Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Associated Students

Location: University Student Union, Long Beach, CA, US

Job Type: Student Assistant / Intern

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is ideal for an entry-level Graphic Designer seeking practical experience in a dynamic student organization environment.

• Responsibilities encompass the full design lifecycle, from initial client consultation and concept development to final production-ready file preparation.

• The position requires proficiency in industry-standard design software and a strong understanding of visual communication principles.

• Candidates will engage in client-facing interactions, providing exceptional customer service and managing project timelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Student Assistant" employment type and the requirement for concurrent enrollment at CSULB strongly suggest this is an on-campus student position, likely part-time, with potential for year-round engagement. The "Intern" AI classification further supports this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Graphic Design Creation: Develop compelling visual assets for both digital platforms (e.g., social media, web banners) and print collateral (e.g., flyers, posters, brochures) utilizing Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Client Consultation & Needs Assessment: Engage directly with student organizations, campus departments, and external clients to understand their design objectives, target audience, and brand guidelines.

• Creative Concept Development: Translate client requirements into innovative design concepts, presenting multiple options and iterating based on feedback.

• Production Support: Prepare and output print-ready files, conduct thorough pre-press checks to ensure accuracy in color, resolution, and bleeds, and collaborate with production teams or vendors.

• Customer Service Excellence: Manage client communications, respond promptly to inquiries, provide clear updates on project progress, and professionally handle revisions and feedback.

• Workflow and Project Management: Track project statuses, manage deadlines, maintain organized digital asset libraries, and ensure efficient file management practices.

• Design Application: Apply principles of typography, layout, illustration, and potentially copywriting to create effective and aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Special Project Contribution: Support the Senior Graphic Designer on broader initiatives, marketing campaigns, and promotional material development, contributing creative input and design execution.

• Office Task Support: Provide general administrative and office support as needed to ensure smooth departmental operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES" section highlights a comprehensive scope of work that extends beyond basic design tasks, including client management, project tracking, and pre-press responsibilities, indicating a hands-on learning environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graphic Design, Illustration, UI/UX Design majors preferred.

• Concurrent enrollment at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 6 or more units is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of one year of job-related experience is required.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Client Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective client interaction and needs assessment.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, proofreading, and pre-press checks.

• Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for creative problem-solving and adapting designs to meet client objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of pre-press processes and print production workflows.

• Experience with UI/UX design principles and applications.

• Familiarity with illustration techniques and paste-up/camera work.

• Copywriting skills for marketing and promotional materials.

• Project tracking and management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "one-year job-related experience" alongside a student enrollment status suggests that internships, freelance work, or significant academic projects fulfilling design requirements would satisfy this criterion. The preference for specific majors and the mention of UI/UX design indicate a forward-looking approach to design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse design projects that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and problem-solving capabilities. Each case study should clearly articulate the client's objective, your design process, and the final outcome.

• Visual Variety: Include examples of both digital and print designs, highlighting versatility across different media and project types (e.g., branding, marketing collateral, social media graphics).

• Process Documentation: For each project, briefly describe the design problem, your approach, key decisions made, and the tools used. This demonstrates your thought process and ability to articulate design rationale.

• Client-Centric Examples: Prioritize projects where you collaborated with a client or stakeholder to achieve a specific goal, showcasing your ability to translate needs into effective visuals.

• Quality over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is high-quality, well-executed, and representative of your best capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Visualization: Be prepared to discuss your typical design workflow, from initial brief to final delivery, including steps for client feedback and revisions.

• File Management Practices: Demonstrate an understanding of organized file naming conventions, folder structures, and backup procedures for design assets.

• Pre-press Understanding: Be ready to explain your process for preparing files for print, including considerations for color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), resolution, bleed, and trim marks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "A portfolio will be required at interview" makes this section critical. For a student assistant role, the portfolio should emphasize academic projects, personal projects, or any prior freelance/internship work that showcases practical application of design skills and the ability to follow a design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated: $17.00 - $17.50 per hour.

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided salary data and the typical compensation for student assistant or entry-level roles in a university setting in the Long Beach, CA area. Factors considered include the minimum wage in California, the cost of living in the region, and the specific responsibilities of the role.

Benefits:

• Student Employment Experience: Gain valuable professional experience in graphic design within a university environment, enhancing your resume.

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone graphic design skills, client communication, and project management abilities.

• Networking Opportunities: Build connections within the university community and potentially with external clients.

• Flexible Scheduling: Work schedule likely to accommodate academic commitments (though year-round availability is noted).

• Access to University Resources: Potential access to campus facilities and resources.

Working Hours:

• Estimated: Part-time, likely around 15-20 hours per week, to accommodate student schedules. However, the role specifies year-round availability, including during school breaks (Spring, Summer, Winter), suggesting a consistent need for support. The AI classification of "40" hours might indicate a maximum possible or a full-time equivalent if the student were available, but the "Student Assistant" designation strongly implies part-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a student assistant role, formal benefits packages common in full-time employment (e.g., health insurance, paid time off) are unlikely. The primary benefits are educational and experiential. The "40" hours for working hours is an anomaly given the "Student Assistant" title and should be clarified with the employer. It's more probable the role is part-time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Student Services / Non-profit Organization

Company Size: Associated Students likely operates as a significant student-led organization with a dedicated staff, potentially numbering in the dozens or hundreds when including student employees, supporting a large university population.

Founded: Associated Students at CSULB was founded to serve the student body, implying a mission-driven culture focused on student welfare, engagement, and development.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer or a Manager overseeing creative services within Associated Students.

• Collaboration: Expected to collaborate closely with the Senior Graphic Designer, other student staff, and various student organizations or university departments who are clients.

• Environment: A dynamic, fast-paced environment typical of university student unions, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

Methodology:

• Design Process: Emphasizes client-centric design, iterative feedback, and adherence to brand standards (both for Associated Students and its clients).

• Project Management: Focus on timely delivery, clear communication, and organized asset management.

• Customer Service Focus: Prioritizes client satisfaction and providing excellent support to the university community.

Company Website: https://www.asicsulb.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associated Students" organization functions as a non-profit entity supporting the student body of CSULB. This context implies a mission-oriented culture that prioritizes student development, community service, and operational efficiency to serve its constituents effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Assistant / Intern

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, develop a stronger portfolio, and gain practical experience in client management and project execution.

• Specialization: Potentially explore areas like UI/UX, branding, or print production based on project exposure and interest.

• Portfolio Development: Build a robust portfolio with real-world projects, crucial for securing future employment in the design field.

• Professional Network: Establish connections within the university and potentially with external clients, opening doors for future opportunities.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance, opportunities to take on more complex projects or mentor newer student assistants may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, "growth" is primarily defined by skill acquisition, portfolio building, and gaining practical experience that prepares them for post-graduation employment. The direct mentorship from a Senior Graphic Designer is a key growth component.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site within the University Student Union. This suggests a dynamic, collaborative, and potentially busy office environment typical of student affairs departments.

Office Location(s): University Student Union, Long Beach, CA, 90815. Located on the CSULB campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The role is situated within a student union, implying frequent interaction with other student staff, departments, and student clients. This fosters a collaborative and communicative atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Suite) and potentially other office equipment necessary for design production and administrative tasks.

• Team Interaction: Regular engagement with the Senior Graphic Designer for guidance, feedback, and project collaboration. Opportunities to interact with diverse clients from the university community.

Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as a "Student Assistant" and likely involves part-time hours to accommodate academic schedules.

• While typically part-time during the academic year, the requirement for year-round availability, including breaks (Spring, Summer, Winter), suggests a need for consistent support and potential for increased hours during off-peak academic periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "moderate noise level" and "office environment" description suggest a typical, functional workspace rather than a highly specialized creative studio, but one that is conducive to collaboration and focused work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and any initial required documents through the ADP portal.

• Portfolio Submission: A portfolio will be required at the interview stage.

Prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) showcasing relevant design work.

• Interview: Expect a formal interview with the hiring manager (likely the Senior Graphic Designer or a department head). This will include:

  • Discussion of your resume and experience.
  • Review and discussion of your design portfolio – be prepared to talk through your process, creative decisions, and client collaboration for selected projects.
  • Situational questions related to design challenges, client management, and working in a team environment.
  • Questions assessing your fit with the Associated Students' mission and culture.

• Potential Skills Assessment: May include a brief design exercise or a practical test on Adobe Suite proficiency, though this is not explicitly stated.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as projects that show client collaboration or problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, wireframes, or mood boards if available, to illustrate your design thinking process.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-resolution images.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities outlined, such as print design, digital graphics, and client-facing work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design brief for a student event or organization.

• Software Proficiency: Refresh your knowledge of key Adobe Suite features and workflows.

• Client Management Scenarios: Think about how you would handle difficult client feedback or manage conflicting project requirements.

• Understanding the Client: Research Associated Students and CSULB to understand their mission and typical design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio at the interview stage is a critical instruction. Candidates must be prepared to present and defend their design work, demonstrating not just technical skill but also critical thinking and communication abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and digital graphics creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and scalable design elements.
  • Adobe InDesign: Key for page layout, brochure design, flyer creation, and multi-page document production.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general office tasks, communication, and documentation (e.g., Word/Docs for copy, Excel/Sheets for tracking).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role. Project tracking might be done via shared documents or basic project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional familiarity with project management tools or basic web/digital analytics would be a bonus but is not listed as a primary requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and visually engaging solutions for the university community.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering high-quality service to student organizations and departments.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where members support each other and share knowledge.

• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in design execution, communication, and punctuality.

• Student Development: Commitment to providing a valuable learning experience and growth opportunities for student employees.

Collaboration Style:

• Teamwork: Working closely with the Senior Graphic Designer and other student staff to achieve collective goals.

• Client-Centric: Engaging directly and respectfully with clients to understand and fulfill their design requests.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes to ensure client satisfaction.

• Supportive: Willingness to assist colleagues and contribute to a positive working atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be a blend of professional design standards and the energetic, collaborative atmosphere of a university student organization, emphasizing both quality output and a supportive learning environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Balancing the varied design requirements, expectations, and feedback from numerous student organizations and campus departments.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and a high volume of requests typical in a university student union setting.

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing workload and academic responsibilities to ensure success in both areas.

• Iterative Design Process: Navigating feedback loops and making revisions that satisfy clients while maintaining design integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: Consistently adding high-quality, real-world projects to a professional portfolio.

• Software Mastery: Gaining deeper proficiency and efficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign through daily application.

• Client Management Skills: Developing effective communication, negotiation, and customer service skills through direct client interaction.

• Project Management Experience: Learning to track projects, manage timelines, and organize digital assets.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the operational aspects of a student organization and the design needs of a university community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in the practical application of design skills in a professional context, alongside the development of crucial soft skills like client management and time management, which are invaluable for future career success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Prepare to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio. For each, clearly articulate:

  • The client's objective or the design problem.
  • Your creative process and decision-making.
  • The tools and techniques you used.
  • The final outcome and its impact.
  • Lessons learned or challenges overcome.

• Design Philosophy: Be ready to discuss your approach to design, what inspires you, and how you stay current with design trends.

• Client Handling: Describe a situation where you had to manage difficult client feedback or a challenging design request. How did you resolve it?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: Why are you interested in working for Associated Students at CSULB? What do you know about our mission?

• Team Fit: How do you approach collaboration? Describe your ideal team environment.

• Work Ethic: How do you manage your time between work and your academic studies? How do you prioritize tasks when facing multiple deadlines?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Digital Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., via a link in your resume or a dedicated portfolio website). If submitting a PDF, ensure it's optimized for size.

• Concise Explanations: Be prepared to provide brief, impactful descriptions of each project, focusing on results and your role. Avoid overly technical jargon unless necessary.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and ensure the overall presentation is clean and professional.

• Authenticity: Be ready to discuss the genuine challenges and successes of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus heavily on portfolio review and practical application of design skills, as well as assessing the candidate's ability to work within a student-focused, collaborative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 5-7 of your strongest design projects. Prioritize work demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and include examples of client collaboration or problem-solving.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant design experience, technical skills (especially Adobe Suite), and any customer service or project management experience. Clearly state your current CSULB enrollment status.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, articulate your design process, and answer questions about client management, time management, and teamwork. Practice presenting your work concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Associated Students at CSULB, its mission, and the types of clients it serves. Understand the university environment and student life at CSULB.

⚠️ 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.