Avantika University - Graphic Designer - Sept 2025

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Intern)
Company: ZenTrades
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Job Type: Intern
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations
Date Posted: 2025-09-19
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a foundational experience in visual content creation, focusing on digital marketing collateral and brand consistency.
• The role involves hands-on application of design principles and proficiency in industry-standard design software within a collaborative marketing environment.
• Successful candidates will contribute to the development of creative concepts and support the marketing team's visual communication efforts.
• The position is ideal for an aspiring graphic designer looking to gain practical experience in a corporate setting and build a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original input is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement frames the role within "Marketing Operations" and "Creative Operations" to align with broader organizational functions that leverage design skills for Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, process efficiency, and brand execution. The focus on digital platforms and marketing materials directly supports GTM initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create visually compelling content for various digital marketing channels, including social media graphics, website banners, email marketing visuals, and digital advertisements.
• Assist in the production and refinement of diverse marketing materials such as brochures, presentations, internal documents, and pitch decks, ensuring brand adherence.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing team to conceptualize and execute creative design ideas that align with and strengthen the company's established brand identity and messaging.
• Participate actively in brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative design concepts and visual solutions to marketing campaigns and projects.
• Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to company brand guidelines, maintaining visual consistency across all platforms and materials.
• Provide ad-hoc design support and execute other creative tasks as required by the marketing and design teams, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are expanded to detail the types of collateral and the collaborative nature of the role, emphasizing the impact on marketing efforts and brand integrity. This provides a clearer picture of the daily tasks and expectations for an intern in a professional design capacity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing or a recent graduate with a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
Experience: While this is an internship, prior internship experience or demonstrable project work in a design capacity is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in core Adobe applications, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, including layout, composition, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Portfolio: A robust and well-curated portfolio that effectively showcases a range of design projects, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy, consistency, and high-quality output in all design work.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment, contributing positively to group projects and discussions.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members and understanding project requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Design Experience: Familiarity with designing for digital platforms, including social media, web, and email marketing, with an understanding of responsive design principles.
• Motion Graphics/Video Editing Basics: Basic knowledge of animation or video editing tools (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro) can be a plus.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Experience in working with and applying brand guidelines to maintain consistent visual identity.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple design tasks and deadlines efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills are detailed to reflect the practical application required in a professional setting. "Adobe Creative Suite" is broken down into specific tools, and "Design Fundamentals" is clarified with key components. The emphasis on a portfolio is crucial for design roles, and the distinction between required and preferred skills helps candidates self-assess.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Diversity: Showcase a range of design projects that demonstrate versatility across different media (e.g., social media posts, digital ads, presentations, branding elements).
• Brand Consistency Examples: Include examples where brand guidelines were applied, illustrating an understanding of maintaining a cohesive visual identity.
• Process Insight: Where possible, briefly articulate the design process or problem-solving approach behind key projects, highlighting creative thinking and execution.
• Digital Focus: Prioritize digital design work given the role's emphasis on digital platforms.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not expected at the intern level, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for completing design tasks, from brief to final delivery.
• Familiarity with project management tools or methods for organizing design assets and tracking progress is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the focus is on demonstrating potential and understanding rather than extensive documentation. The guidance emphasizes showcasing relevant work and being able to discuss the design process, which is crucial for evaluating a candidate's foundational skills and learning capacity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As an internship, compensation is typically provided as a stipend. Based on industry standards for Graphic Design Internships in Pune, India, a competitive stipend would likely range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per month, depending on the duration and specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Hands-on Experience: Gain practical, real-world experience in graphic design within a professional corporate environment.
• Skill Development: Opportunity to enhance proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and develop a deeper understanding of design principles and marketing collateral creation.
• Portfolio Building: Directly contribute to projects that will expand and strengthen your professional design portfolio.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced marketing and design professionals.
• Company Culture Exposure: Experience a collaborative team environment with a strong culture.
• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful interns may be considered for future roles within the company based on performance and business needs.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, typically aligning with standard business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST), with potential for flexibility based on project demands and intern availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since no salary was provided, a region-appropriate stipend range for interns in Pune has been estimated based on common internship compensation practices. Benefits are tailored to highlight the learning and development aspects crucial for an intern.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ZenTrades operates in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, specifically providing field service management software for businesses. This context means the design intern will be contributing to visuals for a B2B technology product.
Company Size: ZenTrades is a growing company. As of recent data, it has between 51-200 employees. This suggests a dynamic environment where interns can have visibility and potentially interact with various departments.
Founded: ZenTrades was founded in 2019. This indicates it's a relatively young company, likely with an agile and innovative company culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design Intern will likely be part of the Marketing or Creative department.
• This team would typically include Marketing Managers, Content Specialists, and potentially other designers or creatives.
• The intern will report to a Manager or Senior Designer who will provide direction and feedback.
• Collaboration will be frequent with marketing professionals, sales teams, and potentially product managers to ensure visual assets align with campaign goals and product messaging.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Visuals: Marketing efforts, supported by design, often leverage data to inform creative choices and measure campaign effectiveness.
• Agile Project Management: As a growing SaaS company, ZenTrades likely employs agile methodologies for project planning and execution, requiring efficient workflow and adaptability.
• Brand-Centric Design: A key focus will be on maintaining and evolving the brand's visual identity through consistent application of design standards across all touchpoints.

Company Website: ZenTrades.pro

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about ZenTrades' industry and size is used to infer the likely work environment, project types, and team dynamics. The focus on SaaS and B2B implies a need for professional, clear, and effective design that supports business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Entry-Level/Intern stage within the broader field of creative operations or marketing operations. It serves as an initial stepping stone for individuals aspiring to build a career in graphic design, visual communication, or marketing. The responsibilities are focused on execution and learning, rather than strategic decision-making or team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Design Intern will report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Graphic Designer. This direct reporting line ensures clear guidance, task assignment, and performance feedback, crucial for an intern's development. The intern will likely be integrated into the marketing team's workflow, collaborating with peers on specific projects.

Operations Impact: While an intern's impact is primarily developmental, their contributions directly support marketing campaigns and brand presence. Well-executed visuals enhance customer engagement, improve brand perception, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of marketing and sales outreach efforts. The intern's work will be instrumental in creating the visual assets that communicate the company's value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced Photoshop techniques, Illustrator for vector graphics) and design principles.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the SaaS industry, B2B marketing strategies, and the role of design in business growth.
• Portfolio Expansion: Develop a professional portfolio with real-world project examples, which is critical for securing future design roles.
• Networking: Build professional connections within the marketing and design fields.
• Potential Full-Time Conversion: For exceptional performance and business needs, there might be opportunities for full-time employment after the internship concludes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clarifies the entry-level nature of the role and highlights the developmental aspects. It connects the intern's work to broader "operations" by emphasizing their contribution to marketing and brand effectiveness, and outlines clear pathways for skill acquisition and career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as On-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting fosters direct collaboration, easier mentorship, and immersion in company culture.
Office Location(s): The office is located at A-302, Nyati Tech Park, New Kalyani Nagar, Wadgaon Sheri, Pune-411014, India. This is a commercial/tech park area in Pune, suggesting a professional and accessible workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely facilitates direct interaction with team members, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for brainstorming and feedback sessions.
• Tools & Technology: Interns will have access to the company's design software and hardware, likely including professional-grade computers and necessary Adobe Creative Suite licenses.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with the broader marketing team and potentially other departments, providing exposure to different professional functions and work styles.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule will be Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. While interns are expected to adhere to this schedule, there might be some flexibility for project deadlines, requiring proactive communication and time management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and specific office location are detailed. The workspace context is fleshed out to describe the benefits of an office environment for an intern, including collaboration and access to resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.
• Technical/Creative Assessment: Potential for a short design task or a more in-depth discussion about your portfolio projects to gauge your design thinking, technical proficiency, and understanding of design principles.
• Behavioral/Fit Interview: A conversation with a hiring manager or team lead to assess your communication skills, teamwork abilities, enthusiasm, and cultural fit within the marketing team.
• Final Discussion: Potentially a wrap-up with a department head or senior team member to confirm mutual fit and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Present your strongest, most relevant work. Quality over quantity is key.
• Showcase Variety: Include pieces that demonstrate your skills across different design applications (e.g., digital ads, social media graphics, presentations).
• Highlight Process: For 1-2 key projects, be prepared to walk through your design process, from understanding the brief to final execution, and the rationale behind your creative decisions.
• Brand Awareness: If applicable, show work where you've adhered to brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency.
• Digital Focus: Emphasize work created for digital platforms.
• Clean Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Principles: Be ready to discuss core design principles (typography, color theory, layout) and how you apply them.
• Software Knowledge: Be prepared to talk about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite tools.
• Problem-Solving: Think about how you approach design challenges and problem-solve creative hurdles.
• Teamwork & Communication: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others and communicated your design ideas effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications, especially their portfolio, during the interview process. It anticipates common interview stages and assessment criteria for a design internship.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for this role. Proficiency in Photoshop (for image editing and raster graphics), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), and InDesign (for layout and print/digital publishing) is a must.
• Figma/Sketch (Optional but beneficial): Familiarity with modern UI/UX design tools can be advantageous, especially for digital asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Awareness of tools like Google Analytics or social media analytics platforms can be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): Understanding how marketing assets are used within a CRM context, though direct CRM experience is not required.
• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot Marketing Hub): Familiarity with how designs are implemented in email campaigns or landing pages would be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section specifically lists the design software that will be central to the intern's work, emphasizing the core Adobe Suite. It also touches upon related tools in marketing and CRM that designers may interact with or benefit from understanding.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually appealing and fresh designs that capture attention and convey messages effectively.
• Collaboration: A commitment to working harmoniously with marketing and other teams, valuing input and contributing to shared goals.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding the company's brand identity through consistent, high-quality design execution.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to ensure all design work is polished, accurate, and error-free.
• Learning & Growth: An eagerness to learn new skills, adapt to feedback, and continuously improve design capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The marketing team likely works closely with sales, product, and customer success. The design intern will experience this cross-functional collaboration, understanding how visuals support different departments.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs and improve outcomes.
• Proactive Communication: Encouragement to ask questions, share ideas, and communicate project status clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates potential team values and collaboration styles based on the company type (SaaS, growing) and the nature of the role (internship within a marketing team). It highlights traits beneficial for an intern to embody.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: As an intern, you may be tasked with supporting various projects simultaneously, requiring effective prioritization and time management.
• Adapting to Brand Guidelines: Learning and consistently applying a specific company's brand identity can be challenging but is a key learning opportunity.
• Critique and Revision: Receiving and acting upon constructive criticism from senior team members is a vital part of the learning process.
• Meeting Deadlines: Working within defined timelines to deliver design assets for marketing campaigns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Design Software: Intensive practical experience to significantly improve proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Understanding Marketing Campaigns: Gaining insight into how graphic design supports broader marketing strategies and objectives.
• Professional Networking: Building connections with professionals in the design and marketing fields.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of current design trends and best practices in digital marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies common challenges faced by interns and frames them as opportunities for growth, emphasizing skill development and professional learning within the context of the role and industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a design project you're particularly proud of. What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Focus on your portfolio, process, problem-solving, and technical skills.)
• "How do you stay updated with current design trends and software?" (Showcase your passion for design and continuous learning.)
• "Describe your experience with Adobe Creative Suite. Which programs are you most proficient in, and for what types of tasks?" (Be specific about your tool usage.)
• "How do you ensure your designs align with a brand's identity and marketing objectives?" (Connect your design choices to business goals.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate openness to learning and improvement.)
• "What are your career aspirations in graphic design?" (Show your long-term interest and commitment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about ZenTrades and this specific internship role?" (Research the company's mission, products, and recent news.)
• "How do you think your design skills can contribute to our marketing efforts?" (Align your skills with the company's needs.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members." (Reflect on the company's culture and team structure.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant project.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcome.
• Highlight Digital Work: Emphasize projects designed for digital platforms.
• Showcase Brand Adherence: If you have examples, discuss how you applied brand guidelines.
• Be Concise: Keep descriptions focused and to the point.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices and technical execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This provides specific, actionable advice on preparing for interview questions and presenting a portfolio, tailored to a graphic design internship. It covers both technical/creative and behavioral aspects relevant to assessing an intern candidate.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on ZenTrades' Freshteam portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant design projects, focusing on digital assets and demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., Behance, personal website, or a shared drive link).
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your educational background in Graphic Design or a related field, specific Adobe Creative Suite skills, any relevant projects or coursework, and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Pitch: Be ready to briefly articulate why you are interested in ZenTrades and this specific internship, and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined. Practice walking through one of your portfolio projects, explaining your process and rationale.
• Research ZenTrades: Familiarize yourself with ZenTrades' products, services, and target audience. Understand their current branding and marketing efforts to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.