Co-op, Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Co-op, Graphic Designer

Company: Fidelity Investments

Location: Boston, MA, United States

Job Type: Intern (Full-time)

Category: Graphic Design / Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-02-23

Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Corporate Services Strategy & Planning team in developing high-visibility presentations and communications for key stakeholders, including leadership and board meetings.

• Translate complex data, financial results, and strategic concepts into clear, visually engaging narratives through graphic design principles.

• Collaborate with senior design managers and cross-functional partners to ensure all visual communications adhere to Fidelity's Enterprise design standards and effectively support messaging objectives.

• Gain practical experience in project management, process adherence, and stakeholder engagement within a corporate strategy environment.

• Develop a portfolio showcasing design skills applied to strategic business content, data visualization, and corporate communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Graphic Designer," its context within "Corporate Services Strategy & Planning" indicates a strong operational support function. The responsibilities focus on transforming business information into digestible visual formats, which is critical for strategic decision-making and communication within a large financial institution. This role is ideal for an operations-minded design student interested in how visual communication drives business strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Senior Design Managers and partners to conceptualize and create compelling presentations that clearly articulate Fidelity and Corporate Services’ strategy, financial performance, and market insights.

• Transform raw data, financial reports, and strategic narratives into visually appealing and easily understandable charts, graphs, tables, and infographics.

• Ensure all designed assets strategically align with and reinforce the core messaging objectives of presentations and other corporate communications.

• Proactively manage project timelines, monitor deadlines, and effectively partner with stakeholders to gather necessary inputs and feedback in a timely manner.

• Uphold and implement Fidelity’s Enterprise design standards, brand guidelines, and best practices across all visual deliverables.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and workflows within the Corporate Services Strategy & Planning team.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the design management team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize the translation of complex business information into visual formats. This requires not just creative design skills but also an understanding of how to simplify and communicate strategic concepts, which aligns with operational efficiency in information dissemination.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Current undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communications Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Prior design experience is preferred but not a mandatory requirement, indicating a willingness to train promising candidates.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel (non-technical usage).

• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite programs (e.g., Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and project requirements clearly.

• Proven ability to organize information logically, demonstrating attention to hierarchy, order, and emphasis.

• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple workstreams concurrently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Aptitude for thinking creatively and presenting innovative ideas.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous internship or co-op experience in a corporate or financial services setting.

• Familiarity with data visualization best practices and techniques.

• Experience with presentation design best practices for executive audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite alongside Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with skills in organization, workstream management, and communication, suggests this role requires a blend of creative talent and operational acumen. The ability to manage multiple tasks and present ideas clearly is crucial for operational effectiveness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio is required, showcasing a range of design projects that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and an understanding of visual communication principles.

• Projects should ideally highlight experience in presentation design, data visualization, and corporate communications, even if from academic or personal work.

• The portfolio should reflect an ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging visual narratives.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a process documentation role, the ability to follow established design processes and adhere to project deadlines is critical.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to managing design projects from brief to final delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio requirement underscores the practical, output-driven nature of this role. For operations-minded candidates, focusing the portfolio on how design can solve business problems (e.g., clarifying complex data, improving communication clarity) will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $20 - $32 per hour.

Benefits:

• Eligibility for co-op program benefits as per Fidelity Investments' policy.

• Opportunity to gain valuable professional experience in the financial services industry.

• Exposure to corporate strategy, planning, and executive-level communications.

• Networking opportunities within Fidelity Investments.

Working Hours:

• Full-time co-op position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement, requiring approximately every other week onsite in the Boston office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay range is competitive for co-op/intern roles in Boston, MA, reflecting the specialized nature of graphic design within a corporate strategy context. The hybrid model offers flexibility while ensuring in-person collaboration, a common operational requirement in many modern workplaces.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Investment Management. Fidelity Investments is a leading provider of investment management, retirement, and financial planning services.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically thousands of employees globally). This implies a structured environment with established processes and significant opportunities for impact.

Founded: 1946. Fidelity has a long-standing history, suggesting stability, deep industry knowledge, and a commitment to long-term strategy.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Corporate Services Strategy & Planning team, which is responsible for defining and communicating company strategy and financial results.

• This team likely works closely with senior leadership, requiring a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail.

Methodology:

• The team's work involves strategic planning, financial analysis, and high-level communication.

• Design is used as a tool to simplify complex information, enhance understanding, and support decision-making processes.

• Emphasis is placed on creating clear, impactful, and visually consistent communications that align with Fidelity's brand and strategic objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Fidelity's standing in the financial services industry means that operations, strategy, and communication are highly sophisticated. The Corporate Services team plays a crucial role in aligning the organization, and visual design is a key enabler of this alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, co-op/intern position designed for students to gain foundational experience. It provides exposure to the operational aspects of corporate strategy and high-level communication.

Reporting Structure: The co-op will report to Senior Design Managers within the Corporate Services Strategy & Planning team, offering direct mentorship from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing operational processes, the co-op's work will directly influence the clarity and effectiveness of strategic communications. Well-designed presentations can lead to better understanding, more informed decisions, and smoother execution of strategic initiatives, indirectly impacting operational efficiency and outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop a strong portfolio of professional design work, particularly in business communication and data visualization.

• Gain practical experience in a corporate environment, understanding industry-specific communication needs and design standards.

• Enhance collaboration and project management skills by working with cross-functional teams and adhering to project deadlines.

• Learn about corporate strategy, financial reporting, and the role of visual communication in business operations.

• Build professional networks within Fidelity Investments, potentially leading to future internship or full-time opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This co-op is positioned as a learning and development opportunity, particularly for students interested in the intersection of design and business strategy. The "operations impact" is framed around how effective visual communication supports strategic operational goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fidelity operates on a hybrid model, meaning this role will involve working from the Boston office with some remote days. This offers a balance of focused individual work and collaborative in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): 245 Summer St, Boston, MA. This is a central location in Boston, likely a modern office space designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be in an office environment conducive to creative work, with access to necessary design software and hardware.

• Collaboration with team members will be a key aspect, facilitated by the hybrid model and office presence.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Hybrid schedule requires working onsite every other week, Monday through Friday. This structured approach ensures consistent team presence and collaboration opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a significant operational consideration. Candidates should be prepared for the rhythm of alternating between remote and in-office work, understanding that in-office weeks are crucial for team integration and collaborative design tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, focusing on academic background, relevant skills, and portfolio availability.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio. This will be evaluated for creativity, technical proficiency, and relevance to business communication needs. The ability to articulate the design process and outcomes will be assessed.

• Interviews: Likely include interviews with Senior Design Managers and potentially team members. Expect questions about design philosophy, problem-solving approaches, collaboration experience, and motivation for applying to Fidelity.

• Case Study/Exercise (Potential): A small design challenge or task may be given to assess practical skills and approach to a business-related design problem.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in presentation design, data visualization, and corporate communications. If you lack direct corporate experience, highlight academic projects that demonstrate similar principles (e.g., designing infographics for a research project, creating a presentation for a business class).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief/problem, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome or impact. This demonstrates your thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Highlight Versatility: Include examples that show your comfort with different types of visual assets (charts, layouts, infographics) and your ability to adapt to brand guidelines.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Descriptions should be concise and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite for quick design tasks.

• Practice translating hypothetical business data or concepts into simple visual representations.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of brand consistency and corporate design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the potential for a design challenge highlight the practical, skills-based nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain their thought process and how their design decisions support business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating presentations. Proficiency in advanced features like custom layouts, master slides, and effective chart formatting is expected.

• Microsoft Word: For accompanying documentation and text integration.

• Microsoft Excel: Primarily for understanding and manipulating data that will be visualized.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, charts, and icons.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
  • Adobe InDesign: Potentially for more complex layouts or multi-page documents, though PowerPoint is often the primary output tool.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as primary requirements for this design role. The focus is on the creative output and presentation tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite) is critical. Candidates must ensure their skills align with this stack, as these are the primary tools they will use daily to execute their responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team structure and with cross-functional partners is paramount.

• Customer Focus: Understanding the audience (executives, associates) and designing for their comprehension and engagement.

• Efficiency: Streamlining the design process and delivering high-quality work within deadlines.

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in data representation and adherence to brand standards.

• Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas and creative solutions to visual communication challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates in a hybrid environment, requiring strong communication skills to maintain connection and productivity across remote and in-office settings.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected, meaning the ability to work with individuals from different departments and understand their communication needs is important.

• A culture of feedback and iterative design is likely, where constructive criticism is used to refine deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a balance between creative contribution and operational efficiency. Understanding how design supports broader corporate goals and working effectively within a structured team are key cultural elements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: Converting sophisticated financial and strategic information into easily digestible visual formats can be challenging.

• Adhering to Brand Standards: Balancing creative expression with strict corporate design guidelines requires skill and attention.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various presentation requests with different deadlines and stakeholder needs in a dynamic environment.

• Working in a Hybrid Model: Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with team members who may be working remotely or in the office.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in presentation design software (PowerPoint) and graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Suite).

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the financial services industry and understand the strategic communication needs of a large enterprise.

• Professional Development: Learn about project management, stakeholder engagement, and corporate workflow processes.

• Portfolio Building: Create tangible assets that can be used to showcase skills for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the practical, real-world application of design skills within a corporate operations context. The growth opportunities are geared towards building a robust portfolio and gaining essential professional experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing presentations that communicate complex information effectively. How do you ensure clarity, hierarchy, and visual appeal?

• How do you approach balancing creative design with strict brand guidelines and corporate standards? Provide examples.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in a co-op role at Fidelity Investments and specifically within the Corporate Services Strategy & Planning team?

• How do you approach collaboration, especially in a hybrid work environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be ready to walk through 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, explaining the brief, your design process, the tools you used, and the rationale behind your design choices.

• Focus on how your designs solved a problem or communicated a message effectively. Quantify impact if possible (e.g., "This infographic clarified [complex topic] for a class presentation").

• Be prepared to discuss what you learned from each project and how you would approach similar tasks in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also an understanding of business communication, operational efficiency, and the ability to work within a structured corporate environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design co-op position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fidelity Investments careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is tailored to highlight relevant projects demonstrating presentation design, data visualization, and the ability to translate complex information into visual narratives.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with project management or communication that aligns with the role's responsibilities. Highlight academic achievements and any relevant coursework.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your motivation for applying to Fidelity and your understanding of their business.

• Company Research: Gain an understanding of Fidelity Investments' services, mission, and the importance of clear communication in the financial services industry. Research their brand guidelines if possible to demonstrate an awareness of corporate design standards.

⚠️ 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.