Early Career Consult Program - Associate Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Visual Designer - Early Career Consult Program

Company: Kyndryl

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Design / Technology Consulting

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: Early Career (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating impactful visual assets across a variety of brand touchpoints, ensuring consistency and strengthening brand recognition for a global technology services company.

• The Associate Visual Designer will translate business objectives and communication needs into compelling visual designs for digital, social, web, print, and presentation materials.

• A key aspect involves applying and maintaining established brand guidelines and design systems, contributing to a cohesive and professional brand identity.

• Collaboration is central, requiring close partnership with marketing, communications, UX designers, and product teams to deliver effective visual solutions that support business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in Visual Design, the "Early Career Consult Program" and the nature of Kyndryl's business (running mission-critical technology systems) suggest a strong link to technology consulting and GTM support. Operations professionals should recognize the importance of design in communicating technical solutions and supporting sales enablement and marketing initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute visual assets for diverse platforms including digital campaigns, social media content, websites, print collateral, executive presentations, and internal communications.

• Interpret creative briefs, content requirements, and strategic business objectives to conceptualize and produce engaging visual designs and layouts that align with Kyndryl's brand narrative.

• Uphold and meticulously apply brand standards, leveraging existing design systems, templates, and reusable components to ensure visual consistency across all customer-facing and internal touchpoints.

• Design high-fidelity mockups, graphics, infographics, presentations, and other visual materials that effectively support storytelling and achieve defined business objectives.

• Actively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing strategists, content creators, UX/UI designers, and development teams, to ensure seamless integration and delivery of impactful visual solutions.

• Adapt and scale existing design assets and system elements for new formats, emerging platforms, and diverse audience segments, maintaining brand integrity.

• Utilize feedback from stakeholders, user testing results, and data analytics to iteratively refine and enhance design solutions, optimizing for effectiveness and user engagement.

• Prepare production-ready visual assets that adhere to stringent quality standards, accessibility requirements, and specific delivery timelines for various media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic application. For operations candidates, understanding how visual design supports GTM strategy, marketing campaigns, and clear communication of complex technical services is crucial. This role contributes to the overall brand perception and effectiveness of communication materials.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Interaction Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in visual design, with a demonstrated ability to contribute to design projects. Early career professionals with internship or project-based experience are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing significant visual design work and individual contributions across multiple touchpoints and project types.

• Design Fundamentals: Robust understanding of typography, color theory, layout composition, spacing, and visual hierarchy principles.

• Translational Ability: Proven capability to translate abstract business and user requirements into tangible, polished visual design solutions.

• Design Tool Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard design software such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), or Canva.

• Brand & System Application: Early career experience applying brand guidelines, design systems, templates, and reusable components effectively.

• Consistency Management: Ability to maintain and enforce visual consistency across diverse digital products, presentations, marketing campaigns, and user experiences.

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

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

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

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

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for enterprise-level technology, B2B audiences, or complex service-oriented businesses.

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

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

• Proven ability to create compelling executive presentations and visual storytelling materials.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Early Career Consult Program" designation implies a structured development path. The emphasis on "early career experience" and "portfolio demonstrates strong visual design work and individual contributions" suggests that while formal experience might be limited, practical application through projects, internships, or academic work is highly valued. For operations roles, this translates to looking for candidates who can demonstrate practical application of skills and a foundational understanding of strategic communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Execution: Showcase a range of visual design projects demonstrating proficiency in creating polished assets for digital, print, and presentation use. Highlight individual contributions and problem-solving within each project.

• Brand & System Adherence: Include examples where brand guidelines, design systems, or templates were applied consistently to ensure a unified visual identity.

• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Clearly indicate the primary design tools used for each project (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Impact & Rationale: For each project, provide concise explanations of the design objectives, the target audience, the design rationale, and the intended or actual business impact.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for this early-career role, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, including stages from brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, how they approach translating requirements into visual solutions, and how they incorporate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Early Career Consult Program," the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's design capabilities and their ability to apply learned principles. Operations professionals often rely on portfolios to assess problem-solving skills and the ability to translate complex requirements into actionable outputs, mirroring how they might evaluate process improvement proposals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The compensation range for this position in the US is $63,360 to $114,120 annually, based on a full-time schedule. Specific compensation will be determined by factors such as geographic location, job-related skills, and experience.

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

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

• Colorado: $63,360 to $114,120

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

• New York City: $76,080 to $137,040

• Washington: $69,720 to $125,640

• Washington DC: $69,720 to $125,640 (Note: Compensation will not be below any applicable state, city, or local minimum wage requirement.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical coverage

• Dental coverage

• Disability insurance

• Retirement benefits

• Paid leave

• Paid time off

• Kyndryl's discretionary annual bonus program (eligibility based on performance and plan terms)

Working Hours: This role is structured for a full-time schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work environment may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, but adherence to core business hours and team collaboration needs is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are broad and vary significantly by location, reflecting typical compensation structures for early-career roles in major US tech hubs. The inclusion of a bonus program and comprehensive benefits is standard for large technology firms and indicates a structured, professional work environment. For operations roles, understanding compensation structures and benefits is key to evaluating total compensation and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Services, Technology Consulting. Kyndryl operates at the forefront of IT infrastructure services, managing and modernizing mission-critical technology systems for global enterprises. This context means the company values precision, reliability, and innovation in its services, which should extend to its internal operations and brand presentation.

Company Size: Kyndryl is a large enterprise company, employing over 90,000 people globally. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes, a wide array of career opportunities, and a diverse workforce.

Founded: Kyndryl was established in November 2020 as a spin-off from IBM's managed infrastructure services business. This recent founding as an independent entity means it's building its own distinct culture and operational frameworks while leveraging decades of experience from its predecessor.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: While this role is in Visual Design, it sits within a broader organizational structure that likely includes extensive Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, and GTM functions. The design team will collaborate closely with these departments.

• Reporting Structure: As an "Associate," this role will likely report to a Visual Design Lead or Manager, who in turn reports into a broader Marketing, Communications, or Brand organization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role is designed for significant collaboration with Marketing, Communications, Experience (UX/UI), and Product teams, highlighting a matrixed and project-oriented work environment common in large tech organizations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes using feedback, testing, and data insights to refine designs, indicating a data-informed approach to creative output.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Collaboration with UX and product teams suggests an adoption of agile methodologies, where design is iterative and responsive to evolving requirements.

• Brand Governance: A strong focus on applying brand standards and design systems points to a structured approach to brand management and asset creation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kyndryl's positioning as a leader in "running and reimagining mission-critical technology systems" means that operational excellence, efficiency, and clear communication are paramount. The Visual Design team plays a critical role in making complex technical services understandable and compelling to clients and stakeholders, directly supporting GTM and client engagement efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "Early Career," specifically within an "Associate" level. This indicates a role designed for individuals with foundational skills and limited professional experience, focusing on learning and development under guidance. The "Consult Program" aspect suggests a structured pathway for growth and exposure to various aspects of the business.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Visual Designer will report to a Visual Design Lead or Manager. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, crucial for early-career development. The role is embedded within a larger team, likely part of the Marketing, Communications, or Brand department, which in turn interfaces heavily with GTM, Sales, and broader operational functions.

Operations Impact: While not directly in an operations role, the Visual Designer's work directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of Kyndryl's GTM strategy. High-quality visual assets are crucial for:

• Sales Enablement: Creating compelling presentations, proposals, and collateral that help sales teams articulate value propositions.

• Marketing Campaigns: Designing assets for lead generation, brand awareness, and product/service launches.

• Client Engagement: Developing visuals for websites, client portals, and communication materials that enhance the client experience.

• Brand Cohesion: Ensuring a consistent and professional brand image across all touchpoints, which builds trust and credibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of visual design, such as digital illustration, motion graphics, or presentation design, based on project needs and personal interest.

• Design Systems Expertise: Development of advanced skills in managing, contributing to, and evolving design systems, a highly sought-after skill in large organizations.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gaining a deeper understanding of marketing strategies, UX principles, and business objectives through close collaboration, preparing for roles with broader strategic influence.

• Consulting Acumen: Exposure to client-facing projects and business problem-solving within the "Consult Program" framework, potentially leading to roles with more strategic consulting responsibilities.

• Leadership Potential: With strong performance and demonstrated growth, potential to advance to Senior Visual Designer, Art Director, or related leadership positions within the design or broader GTM functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consult Program" is a key differentiator. It implies a structured curriculum and mentorship designed to accelerate development, mirroring how operations programs aim to build future leaders. For operations professionals, understanding how design contributes to the overall GTM engine and client perception is vital for effective collaboration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Kyndryl operates a hybrid work model. This means the role is not fully remote, requiring the Associate Visual Designer to work from a Kyndryl office location on designated days. The "AI HUB (FRI)" designation suggests a modern facility, possibly equipped with collaborative spaces and technology resources.

Office Location(s): The primary specified location is USDALFRI - Dallas Frisco AI HUB (FRI) in Dallas, Texas. Kyndryl has a global presence, but this role is tied to this specific US-based hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The "AI HUB" likely features modern collaborative zones designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and cross-functional interaction, essential for design projects.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva) and potentially advanced hardware will be provided. This environment supports efficient digital asset creation.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model will involve a mix of in-person collaboration with design colleagues, marketing teams, and other stakeholders, alongside remote work. This requires strong communication and organizational skills to maintain project momentum.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility, but core working hours and attendance on designated office days are expected to support team collaboration and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is increasingly common and signifies a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. For operations roles, this model often requires robust remote collaboration tools and a proactive approach to communication and project management. The "AI HUB" designation suggests a focus on innovation and technology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, focusing on resume and portfolio quality to assess foundational design skills and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and their role in the creation process. This is a critical stage to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: A design challenge or practical exercise may be given to assess problem-solving abilities, creativity, and proficiency with design tools under timed conditions.

• Behavioral & Team Fit Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Kyndryl's values and the "Consult Program" objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your visual design skills, versatility, and ability to meet diverse project requirements (digital, print, presentations).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Visuals should be clean and well-organized.

• Highlight Brand Application: Include examples where you've successfully applied brand guidelines or worked within a design system.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, mention how you collaborated with others (writers, UX designers, marketers) and how that collaboration influenced the final design.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of user-centered design and accessibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and deconstruct any design challenge prompt. Identify key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across ideation, design execution, and refinement.

• Articulate Your Strategy: Be ready to explain your design decisions, even if you don't complete the entire design. Focus on your thought process.

• Tool Familiarity: Ensure you are comfortable using the specified design tools (Figma, Adobe CC, Canva).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge is standard for creative roles. For operations professionals, understanding this process highlights the importance of clearly demonstrating capabilities and problem-solving approaches through tangible examples. The "Consult Program" may involve case studies related to business challenges, requiring candidates to think strategically.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: A collaborative interface design tool, likely used for creating digital mockups, prototypes, and managing design systems.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Includes essential applications like Photoshop (image editing), Illustrator (vector graphics), and InDesign (layout and print design).

• Canva: A user-friendly graphic design platform, potentially used for quicker asset creation or for less complex design needs.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating executive-level presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how to interpret basic analytics (e.g., website traffic, engagement metrics for social media assets) to inform design decisions may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but awareness of how design assets are utilized within CRM systems or marketing automation platforms for campaigns could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline expectation for visual designers. For operations professionals, understanding the tools used by design teams facilitates smoother collaboration, particularly in areas like GTM collateral creation and brand asset management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration & Kinship: Kyndryl emphasizes "kinship," fostering strong bonds and a sense of belonging. This translates to a collaborative environment where team members support each other and work towards shared goals.

• Purposeful Work: The company focuses on meaningful work that "powers human progress." Designers are expected to contribute to projects that have a real impact on Kyndryl's clients and the broader technological landscape.

• Restless Learning: Continuous learning and skill development are core tenets, encouraging employees to stay updated with industry trends and technologies.

• Empathy & Shared Success: A culture that values empathy, understanding diverse perspectives, and celebrating collective achievements.

• Efficiency & Optimization: While not explicitly stated as a "value," Kyndryl's business of managing mission-critical systems implies an underlying drive for efficiency, reliability, and process optimization, which designers indirectly support through clear communication and effective asset creation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with marketing, UX, content, and development teams, requiring clear communication and an ability to integrate design feedback from various stakeholders.

• Feedback-Driven: The role involves actively seeking and incorporating feedback from peers, leads, and other departments to refine designs, suggesting an open and iterative feedback culture.

• Knowledge Sharing: The "Consult Program" and emphasis on learning suggest a culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and learnings within teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kyndryl's values of "kinship," "purposeful work," and "restless learning" create a supportive and growth-oriented environment. For operations professionals, understanding these values helps in recognizing how design teams integrate into the broader company mission and collaborate effectively to achieve business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring all visual assets adhere to strict brand guidelines while also meeting the unique creative and strategic requirements of individual projects and campaigns.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Feedback: Effectively navigating and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders with potentially differing opinions or priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Trends: Staying current with the latest design tools, software updates, and visual design trends in the fast-paced technology sector.

• Translating Complex Technical Concepts Visually: A key challenge in a company like Kyndryl is making intricate IT services and solutions understandable and appealing through visual design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Design Systems: Deep dive into managing and contributing to enterprise-level design systems, a valuable skill for future roles.

• Industry Certifications: Potential opportunities to gain certifications in design software or related fields.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced design leads and managers within the "Early Career Consult Program."

• Exposure to GTM Strategy: Understanding how visual design supports broader marketing and sales initiatives, offering a pathway to roles with more strategic GTM involvement.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn about UX/UI design, marketing strategy, and the technical services Kyndryl provides.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for visual designers in large corporate environments, particularly in technology. The growth opportunities highlight Kyndryl's commitment to developing talent within its "Consult Program," offering a structured path for early-career professionals to build expertise and strategic understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business objective into a visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your design thinking, problem-solving, and ability to connect visuals to business goals.)

• "How do you ensure visual consistency across different platforms and campaign materials while still allowing for creative expression?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines, design systems, and your approach to balancing constraints with creativity.)

• "Tell me about a project where you received critical feedback on your design. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?" (Demonstrate your ability to accept and incorporate constructive criticism, and your resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kyndryl and our 'Early Career Consult Program' specifically?" (Research Kyndryl's mission, values, and recent news. Connect your career aspirations to the program's structure and opportunities.)

• "How do you see visual design contributing to the success of a technology consulting firm like Kyndryl?" (Think about sales enablement, client communication, brand perception, and internal communications.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines (e.g., marketing, UX, developers)." (Align your response with Kyndryl's emphasis on kinship, collaboration, and empathy.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the results.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project. Use "I" statements for your actions.

• Showcase Process: Briefly walk through your workflow – from brief to final asset. Mention tools used and key decisions made.

• Focus on Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the success of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, clearer communication, positive stakeholder feedback).

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions involves not only showcasing design skills but also demonstrating an understanding of business strategy, collaboration, and cultural fit. For operations candidates, recognizing how design supports GTM and business objectives is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Kyndryl's Workday careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and tailored to highlight projects demonstrating the required skills, especially visual design execution, brand guideline application, and proficiency with tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize any relevant design experience (internships, academic projects, freelance work), highlighting achievements and transferable skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your interest in Kyndryl and the "Early Career Consult Program."

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kyndryl's services, mission, values, and recent company news. Understand their position in the technology consulting industry and how visual design supports their GTM strategy.

⚠️ 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.