Graphic Designer - stage curriculare

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Stage Curriculare

Company: Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V (Leo Agency)

Location: Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Job Type: INTERN

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to graphic content creation and visual asset development within a leading global communication group.

• The role involves supporting the creative team in designing a wide range of visual materials, from brand identity elements to digital campaign assets.

• Candidates will gain practical experience in layout design, typography, and art direction under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• This position is ideal for current students seeking a curricular internship to apply academic knowledge in a real-world agency setting and build a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "stage curriculare" indicates a mandatory internship required for academic credit, implying a structured learning component and alignment with university curricula.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the creation of graphic content and layouts, demonstrating increasing autonomy in developing visual materials aligned with specific brand identities.

• Assist in the development of integrated visual systems, including infographics, presentation slides, and creative assets for diverse formats and communication channels.

• Engage in activities such as layout, packaging, and general design, working alongside the creative team during the ideation and execution phases.

• Collaborate with senior designers and art directors to understand project briefs and translate them into compelling visual concepts.

• Contribute to maintaining brand consistency across all visual outputs through diligent application of brand guidelines.

• Participate in team brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas and solutions for client projects.

• Assist with image sourcing, editing, and preparation for various media.

• Gain exposure to the end-to-end creative process within a fast-paced agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a supportive role with a clear progression towards greater autonomy, typical for an internship focused on learning and development within a creative agency. The mention of "art direction" suggests exposure to strategic visual decision-making.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communication Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: No prior professional experience required, but a strong academic background and a demonstrable passion for design are essential.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing personal projects, academic work, and any relevant design samples is mandatory.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficient understanding and practical application of key Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Visual Communication: Strong foundational knowledge of visual communication principles, including color theory, composition, and hierarchy.

• Typography: A keen eye for typography and its effective use in conveying messages and establishing brand tone.

• Layout Design: Ability to create well-structured and aesthetically pleasing layouts for various media.

• English Language: B2 level proficiency in English, enabling effective communication in a multinational environment.

• Passion for Design: Genuine interest in graphic design, visual arts, and the broader communication landscape.

• Agency Context Interest: A strong desire to understand and operate within the dynamics of a creative agency.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design trends and emerging visual styles.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles.

• Experience with presentation software beyond Adobe.

• Exposure to art direction concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strict requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on Adobe Suite proficiency are standard for design roles. The B2 English level highlights the international nature of Publicis Groupe.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Diversity: Showcase a range of projects demonstrating adaptability across different design challenges (e.g., branding, digital assets, print layouts, infographics).

• Brand Cohesion: Include examples that illustrate the ability to maintain brand identity and consistency across multiple touchpoints.

• Conceptual Thinking: Highlight projects that demonstrate creative problem-solving and a clear conceptual approach.

• Technical Execution: Ensure all portfolio pieces reflect a high standard of technical execution and attention to detail within the Adobe Suite.

• Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): Briefly outline the design process for key projects, including ideation, sketching, and refinement stages.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for an internship, candidates are expected to articulate their design process during interviews and potentially in portfolio case studies.

• Understanding of standard creative agency workflows, from brief to final delivery, will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. The emphasis is on demonstrating potential, foundational skills, and understanding of design principles rather than formal process documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €600 net per month. This is a fixed stipend for a curricular internship as per Italian regulations and company policy.

Benefits:

• Continuous Development: Access to personalized training and development programs throughout your career journey.

• Growth Culture: Exposure to stimulating projects and a collaborative environment focused on innovation.

• People Care: Participation in initiatives promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

• Networking Opportunities: The chance to connect with industry professionals and build relationships within a leading global agency network.

• Portfolio Building: Direct experience and mentorship to enhance your professional design portfolio.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time internship in Italy. Flexibility may be discussed based on academic requirements and agency needs, but the expectation is full-time engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is a fixed monthly stipend typical for curricular internships in Italy. The benefits are focused on learning, development, and employee well-being, aligning with Publicis Groupe's stated values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Communications / Marketing & Business Transformation. Publicis Groupe is a global leader in this sector, known for its integrated approach to creativity, media, and digital transformation.

Company Size: Publicis Groupe is a large, multinational corporation with over 1500 professionals in Italy alone and a global workforce exceeding tens of thousands. This scale offers extensive resources and diverse project opportunities.

Founded: 1926 by Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet. Publicis Groupe has a long history of innovation and adaptation, evolving from a traditional advertising agency to a comprehensive communication and transformation partner.

Team Structure:

• Leo Agency: This internship is within Leo, a creative agency part of Publicis Groupe, operating under the "HumanKind" principle.

• Creative Department: The intern will be embedded within the creative department, working closely with graphic designers, art directors, copywriters, and creative strategists.

• Reporting: The intern will report to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director, receiving direct mentorship and project assignments.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on the creative team, there will be opportunities to interact with account management, media planning, and digital strategy teams.

Methodology:

• HumanKind Approach: Leo's methodology centers on understanding a brand's "raison d'être" (reason for being) and connecting it to people's behaviors through ideas.

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative-led, Publicis Groupe emphasizes data analysis and insights to inform strategies and creative output, especially in digital transformation.

• Integrated Solutions: The group's strength lies in offering end-to-end solutions, requiring collaboration across various disciplines.

Company Website: www.publicisgroupe.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "HumanKind" philosophy is central to Leo's creative approach, emphasizing a deep understanding of consumer behavior. The company's large size and global presence provide a rich learning environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship ("stage curriculare") designed for students. It serves as an initial exposure to the professional graphic design field within a major agency.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director within the Leo agency's creative team. This direct reporting line ensures focused guidance and learning.

Operations Impact: While interns do not typically drive direct operational impact, their contributions to creative assets support client projects and agency output. This role provides foundational experience in how creative operations contribute to client success and revenue generation indirectly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to significantly enhance proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and develop practical skills in layout, typography, and visual communication.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in a leading global advertising agency, understanding client briefs, creative processes, and agency dynamics.

• Networking: Build professional connections with designers, art directors, and other agency professionals who can serve as mentors or future references.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Create tangible work samples that can be added to the intern's portfolio, crucial for future job applications in the creative industry.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Strong performance during the internship may lead to consideration for future junior roles or further internships within Publicis Groupe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are heavily focused on skill acquisition and practical experience, which are paramount for an intern aiming to launch a career in graphic design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the Publicis Groupe office in Milan. This provides a traditional agency environment conducive to collaboration and mentorship.

Office Location(s): Viale Jenner, 19, 20159 Milan, Italy. This location is within the city, offering accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster collaboration, with open spaces and meeting areas where teams can interact and brainstorm.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and necessary hardware will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the creative team, including designers and art directors, facilitating learning through observation and direct feedback.

• Professional Atmosphere: A dynamic and professional setting typical of a leading communication agency.

Work Schedule: The internship is expected to align with a standard 40-hour work week. While the precise daily schedule may have some flexibility, the overall commitment is full-time, allowing for immersion in agency projects and team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for internships where direct mentorship and team integration are key components of the learning experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and, critically, the submitted portfolio. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates who pass the initial screening will likely have a dedicated session to present and discuss their portfolio with a member of the creative team (e.g., Senior Designer, Art Director).

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a short practical exercise or a discussion about design problem-solving approaches.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation to assess interest in the agency, understanding of Publicis Groupe's values ("HumanKind," "Viva La Différence"), and general enthusiasm for the role.

• Final Confirmation: Confirmation of academic requirements for the curricular internship and offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest and most relevant projects. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your thought process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution. Visual aids like sketches or mood boards can be effective.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Demonstrate your ability to understand and apply brand guidelines.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure clean execution and error-free designs.

• Professional Presentation: Use a clean, well-organized digital format (PDF or dedicated portfolio website). Be prepared to present it clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Agency Work: Familiarize yourself with the types of projects Leo and Publicis Groupe handle.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain how you approach a design brief, from understanding the client's needs to delivering the final artwork.

• Brush up on Adobe Suite: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency and potentially demonstrate specific skills if asked.

• Research Publicis Groupe: Understand their values, recent campaigns, and "HumanKind" philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the absolute gatekeeper for this role. Candidates must present a curated selection of work that demonstrates both technical skill and creative potential relevant to agency work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: This is the core requirement. Proficiency in:

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

• Presentation Software: Likely PowerPoint or Keynote for creating client presentations, though Adobe InDesign can also be used for this.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable for this design internship role, as the focus is on creative execution rather than performance analysis.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable for this design internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is solely on design software proficiency. Any experience with other tools is a bonus but not a requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• HumanKind: At Leo, the core value is understanding people and their behaviors to create meaningful connections for brands. This means empathy and a focus on human insights.

• Viva La Différence: Publicis Groupe celebrates diversity in all its forms, promoting an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued.

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and explore new ideas is fundamental in an agency setting.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues is crucial.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality output and attention to detail in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Projects are typically collaborative, involving brainstorming, feedback sessions, and shared responsibility.

• Mentorship-Driven: Senior members are expected to guide and support junior team members, fostering a learning environment.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and constructive feedback to improve creative output and team dynamics.

• Agile & Responsive: Adapting to client needs and project timelines, often in a fast-paced manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "HumanKind" and "Viva La Différence" values are highlighted, indicating a focus on people-centricity and diversity within the agency's culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and multiple project demands typical of an agency setting.

• Receiving Constructive Criticism: Learning to accept and act upon feedback from senior designers and clients.

• Balancing Creativity and Client Briefs: Translating client objectives and brand guidelines into creative, yet compliant, designs.

• Technical Skill Development: Continuously improving proficiency with Adobe tools and learning new design techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Skill Acquisition: Direct application of design principles and software skills in real-world projects.

• Industry Insight: Understanding the operational aspects of a major advertising agency and the client-agency relationship.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals in a supportive environment.

• Networking: Building connections within the industry that can be valuable for future career steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as learning opportunities, emphasizing the developmental aspect of this internship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from brief to final artwork for a project in your portfolio." (Be ready to walk through a specific case study, highlighting your thought process and any challenges.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a brand's identity and target audience?" (Discuss your approach to understanding brand guidelines and consumer behavior.)

• "Imagine you receive feedback that requires a significant change to a design you're proud of. How would you handle it?" (Focus on professionalism, understanding the feedback, and making necessary revisions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Leo and Publicis Groupe specifically?" (Mention their "HumanKind" philosophy, "Viva La Différence," and global reach.)

• "How do you stay updated on current design trends and technologies?" (Show genuine interest and proactive learning.)

• "Describe a time you worked effectively within a team." (Use an example that demonstrates collaboration and communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Your Best: Begin with your strongest, most relevant project.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, your creative process, the challenges, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Point out how the project demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Suite, typography, layout, and visual communication.

• Be Concise: Aim for roughly 2-3 minutes per project to keep the presentation engaging.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, technical execution, and future aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses heavily on portfolio discussion and understanding the agency's core values and operational approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design internship:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Publicis Groupe careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, professionally presented, and specifically curated to showcase your strongest relevant work for an agency environment. Highlight projects demonstrating brand identity application and diverse design skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to emphasize your academic background in graphic design, relevant coursework, software proficiency (especially Adobe Suite), and any related personal projects or volunteer work. Clearly state your status as a current student seeking a curricular internship.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio confidently, and researching Publicis Groupe's "HumanKind" philosophy and "Viva La Différence" values. Be ready to explain why you are a good fit for Leo agency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Publicis Groupe and Leo agency websites. Understand their mission, values, recent campaigns, and the type of work they produce to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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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