, presentations, and marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines.

• Conceptualize and design graphics, mockups, high-fidelity screens, and presentations that effectively communicate messages and support overarching business objectives.

• Uphold and apply established brand standards, design systems, and templates to maintain visual consistency across all customer and internal communication channels.

• Collaborate closely with content creators, marketers, UX designers, and developers to ensure that visual designs are integrated seamlessly and effectively across different projects and platforms.

• Adapt and evolve existing design systems and assets to suit new formats, emerging platforms, and diverse audience requirements, demonstrating flexibility and innovation.

• Utilize feedback from stakeholders, user testing, and data analytics to iteratively refine and enhance visual designs for optimal impact and effectiveness.

• Prepare production-ready design assets that meet rigorous quality standards, accessibility requirements, and specific delivery timelines.

• Contribute to the strategic application of visual design to enhance brand perception, improve user engagement, and drive business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on design role with a strong collaborative component, typical of roles supporting marketing operations and GTM initiatives. The mention of "business goals" and "customer touchpoints" highlights the strategic impact expected from visual design within a corporate environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Design Communications, or a related field is typically expected for an Associate Visual Designer role. Candidates with equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio may also be considered.

Experience: Early career experience (0-2 years) is required, with a demonstrated track record of individual contributions in visual design across various touchpoints.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing strong visual design work and individual contributions across multiple touchpoints is essential.

• Design Fundamentals: A strong foundation in typography, color theory, layout, composition, spacing, and visual hierarchy.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to translate business requirements, user needs, and content into polished, effective visual solutions.

• Design Tools Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard design software such as Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, or equivalent platforms.

• Brand Application: Early career experience in applying brand guidelines, design systems, templates, and reusable components to ensure brand consistency.

• Consistency Management: Ability to maintain visual consistency across digital products, presentations, campaigns, and broader brand experiences.

• User-Centric Principles: Understanding of user-centered design, usability principles, responsive design concepts, and accessibility standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Early career experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, UX, content, and development.

• Communication: Ability to articulate design rationale clearly and participate constructively in design reviews and feedback sessions.

• Technical Awareness: Awareness of technical constraints and implementation considerations relevant to digital and print design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for enterprise-level, technology, or B2B audiences.

• Familiarity with advanced accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design practices.

• Experience supporting integrated marketing campaigns across both digital and physical environments.

• Proven experience in creating executive-level presentations and impactful visual storytelling materials.

• Exposure to or experience with comprehensive design systems, customer experience (CX) initiatives, or product design workflows.

• Experience leveraging customer insights, user testing, or analytics data to inform and refine design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "early career experience" for several required skills suggests that the program is designed for individuals who have foundational knowledge and some practical application, rather than extensive professional history. The preferred skills point towards candidates who can quickly adapt to a corporate and potentially technology-focused environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 distinct projects that highlight your process from brief to final execution, demonstrating problem-solving and design thinking.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Include projects where you specifically applied or adapted brand guidelines and design systems, illustrating your ability to maintain visual integrity.

• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Integrate examples that clearly show your command of design tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva, potentially through interactive elements or detailed process explanations.

• Collaboration Artifacts (Optional but Recommended): If possible, include examples of how your designs supported broader marketing campaigns or product launches, showcasing collaboration with other functions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your personal design workflow, including how you approach understanding project briefs, conducting research (if applicable), ideation, design execution, and iteration.

• System Integration: Describe your experience working with or adapting to design systems, style guides, and brand templates, emphasizing how you ensure consistency.

• Feedback Integration: Explain your approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, peers, and potentially end-users into your design process.

• Deliverable Preparation: Detail your process for preparing final design assets, including file organization, asset export settings, and adherence to technical specifications for various platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Visual Designer role within a "Consult Program," the portfolio should emphasize foundational design skills, adherence to brand and systems, and the ability to articulate the design process. The focus is less on complex strategic operations and more on the disciplined execution of design within established frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,360 - $114,120 USD per year. This range is based on Kyndryl's stated compensation for the U.S. market, with variations for specific high-cost-of-living locations like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.

• Base Range: $63,360 - $114,120 (General U.S.)

• California (San Francisco Bay Area): $76,080 - $137,040

• California (All Other): $69,720 - $125,640

• Colorado: $63,360 - $114,120

• Massachusetts/Virginia: $63,360 - $125,640

• New York City: $76,080 - $137,040

• Washington: $69,720 - $125,640

• Washington DC: $69,720 - $125,640

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.

• Disability insurance.

• Retirement benefits.

• Paid leave.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Discretionary annual bonus program (eligibility based on performance and plan terms).

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role is described as Hybrid, suggesting a flexible schedule that balances in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is quite broad, reflecting the potential for variation based on candidate experience within the "early career" bracket and specific geographic location. The inclusion of specific ranges for different US cities/states is a significant advantage for candidates. The note about potential client-site requirements for vaccination is important for transparency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Kyndryl operates within the IT Infrastructure Services and Technology Consulting industry. As a spin-off from IBM, it focuses on designing, building, managing, and modernizing mission-critical technology systems for large enterprises. This industry context means the company serves Fortune 100 clients and deals with complex, high-stakes technology solutions.

Company Size: Kyndryl is a large enterprise, employing tens of thousands of people globally. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse career opportunities, and a structured environment for professional development.

Founded: Kyndryl was established in November 2020 as an independent entity following its spin-off from IBM. This relatively new status as an independent company suggests a culture that may blend established corporate practices with the agility and innovation of a newer organization.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Associate Visual Designer will work closely with various departments, including marketing, communications, experience design (UX), product teams, and potentially client-facing teams.

• Reporting: While not explicitly detailed, the "Consult Program" structure often implies a reporting line to a program manager or a senior leader within a design or marketing function, with project-specific guidance from various stakeholders.

• Global Reach: Kyndryl's global presence means potential collaboration with international teams, requiring cultural awareness and effective remote communication strategies.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: A core methodology will involve strict adherence to and application of Kyndryl's brand guidelines and design systems to ensure a consistent and professional visual identity.

• User-Centric Approach: Designs are expected to consider user needs, usability, and accessibility, reflecting modern design best practices.

• Data-Informed Decisions: The role is encouraged to use feedback, testing, and data insights to refine designs, indicating a data-driven approach to creative output.

• Agile Project Management: Given the nature of technology services and client work, an agile or iterative approach to project execution and design is likely employed.

Company Website: https://www.kyndryl.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kyndryl's recent spin-off from IBM is key to grasping its market position and culture. The focus on "mission-critical technology systems" implies a need for reliability, precision, and a deep understanding of enterprise-level challenges in the visual design output.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the "Early Career" or Associate level, specifically within a "Consult Program." This indicates a structured entry point designed for individuals with foundational design skills who are looking to develop expertise in a corporate IT services environment. The focus is on learning, applying established processes, and contributing under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Visual Designer will likely report to a Senior Visual Designer, Design Lead, or a Program Manager within the Marketing or Brand team. They will receive direction and feedback from various project stakeholders, including marketing managers, UX designers, and potentially client representatives.

Operations Impact: The visual design function plays a critical role in shaping Kyndryl's brand perception, supporting marketing and sales enablement efforts, and ensuring clear communication of complex technical services. The Associate Visual Designer's work directly impacts how Kyndryl presents itself to clients, partners, and employees, influencing brand recognition, trust, and engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of visual design, such as digital asset creation, presentation design, campaign visuals, or even UI design elements, guided by the design system.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of the IT infrastructure services industry, enterprise technology challenges, and B2B marketing strategies through project work.

• Design System Mastery: Developing advanced skills in utilizing and contributing to complex design systems, which are highly valued in corporate environments.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Building a broad network and understanding of how design integrates with marketing, UX, product development, and sales enablement functions.

• Career Progression: Potential pathways to Senior Visual Designer, Lead Designer, or roles within broader marketing operations or brand management after gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consult Program" aspect suggests a deliberate investment in talent development, providing a clear framework for growth and learning, which is a significant draw for early-career professionals in operations-adjacent fields like visual design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. This suggests a modern workplace designed to support both focused individual work and team-based activities.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is USDALFRI - Dallas Frisco AI HUB (FRI), Dallas, Texas. This suggests a modern, potentially technology-focused office environment within the Dallas-Frisco area. Other potential Kyndryl office locations may exist globally.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to the necessary design tools, software licenses (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, etc.), and IT infrastructure required for their role.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for regular in-person interaction with colleagues and managers, fostering team cohesion and knowledge sharing, while remote days offer flexibility for focused work.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in structuring the week, balancing in-office days for collaboration with remote days for focused design work, aligned with project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI HUB" in the office designation suggests a forward-looking environment, potentially integrating AI-related projects or technologies, which could offer unique learning opportunities for designers working with data visualization or AI-driven design tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios to assess foundational design skills, tool proficiency, and alignment with the "early career" requirement.

• Portfolio Review & Interview (Round 1): A more in-depth review of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design rationale, problem-solving approach, and understanding of design principles. This may involve a discussion with a hiring manager or senior designer.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Round 2): Candidates may be given a design challenge or a small case study to complete within a specific timeframe. This assesses practical application of skills, adherence to brand guidelines, and ability to work under constraints.

• Cross-Functional Interview (Round 3): An interview with potential collaborators from marketing, UX, or program management to assess communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within the broader team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, overall fit with the Kyndryl Consult Program, and final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, challenges, and solutions for each project. Use annotations, flowcharts, or brief narratives to guide reviewers.

• Highlight Brand Application: Include specific examples where you applied brand guidelines, design systems, or templates. Explain how you ensured consistency.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Visually represent your skills in Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Canva. If possible, include interactive prototypes or links to live examples.

• Tailor to Kyndryl: If possible, include a project or concept that demonstrates an understanding of enterprise technology or B2B communication, even if hypothetical.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on your strongest 3-5 projects that best represent your capabilities for this role. Ensure high-quality visuals and clear descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and dissect any design challenge instructions. Identify key objectives, constraints, and target audiences.

• Embrace Brand Guidelines: Assume you'll need to apply Kyndryl's brand standards. If provided, study them thoroughly. If not, use general best practices for professional corporate design.

• Focus on Clarity and Consistency: Prioritize clear communication and visual consistency, as these are key requirements for the role.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a limited timeframe to simulate a potential assessment.

• Articulate Your Decisions: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design choices, linking them back to the brief and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consult Program" aspect suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates with strong communication and problem-solving skills, in addition to design talent. The ability to articulate design decisions and understand business context will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: A leading collaborative interface design tool, likely used for UI mockups, prototyping, and design system management.

Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print materials, presentations, and digital publications.

• Canva: A user-friendly graphic design platform, potentially used for quicker asset creation or for less complex visual needs, especially in a hybrid marketing/operations context.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a Visual Designer, familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics is beneficial. Candidates may interact with tools used for web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media performance dashboards to understand the impact of their visuals. CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot): The designer may create assets (email templates, landing page graphics) used within these platforms.

• Content Management Systems (CMS) (e.g., WordPress, Drupal): Designing graphics and layouts that will be implemented on websites managed via a CMS.

• Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello): Used for task tracking, collaboration, and workflow management within design and marketing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Canva indicates the core software stack. Understanding how these tools integrate with marketing automation and CMS platforms will be advantageous for a designer supporting GTM and operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Modernization: Contributing to the "mission-critical technology systems" Kyndryl manages implies a culture that values continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of technology.

• Client Focus: As a service provider, a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting client needs is paramount, influencing design decisions to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The hybrid and cross-functional nature of the work necessitates a culture that promotes open communication, mutual support, and shared responsibility.

• Excellence & Quality: Delivering high-quality, reliable, and impactful visual assets is crucial for maintaining Kyndryl's reputation and supporting business objectives.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Kyndryl actively promotes diversity and inclusion, expecting employees to contribute to an equitable and welcoming workplace where all individuals can thrive.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines (marketing, UX, development), requiring clear communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: The culture likely encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes, where designs are refined based on input from various stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights, best practices, and learnings within the design team and across related departments, fostering a collective growth environment.

• Proactive Communication: Given the hybrid setup and global nature of Kyndryl, proactive and clear communication via digital channels and scheduled meetings is essential for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kyndryl's stated commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with its focus on client success and technological innovation, shapes the core values and expected collaboration styles within its teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Expression: Navigating the need to strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and design systems while still finding opportunities for creative visual solutions.

• Translating Complex Technical Concepts: Visually communicating intricate IT infrastructure services and technology solutions in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner for diverse audiences.

• Adapting to a Hybrid Work Model: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity in a hybrid environment, ensuring seamless communication and project continuity across different work settings.

• Keeping Pace with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to evolving design tools, software updates, and emerging visual communication trends within the technology sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training Programs: Access to Kyndryl's extensive employee learning programs, including certifications from industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, as well as platforms like Skillsoft.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and industry professionals within the Consult Program and the broader Kyndryl organization.

• Exposure to Enterprise-Level Projects: Gaining hands-on experience with large-scale, high-impact projects for Fortune 100 clients, providing invaluable real-world learning.

• Design System Expertise: Deepening knowledge and practical skills in working with and potentially contributing to sophisticated enterprise design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consult Program" inherently positions this role as a growth opportunity, with built-in support for skill development and career progression within the IT services industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to apply strict brand guidelines to a design project. What was your approach, and how did you ensure consistency?" (Tests adherence to brand and process)

• "How would you visually represent a complex technology service (e.g., cloud migration, cybersecurity) in a way that is easy for a non-technical audience to understand?" (Tests problem-solving and communication skills)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a visual asset from initial brief to final delivery. What steps do you take, and who do you involve?" (Tests workflow and collaboration) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kyndryl and our 'mission-critical technology systems'?" (Tests research and genuine interest)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment, and what strategies do you use to communicate effectively with remote team members?" (Tests adaptability and communication)

• "Kyndryl emphasizes diversity and inclusion. How do you contribute to an inclusive environment in your work and team interactions?" (Tests cultural fit and values alignment) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with a brief overview of your portfolio, highlighting the types of projects included.

• Tell a Story for Each Project: For 2-3 key projects, walk through the problem, your role, your process, the solutions you designed, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Emphasize Brand Application: Clearly point out where and how you applied brand guidelines or design systems.

• Discuss Tool Usage: Briefly mention the primary tools used for each project and why they were appropriate.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handled feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely assess not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to understand business context, collaborate effectively, and align with Kyndryl's corporate values and operational demands.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Visual Designer position within Kyndryl's Early Career Consult Program:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong visual design fundamentals, brand guideline application, and proficiency in tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. Tailor your selection to showcase relevant work for a B2B technology context if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your early career experience, relevant skills (typography, layout, design systems), and any educational background in design. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and collaboration experiences. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and potentially complete a design challenge. Research Kyndryl's services and recent news.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kyndryl's mission, values, and the IT infrastructure services industry. Understand their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and client success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.