2026 Summer Analyst, Graphic Designer (Creative Services)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2026 Summer Analyst, Graphic Designer (Creative Services) Company: Related Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: Intern Category: Creative Services / Graphic Design Date Posted: December 23, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a 2026 Summer Analyst role focused on Graphic Design within the Creative Services group, supporting the Corporate Communications team.
• The intern will be instrumental in producing a variety of creative deliverables, including marketing presentations, event collateral, signage, HR communications, and digital assets like social media graphics and email campaigns.
• Responsibilities include contributing to visual concept development, conducting design research, and maintaining digital asset consistency across platforms.
• This role offers significant exposure to the real estate industry, luxury branding, and corporate communications through hands-on project involvement and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for a summer internship, targeting undergraduate juniors and seniors with an expected graduation between December 2026 and June 2027. The emphasis on "Creative Services" and "Corporate Communications" indicates a need for design skills that align with professional business communication and branding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Creative Services group to brainstorm and shape visual concepts and creative direction for various internal and external communication needs.
• Support the development of marketing presentations, event collateral, signage, HR communications, and digital assets for social media and email campaigns.
• Conduct thorough research to inform design projects, including sourcing appropriate imagery and compiling inspiration from industry design references and market trends.
• Assist in maintaining the integrity and consistency of design assets across all digital platforms, ensuring brand alignment.
• Provide ad-hoc creative support and execute design tasks as required for ongoing projects and special initiatives within the Corporate Communications team.
• Contribute to the upkeep and organization of digital asset libraries and design archives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation and execution, emphasizing the intern's role in supporting established teams and processes rather than leading independent initiatives. This is typical for an internship program designed for learning and contribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree and will be a junior or senior with an expected graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027.
• Degree program should be in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Communication Design, Multimedia Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• No specific prior professional experience is explicitly required beyond academic or personal projects, as evidenced by the portfolio. The focus is on academic progression and demonstrated design aptitude.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio showcasing original design work (academic or professional) is mandatory.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Competency in presentation software such as PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Canva for design creation.
• Excellent attention to detail, crucial for maintaining brand consistency and accuracy in design deliverables.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork within the Corporate Communications and Creative Services groups.
• Adaptability and strong time management skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Figma for design and prototyping.
• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS for potential web-related design considerations.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities and an initiative-driven approach to tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is paramount, indicating that practical application of design skills is valued more than formal work experience for this internship. The preference for Figma and basic web technologies suggests an understanding of modern design workflows and digital asset integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.
• The portfolio must clearly demonstrate original design work, illustrating proficiency across various design mediums and projects.
• Showcase projects that highlight skills in graphic design, visual communication, and digital asset creation, aligning with the responsibilities listed.
• Include examples that demonstrate an understanding of branding principles and corporate identity.
• Ensure the portfolio is well-organized and easily navigable, allowing reviewers to quickly assess design capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly requested, the ability to contribute to and maintain digital asset consistency implies an understanding of workflow management for design assets.
• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, from conceptualization to final delivery, during interviews or portfolio reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio signifies that practical application and demonstrable skills are the primary evaluation criteria. Applicants should curate their portfolios to align with the types of projects mentioned in the job description, such as marketing collateral, presentations, and digital graphics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly range for this position is $25 - $30 per hour.

Benefits:

• Participation in a formal 9 to 10-week internship program.
• Exposure to real estate development, luxury branding, and corporate communications.
• Opportunities to create client-facing and public-facing deliverables with measurable impact.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced design and communications professionals.
• Access to a firmwide intern program featuring professional development workshops, speaker series, and networking events.
• Opportunities for volunteering, portfolio tours, and intern-led activities designed to build collaboration.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time internship position, typically aligning with standard business hours. The provided description implies a 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is clearly stated as an hourly rate, typical for internships. The benefits are focused on professional development, networking, and hands-on experience within the real estate industry, underscoring the learning aspect of the internship.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development, Hospitality, Media, and Technology. Related is a prominent privately-owned real estate firm with a diverse portfolio. Company Size: The company was formed in 1972 and has offices and major developments across the world. While an exact employee count isn't provided, its global presence and diverse portfolio suggest a large, established organization. Founded: 1972. This long history indicates a stable and experienced organization with a deep understanding of its markets.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer Intern will be part of the Corporate Communications team, working closely with the Creative Services group.
• Creative Services functions as a shared resource across the entire Related business, implying a central function that supports various departments.
• This structure suggests opportunities for cross-departmental exposure and collaboration, even within an internship.

Methodology:

• Related emphasizes investing in its talent and cultivating a positive, team-oriented environment.
• The company encourages employees to take on new challenges, transcend the status quo, and demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit.
• There is a commitment to fostering innovation and positively impacting the communities in which they operate.
• The internship program itself is structured to provide hands-on professional development and learning through a speaker series, networking events, and collaborative activities.

Company Website: www.related.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Related's culture appears to value innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. The internship program is designed to immerse participants in this culture while providing structured learning and networking opportunities, reflecting a commitment to talent development within the real estate sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, specifically aimed at students looking to gain foundational experience in graphic design within a corporate real estate environment. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to individuals within the Creative Services group, likely a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Manager, who are part of the broader Corporate Communications team. Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the graphic design intern's work directly impacts how Related communicates its brand, projects, and corporate messaging to both internal stakeholders and external audiences. High-quality design contributes to brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and overall professional presentation of the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, gain practical experience with presentation and digital design tools, and potentially learn new software like Figma.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable insight into the real estate development industry, luxury branding, and corporate communications strategies.
• Professional Networking: Connect with experienced professionals within Related through mentorship and firmwide intern program events, potentially leading to future opportunities.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with real-world projects that can be showcased to future employers.
• Soft Skills: Develop essential soft skills such as collaboration, adaptability, time management, and proactive problem-solving in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, "growth" is primarily defined by skill acquisition, industry exposure, and professional networking. The structured program at Related is designed to maximize these growth opportunities within the context of corporate design and real estate.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment. The company is headquartered at 30 Hudson Yards in New York City, suggesting a modern, professional workspace. Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States (30 Hudson Yards, 72 Fl, New York, NY 10001). Workspace Context:

• The intern will work within the Corporate Communications and Creative Services teams, likely in a collaborative studio-like setting or shared workspace within the larger office.
• Access to industry-standard design software and technology is expected.
• Opportunities for interaction with experienced design and communications professionals will be readily available.
• The environment is described as dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of a major real estate firm.

Work Schedule: The role is for a summer internship, typically full-time (40 hours/week), aligning with standard business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is a key aspect, facilitating direct collaboration, mentorship, and immersion in the company's office culture. The location at Hudson Yards implies a prestigious and modern work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Submission: Submit your resume and, crucially, your design portfolio. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
• Screening: Your portfolio and resume will be reviewed to assess your design skills, relevant education, and alignment with the internship requirements.
• Interviews: Candidates who meet the initial criteria will likely undergo one or more interviews. These may include:
  • A discussion with the hiring manager or a senior member of the Creative Services team to assess technical skills, design approach, and cultural fit.
  • A potential case study or design challenge, either pre-interview or during the interview process, to evaluate problem-solving and design execution under pressure.
  • Behavioral questions to gauge collaboration, adaptability, and initiative.
• Offer: Successful candidates will receive an offer for the summer internship program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest and most relevant design projects that showcase proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and align with the types of deliverables mentioned (marketing presentations, digital assets, collateral).
• Showcase Process: Include brief explanations of your design process for key projects – the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome. This demonstrates critical thinking.
• Highlight Originality: Emphasize original academic or professional work.
• Quality over Quantity: A smaller selection of exceptional pieces is better than a large collection of mediocre work.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital PDF or a website.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.
• Prioritize clear communication and a logical design process.
• For digital assets or presentation slides, ensure readability, visual hierarchy, and brand consistency.
• Be prepared to articulate your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the single most critical component of the application. Applicants must ensure it is tailored, high-quality, and directly addresses the skills and project types outlined in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of graphic design assets.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Required for developing marketing presentations and internal communications.
• Canva: Familiarity is required, indicating its use for quicker design tasks or for broader accessibility within the company.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., for social media graphics) might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role.

Preferred Tools:

• Figma: Preferred for its modern interface design and collaborative features, suggesting potential use in UI/UX or digital asset workflows.
• HTML/CSS: Basic familiarity is a plus, hinting at potential involvement in web-based design elements or collaboration with web development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. The inclusion of Canva and preference for Figma points to a design environment that balances professional-grade tools with more accessible platforms for broader team use.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence and Innovation: Related encourages employees to "transcend the status quo" and foster an "innovative approach." This implies a drive for high-quality work and creative solutions.
• Team-Oriented Collaboration: The company cultivates a "positive, team-oriented environment where every voice is valued," suggesting a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Employees are encouraged to "boldly take on new challenges" and demonstrate "strong entrepreneurial spirit," indicating a proactive and ownership-driven mindset.
• Impactful Contribution: The company aims for team members to "positively impact the communities in which they conduct business," suggesting a focus on meaningful contribution.

Collaboration Style:

• The intern will work closely with the Creative Services group and support the Corporate Communications team, implying a highly collaborative environment.
• As Creative Services is a shared resource, collaboration across different departments within Related is a fundamental aspect of its function.
• The emphasis on valuing "every voice" suggests an open feedback culture where contributions are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values innovation, collaboration, and a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset. The design intern will operate within a team that supports various business units, requiring strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Interns will need to balance their creative ideas with strict brand guidelines and corporate messaging requirements.
• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Working on diverse projects for different teams simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Adapting to a Fast-Paced Corporate Environment: The real estate industry is dynamic; interns must be adaptable and responsive to evolving project needs and deadlines.
• Translating Concepts into Visuals: Effectively translating complex business objectives or abstract ideas into clear and compelling visual designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Design Experience: Gain practical experience creating a wide range of professional design assets.
• Industry Immersion: Deep dive into the nuances of luxury branding and corporate communications within the prominent real estate sector.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from seasoned design and communications professionals.
• Professional Development: Participate in firmwide intern program workshops and speaker series covering various professional skills and industry insights.
• Networking: Build a professional network through intern events, team interactions, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an internship role involving creative work within a corporate setting, focusing on skill application, project management, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, providing a well-rounded learning experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, the problem each project aimed to solve, your creative approach, and the final outcome. Focus on how your designs achieved specific objectives.
• Design Philosophy: Articulate your personal design philosophy and how it aligns with corporate branding and communication goals.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Canva, and any familiarity with Figma or HTML/CSS. You might be asked to elaborate on specific techniques or workflows.
• Problem Solving: Prepare examples of how you've approached design challenges, overcome creative blocks, or managed conflicting feedback.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Related: Clearly articulate why you are interested in Related specifically, mentioning their work in real estate, luxury branding, or their company culture.
• Teamwork Experience: Provide examples of successful collaboration on projects, highlighting your role and how you contributed to team success.
• Adaptability: Discuss situations where you had to adapt to changing project requirements or tight deadlines.
• Learning Goals: Explain what you hope to learn and achieve during this specific internship.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronology, with a clear introduction to each piece.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the client/context, the challenge, your approach/process, the solution (your design), and the impact or result.
• Visuals: Ensure all visuals are high-resolution and presented cleanly. Use mockups where appropriate to show designs in context.
• Conciseness: Be concise and impactful. Focus on the most relevant aspects for this role.
• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and be open to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and problem-solving skills. Researching Related's current projects and branding will be crucial for tailoring your responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on related.jobs.
• Portfolio Optimization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is polished, showcases your best work relevant to corporate design, marketing presentations, and digital assets, and clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any projects or skills that align with the job description, using keywords like "Graphic Design," "Visual Communication," "Adobe Creative Suite," "PowerPoint," and "Canva."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, and research Related's recent projects and brand identity to inform your answers.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Related's mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake. Understand the role of Creative Services within a large real estate firm.

⚠️ 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.

---