Graphic Design & Illustration Intern (UX/UI Team)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Design & Illustration Intern (UX/UI Team)

Company: ABB

Location: Krakow, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland

Job Type: Part Time, Intern

Category: Design Operations / GTM Design Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing essential graphic design and illustration support to the UX/UI Design team, contributing to the visual execution of ABB's digital products and initiatives.

• The intern will be instrumental in translating design concepts into tangible visual assets, ensuring brand consistency across all deliverables.

• This position offers a foundational understanding of operations within a global UX/UI team, emphasizing the practical application of design principles in a corporate environment.

• The role requires a proactive approach to learning and collaboration, with an emphasis on developing practical skills in graphic design and visual communication within the context of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an internship, the focus on "ABB products and projects" and "supporting the UX/UI Design team with day-to-day creative tasks" indicates a direct contribution to operational workflows. The expectation to "ensure consistency and alignment with ABB’s visual identity" highlights the importance of maintaining brand operations standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create engaging illustrations and supporting visual assets that enhance the user experience for ABB's digital products and projects.

• Provide daily creative task support to the UX/UI Design team, assisting with asset creation, mood boards, and presentation materials.

• Develop and adapt visual materials, strictly adhering to ABB's established design assets, templates, and comprehensive brand guidelines to maintain a unified brand presence.

• Ensure all visual outputs are consistent with ABB’s global visual identity, contributing to a cohesive and professional brand representation across all touchpoints.

• Translate abstract ideas, user requirements, and technical specifications into compelling visual concepts and polished graphic materials that effectively communicate design intent.

• Collaborate closely with UX/UI designers, product managers, and other cross-functional stakeholders on various creative projects, design initiatives, and feedback sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the practical execution of design tasks that directly support the operational efficiency and visual coherence of the UX/UI team's output. The requirement to "translate ideas and requirements into compelling visual concepts" points to a need for strong conceptualization skills applied within a structured design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Active student status, preferably pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Design, or a closely related design discipline.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience, with academic projects and personal portfolios considered as foundational experience.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated strong skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, with particular expertise in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration, and Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and raster graphics.

• Proficiency in creating professional and impactful presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Proven ability to conceptualize and create original illustrations, developing unique visual styles and translating them into polished graphic assets.

• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, including typography, layout design, color theory, and visual communication strategies.

• Meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a refined aesthetic sense and a commitment to producing high-quality visual work.

• Proactive and self-motivated mindset with a strong eagerness to learn, adapt, and absorb new design techniques and industry best practices.

• Good organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines effectively.

• A compelling portfolio showcasing graphic design or illustration projects (academic work is acceptable) that demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and visual problem-solving.

• Effective communication skills in English, both written and verbal, to articulate design ideas and collaborate with an international team. Preferred Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of Figma for UI design and prototyping workflows.

• An active interest in or prior experience with AI-powered design tools and their application in creative workflows.

• Familiarity with core UX/UI design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and the design thinking process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and PowerPoint, alongside a portfolio requirement, indicates that practical, demonstrable skills are paramount. The "nice to have" skills in Figma and AI tools suggest a forward-looking approach to design operations, valuing adaptability and emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of graphic design projects that highlight your ability to work within established brand guidelines and create cohesive visual narratives.

• Include specific examples of illustration work that demonstrate versatility in style and subject matter, particularly those that communicate complex ideas visually.

• Present case studies of projects where you've translated briefs or requirements into effective visual solutions, detailing your process from concept to final asset.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) by including examples that highlight technical skill and efficient workflow practices. Process Documentation:

• For portfolio projects, briefly outline the design process followed, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to asset creation and final delivery.

• Highlight any instances where you adapted or iterated on designs based on feedback, showcasing your ability to incorporate constructive criticism into the design workflow.

• If applicable, describe how you ensured consistency and adherence to brand standards throughout your design process, demonstrating an understanding of brand operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an internship, the expectation of a portfolio and understanding of process is crucial. The "process documentation" aspect here focuses on demonstrating how an intern thinks through a design task, not necessarily formal documentation, but rather the ability to articulate their workflow and adherence to standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship position, compensation is typically structured as a fixed stipend. For an intern role in Krakow, Poland, with the specified experience level and responsibilities within a large multinational corporation like ABB, a competitive monthly stipend would generally range from 1800 PLN to 3000 PLN gross. This estimate is based on current market rates for internships in the technology and design sectors in Poland, considering the cost of living in Krakow and the value of gaining experience with a reputable global company.

Benefits:

• Hands-on Experience: Gain practical, real-world experience working on global products and initiatives within a professional UX/UI design environment.

• Mentoring: Receive guidance and support from experienced designers and team leads, fostering professional development and skill enhancement.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to learn and grow in a creative and supportive team, developing critical illustration, branding, and visual communication skills.

• International Team Collaboration: Work alongside and learn from international teams, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and global design practices.

• Portfolio Building: Opportunity to create meaningful design work that will significantly contribute to your professional portfolio.

Working Hours: This is a part-time internship. The exact number of hours per week will be agreed upon, but typically ranges from 20-30 hours per week, allowing for flexibility around academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical internship stipends in Poland for roles requiring technical design skills within large corporations. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided "What We Offer" section and framed for operations relevance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ABB operates in the technology sector, specifically focusing on electrification, robotics, automation, and motion. Their market position involves providing advanced solutions to industries worldwide, aiming for efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation. This context means design operations are critical for user-facing products and internal tools that support these complex industrial solutions.

Company Size: ABB is a large, global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale implies structured processes, established brand guidelines, and a significant operational framework for design and product development. For an intern, this means working within a well-defined system while having access to extensive resources and expertise.

Founded: ABB was formed in 1988 through the merger of ASEA (Sweden) and Brown Boveri (Switzerland). This long history in industrial technology provides a deep foundation of expertise and a culture that values innovation, reliability, and long-term vision, which should be reflected in their design operations and brand consistency.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design team is likely part of a larger product development or engineering division, comprised of experienced designers, UX researchers, and possibly design operations specialists.

• The intern will report to a Functional Analysis Team Leader, indicating a structured reporting line within a specific functional area focused on analyzing and defining product requirements and design solutions.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially marketing or communication teams to ensure integrated product development and consistent user experiences. Methodology:

• Design processes within ABB likely emphasize data-driven decision-making, user-centered design principles, and adherence to global brand standards to ensure consistency and quality across a vast product portfolio.

• Workflow planning will focus on efficient asset creation and integration into development pipelines, with a strong emphasis on using established design systems and tools.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be explored, particularly with the mention of AI-powered design tools, suggesting an openness to leveraging technology to streamline creative operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and scale are crucial for understanding the operational context of the design role. The emphasis on "leaner and cleaner" and "outrun" suggests a culture driving efficiency and innovation, which should translate into how design tasks are approached and executed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for students to gain foundational experience in graphic design and illustration within a professional UX/UI operations context. It serves as a stepping stone, providing exposure to real-world project workflows, corporate design standards, and team collaboration dynamics.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a Functional Analysis Team Leader. This structure suggests a direct line of supervision and mentorship within a defined functional area, allowing for focused guidance on tasks and skill development relevant to the team's objectives.

Operations Impact: While the direct impact of an intern is typically more focused on supporting existing operations, their contributions to visual assets and illustrations directly influence the clarity and appeal of ABB's products. This supports the overall GTM strategy by enhancing product presentation and user engagement, contributing to a stronger brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in illustration, graphic design software (Adobe CC), and potentially UI design tools (Figma) through practical application and mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working within a major global technology company, understanding corporate design workflows, brand management, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world project contributions, showcasing capabilities to future employers and providing a competitive edge for full-time roles in design or operations.

• Networking: Build connections with experienced professionals in the design and technology sectors, opening doors for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed in the context of operations and career progression within the design field, emphasizing skill development and practical experience that are crucial for future roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within ABB's facilities in Krakow. This setting promotes direct collaboration, immediate feedback, and immersion in the company's day-to-day operations and culture.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Krakow, Poland, specifically within the Lesser Poland region. ABB has significant operations in Poland, and the Krakow office likely offers modern facilities designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative design environment, potentially with shared studio spaces or open-plan offices designed to encourage interaction among designers and related teams.

• Access to standard office technology and design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite) will be provided, along with potential exposure to specialized UX/UI design tools.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with mentors, team members, and potentially other interns will be abundant, facilitating learning and integration into the team's operational rhythm.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time internship, typically requiring 20-30 hours per week. The schedule will likely be flexible to accommodate the intern's academic commitments, with specific daily working hours to be agreed upon with the Functional Analysis Team Leader, ensuring alignment with team operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is highlighted as beneficial for operational immersion and collaboration within the design team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, academic background, and alignment with the internship requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss selected projects from your portfolio, focusing on your creative process, problem-solving approach, and understanding of design principles. Be prepared to articulate your choices and demonstrate how you translated requirements into visual outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: Potential practical exercise or discussion related to graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop) or conceptualization tasks to gauge proficiency.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess your proactivity, willingness to learn, communication skills, and how you would integrate into the UX/UI design team and ABB's corporate culture.

• Final Interview: Possibly with the hiring manager or team lead to discuss role specifics, expectations, and answer any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your graphic design and illustration skills relevant to UX/UI support.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, clearly explain the brief, your conceptualization process, the tools used, your design decisions, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.

• Highlight Versatility: Include examples that show range in style, complexity, and application (e.g., branding elements, illustrations for digital interfaces, presentation graphics).

• Focus on Impact: If possible, explain the intended purpose or impact of your designs, even if it's within an academic context. For example, how your visuals aimed to improve clarity or engagement.

• Brand Awareness: Show an understanding of how your work aligns with or adapts to brand guidelines, even if hypothetical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach creating visual assets for a given product feature or concept, considering ABB's brand.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your visual choices support the user experience and business objectives.

• Prepare questions about the team's workflow, design challenges, and opportunities for learning and contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and process articulation is critical for design roles. The tips are tailored to showcase how an intern can present their academic work in a professional, operations-oriented context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration creation, and Adobe Photoshop for image editing, manipulation, and asset preparation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Strong skills required for creating presentations, reports, and visual documentation for stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design intern role, exposure to how design impacts user engagement metrics might be discussed, indirectly linking to analytics tools used by the broader team. CRM & Automation:

• Figma (Preferred): Basic knowledge is a plus, indicating potential use in UI design workflows and collaboration. Understanding its role in design operations and prototyping is beneficial.

• AI-powered design tools (Interest/Experience): Demonstrates an awareness of emerging technologies that are increasingly integrated into design workflows for efficiency and ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are clearly stated. The "preferred" and "interest" categories highlight areas where developing skills can make a candidate more competitive within a modern design operations environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore new visual concepts and creative approaches, potentially leveraging emerging technologies like AI.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to high standards in design execution, ensuring visual assets are polished, accurate, and align perfectly with brand guidelines.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared design objectives.

• Efficiency: A focus on streamlined workflows and effective use of tools to deliver creative assets promptly and reliably, supporting the overall operational pace.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in team discussions and projects, working closely with UX/UI designers and other professionals to integrate visual elements seamlessly into product development.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive criticism and a willingness to iterate on designs based on feedback from mentors and stakeholders, fostering a continuous improvement loop.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages learning from colleagues, sharing insights on design trends, tools, and techniques, contributing to collective team growth and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from ABB's general corporate ethos and the nature of a design team supporting product development, emphasizing efficiency and quality in design operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Concepts: The challenge of visually interpreting complex technical requirements or abstract ideas into clear, compelling graphics and illustrations.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Balancing creative expression with the operational necessity of maintaining strict brand consistency across all visual outputs.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Working within potentially fast-paced project timelines that require quick turnaround on creative assets and adaptability to evolving design needs.

• Learning New Tools/Technologies: Quickly adopting and applying new design software or AI tools as introduced by the team to enhance workflow efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Core Design Software: Intensive practical application of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, enhancing technical proficiency and creative output.

• Understanding Design Systems: Learning how to work within and contribute to established design systems and brand guidelines, a key aspect of design operations.

• Introduction to UX/UI Principles: Gaining foundational knowledge of user experience and user interface design, understanding how graphic elements support usability and engagement.

• Professional Communication: Developing skills in presenting design work, articulating creative decisions, and collaborating effectively within a global corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to highlight learning opportunities and areas where an intern can develop operational resilience and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create an illustration to convey a complex idea. What was your process, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on your process, tool usage, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure your design work remains consistent with brand guidelines while still being creative?" (Highlight your understanding of brand operations and your approach to balancing creativity with constraints).

• "If tasked with creating a set of icons for a new feature, what steps would you take, and what tools would you use?" (Demonstrate your logical approach to asset creation and tool proficiency). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about ABB and our work in electrification and automation?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission and how design supports it).

• "How do you approach receiving feedback on your creative work?" (Emphasize openness to constructive criticism and a willingness to iterate, crucial for team operations).

• "Describe your ideal working environment for a design internship." (Align your answer with collaboration, learning, and mentorship). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a mini-story – the problem, your approach, your creative solution, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and that the visuals are high-resolution and clearly presented.

• Concise Explanations: Be prepared to discuss your work succinctly, focusing on key design decisions and your role in the project. Avoid overly technical jargon unless necessary.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show your passion for design and your eagerness to contribute to ABB's team and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe practical skills, process understanding, and cultural fit, relevant to operations support roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Design & Illustration Internship:

• Submit your application through the ABB Careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight graphic design and illustration projects that align with UX/UI support needs. Include examples showcasing your ability to work with established aesthetics or brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details relevant academic coursework, software proficiency (Adobe CC, PowerPoint), and any prior design experience, using keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Illustration," and "Visual Communication."

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your creative process, problem-solving strategies, and how you approach design challenges within a team context. Prepare questions about ABB's design operations and team dynamics.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ABB's products, services, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Understand their brand identity and how design plays a role in their global operations.

⚠️ 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.

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