Graphic Designer 6 months' Internship

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer 6 months' Internship Company: Hitachi Solutions Location: Porto, Portugal Job Type: Intern Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: August 6, 2025 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the visual identity and marketing collateral of a global IT consultancy.
• The role focuses on designing professional, visually engaging materials that support sales and marketing initiatives across Europe.
• It requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design software, and strong communication abilities to collaborate with international teams.
• The intern will gain exposure to digital marketing trends and best practices within a corporate environment, contributing to brand positioning and market perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided input describes a Graphic Designer role, the context of "marketing and sales process," "brand positioning," and "digital marketing trends" suggests a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, particularly within the marketing and sales support functions. This enhancement positions the role within the broader operations ecosystem.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create professional, visually compelling collateral templates for marketing and sales processes, ensuring alignment with Hitachi Solutions' brand guidelines.
• Design industry-specific marketing and sales collateral, capable of handling repetitive design tasks efficiently.
• Oversee and contribute to the creative elements of Hitachi Solutions Europe’s internal marketing, sales, and brand positioning strategies.
• Execute the planning and creation of new creative collateral and templates for marketing campaigns, including PowerPoint presentations, one-pagers, case studies, brochures, infographics, and images.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with marketing and sales teams across various European countries to ensure design outputs meet regional needs and brand consistency.
• Stay informed about the latest digital marketing trends from a creative perspective to enhance the organization's online positioning and visual appeal.
• Meticulously organize and label design files, ensuring easy accessibility for future reference, editing, and project continuity.
• Prioritize and contribute to high-priority assignments, providing valuable assistance to the broader Design Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize the creation of assets that directly support sales enablement and marketing campaigns, aligning with core GTM operations functions. The need for industry-specific and brand-aligned collateral underscores the strategic importance of this role within the sales and marketing operations framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A recent degree in Graphic Design, Communications, or a related creative field is required.

Experience:

• This is an internship role, suggesting that candidates with 0-2 years of experience, including academic projects and internships, are welcome.
• Prior experience in designing marketing collateral or digital assets is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• English Fluency: Essential for effective communication with international teams.
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Particularly strong skills in PowerPoint and Word for creating presentations and documents.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expertise in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for professional graphic design tasks.
• Digital Marketing Understanding: Knowledge of the digital marketing landscape and how creative assets contribute to positioning and perception.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, cross-country team environment.
• Attention to Detail: Crucial for ensuring consistency and accuracy across all design outputs.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing business priorities and design requirements.
• Independent Work Ethic: Capability to work autonomously towards deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics Skills: Experience with animation or motion design can enhance visual storytelling.
• Video Editing Skills: Ability to edit or create video content for marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills directly map to the needs of a GTM support role, where visual communication is paramount. Proficiency in specific software like Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint is critical for creating sales enablement materials and presentations, which are key operational outputs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in creating marketing and sales collateral templates.
• Include examples of industry-specific designs that align with brand positioning and marketing campaign objectives.
• Present case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to handle repetitive design tasks efficiently and maintain consistency.
• Demonstrate understanding and application of brand guidelines in design outputs.
• Feature examples of digital assets created for marketing campaigns, such as infographics, brochures, or social media graphics.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for the intern, an understanding of design file organization and naming conventions is expected, reflecting a process-oriented approach to asset management.
• The ability to contribute to the planning and execution of new creative collateral demonstrates an understanding of campaign workflow and asset creation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the emphasis is typically on demonstrating potential and core skills rather than extensive process documentation. The portfolio should highlight the candidate's ability to follow processes, adhere to brand standards, and manage design projects efficiently, reflecting an operational mindset.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a 6-month internship, the compensation is provided as a "Monthly IEFP internship grant." The specific amount is not disclosed but is standard for internships in Portugal, often regulated by government programs like IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional).
• Based on typical internship grants in Porto, Portugal, the monthly stipend could range from €600 to €900, depending on specific program guidelines and the company's contribution.

Benefits:

• Career Development Mentor (CDM): Assignment of a dedicated mentor to support and guide the intern's professional growth.
• Flexible and Friendly Work Environment: Embraces a hybrid work model, promoting work-life balance.
• Public Transport Allowances: Financial assistance for commuting costs.
• Monthly IEFP Internship Grant: Stipend provided for the duration of the internship.
• Global IT Consultancy Exposure: Opportunity to be part of a leading global IT consultancy company.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this internship are likely to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time internship expectations, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits provided, especially the Career Development Mentor and flexible work environment, are valuable for early-career professionals seeking to build their operational and creative skill sets. The grant structure is typical for internships in the European market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IT Consultancy / Digital, Data and Technology. Hitachi Solutions Europe specializes in end-to-end transformation using Microsoft technologies like Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, Application Modernization, and Data & Analytics. Company Size: While not specified, Hitachi Solutions is a global entity, suggesting a large corporate structure with potentially thousands of employees worldwide, and a significant European presence. This implies structured operations and established processes. Founded: Hitachi Solutions operates under the umbrella of Hitachi, Ltd., a multinational conglomerate founded in 1910. Hitachi Solutions itself has evolved through various acquisitions and integrations, positioning it as a mature and experienced player in the IT consultancy market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer intern will likely be part of the Marketing or Sales Operations team in Europe.
• This team collaborates closely with sales representatives, marketing specialists, and potentially country-specific business units across Europe.
• Reporting is likely to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Designer who oversees brand and creative output.

Methodology:

• The company leverages Microsoft technologies for its core consulting services, indicating a strong focus on the Microsoft ecosystem in its operations and client solutions.
• Design and marketing efforts are expected to be data-informed, aligning with digital marketing trends and performance metrics to support business objectives.
• Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork to ensure cohesive marketing and sales strategies.

Company Website: https://www.hitachi.com/global/businesses/solutions/index.html (Global Hitachi Solutions)

📝 Enhancement Note: Hitachi Solutions' focus on Microsoft technologies and digital transformation provides a specific context for the operations and design work. The global nature of the company suggests a need for standardized processes and brand consistency across diverse markets, which the intern's work will support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship designed for individuals early in their graphic design or marketing career. It provides foundational experience in corporate design, marketing support, and cross-functional collaboration within a GTM context. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or senior team member within the marketing or design department, likely in Europe. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance. Operations Impact: The intern's work directly impacts brand consistency and the effectiveness of sales and marketing collateral. High-quality, well-designed materials are crucial for lead generation, customer engagement, and overall brand perception, contributing to the sales pipeline and revenue generation efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and digital marketing design principles. Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world corporate projects.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the IT consultancy sector and the operational aspects of marketing and sales within a global technology company.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from a dedicated Career Development Mentor, providing career advice and skill-building support.
• Networking: Opportunity to connect with professionals in marketing, sales, and operations across Europe.
• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future entry-level positions within Hitachi Solutions, depending on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The structured internship program with a CDM highlights Hitachi Solutions' commitment to talent development. For an operations-focused candidate, this internship offers a practical understanding of how design supports sales enablement and marketing operations, a valuable stepping stone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates on a hybrid work model, indicating a mix of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests that the company values flexibility while also recognizing the importance of in-person collaboration. Office Location(s): The primary location is Porto, Portugal. Hitachi Solutions Europe has offices across various European countries, allowing for potential interaction with a wider network, though the intern's direct team may be located in Porto or remotely distributed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-country communication foster a collaborative spirit, requiring active participation in virtual meetings and team discussions.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, project management software) is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the design and marketing teams, as well as other departments, to understand project requirements and provide design solutions.

Work Schedule:

• The internship is likely structured around a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows for balancing work responsibilities with personal needs, typical of modern corporate environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of the work environment, requiring self-discipline and effective communication for remote collaboration, which are crucial skills in many operations roles today.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational design skills and alignment with role requirements.
• First Interview: Likely a discussion with a hiring manager or HR to evaluate communication skills, understanding of the role, and cultural fit. This may include questions about design philosophy and motivation for the internship.
• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more detailed review of the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a small design task or a discussion about specific projects to gauge technical proficiency and creative problem-solving.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a senior member of the design or marketing team to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest design projects relevant to marketing collateral, brand identity, or digital assets.
• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the intended outcome.
• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines or adapted designs for different platforms.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Clearly indicate which Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office tools were used for each project.
• 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:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be typical for an internship, be prepared to discuss how you would approach creating a specific piece of collateral (e.g., a one-pager for a new service) or how you would ensure brand consistency across different materials.
• Practice articulating your design choices and how they support marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review for a design internship is critical. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and how their work supports business objectives, a key skill in operations roles that require demonstrating impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop are essential for graphic design tasks, template creation, and asset production.
• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint is critical for presentation design, and Word for document creation and formatting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets) is beneficial. Familiarity with common reporting tools used in marketing (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) can be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role. However, familiarity with how marketing collateral is distributed or used within CRM/marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack for this role is focused on creative production tools. Understanding how these tools integrate with broader marketing and sales operations workflows is a key differentiator for candidates aspiring to roles in GTM operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality and Precision: A strong emphasis on attention to detail and producing high-quality, error-free designs.
• Collaboration and Communication: Valuing teamwork and clear communication, especially across diverse, international teams.
• Adaptability and Learning: Encouraging a proactive approach to learning new skills and adapting to evolving business needs and digital trends.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the Hitachi Solutions brand through consistent and visually appealing design.
• Efficiency: The ability to manage tasks efficiently, including handling repetitive design work effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Interaction: Expect to collaborate closely with marketing and sales teams across Europe, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback on designs from team members and stakeholders.
• Remote Teamwork: Experience working effectively within a remote or hybrid team environment, utilizing digital collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on brand integrity and cross-functional collaboration aligns with the operational requirement for consistency and alignment across different business units in a GTM strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining brand consistency across a wide range of collateral and potentially diverse regional marketing needs.
• Deadline Management: Balancing multiple design requests and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with team members across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.
• Adapting to Trends: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving digital marketing and design trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and mastering the creation of effective marketing collateral.
• Digital Marketing Insight: Gaining practical knowledge of how design supports digital marketing strategies and business objectives.
• Corporate Operations Exposure: Understanding the workflow and operational processes within a global IT consultancy.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from an experienced Career Development Mentor on career path and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operations roles that bridge creative output with business objectives, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. The growth opportunities focus on building a robust skill set for a career in marketing or operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for creating a new marketing collateral template, from brief to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, tools, and feedback integration.)
• Brand Application: "How would you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials for Hitachi Solutions Europe?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and attention to detail.)
• Collaboration: "How do you approach working with stakeholders from different departments (e.g., sales, marketing) to gather requirements for design projects?" (Emphasize communication and interpersonal skills.)
• Trend Awareness: "How do you stay updated on digital marketing and design trends, and how might these influence your work here?" (Showcase proactivity and industry awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hitachi Solutions and this specific internship role?" (Research company mission, values, and recent projects.)
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our marketing and brand positioning efforts?" (Connect your skills to the company's goals.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a hybrid or remote team setting." (Demonstrate adaptability and collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a brief story: the challenge, your creative solution, the tools you used, and the impact (if known).
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly mention your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint during your presentation.
• Showcase Adaptability: If possible, show examples of designs adapted for different purposes or audiences.
• Professionalism: Present your portfolio clearly and concisely, maintaining a professional demeanor and engaging with the interviewer's questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing to discuss design strategy, brand adherence, and collaboration in the context of business operations is crucial. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate how their creative skills directly support GTM objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio showcases relevant design work, particularly marketing collateral, presentations, and digital assets. Tailor your portfolio to highlight skills in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Resume Optimization: Craft a resume that clearly articulates your education, relevant skills (especially English fluency, Adobe Suite, PowerPoint), and any prior design experience or projects. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to design process, brand consistency, collaboration, and your motivation for the internship. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hitachi Solutions, its services, and its presence in Europe. Understand their brand identity and how design supports their GTM strategy.

⚠️ 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.