Intern, Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern, Graphic Designer

Company: Ad Astra Info Systems Llc

Location: Overland Park, KS, US

Job Type: Internship

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2025-12-19

Experience Level: Entry Level (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the marketing team by creating high-quality visual content to advance brand and mission.

• Gain hands-on experience in digital and print design projects under senior mentorship.

• Develop campaign graphics, social media content, event collateral, and presentation designs.

• Contribute to Ad Astra's mission of improving student success in higher education through effective visual communication.

• Build a professional portfolio with real-world design projects and gain exposure to brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for an internship, focusing on foundational skill development and practical application within a professional marketing department. The emphasis is on learning and contributing to tangible design assets for higher education.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create compelling visual content for marketing campaigns, social media platforms, and digital channels.

• Design event collateral, including brochures, flyers, and digital assets for conferences and workshops.

• Develop engaging presentation decks and visual aids for internal and external use.

• Assist the Senior Graphic Designer with various design tasks, ensuring brand consistency across all materials.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to understand project requirements and deliver designs that meet objectives.

• Incorporate constructive feedback from mentors and team members to refine designs and improve skills.

• Maintain an organized digital asset library and adhere to brand guidelines.

• Explore and experiment with new design trends and techniques to enhance visual communication effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, moving from foundational design tasks to more complex project contributions within a structured internship framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a closely related field.

Experience: Some classroom, freelance, or student-organization design experience is preferred, demonstrating foundational understanding and practical application of design principles.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundational design skills, including typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Understanding of design principles for digital channels such as social media and web.

• High attention to detail and a commitment to producing polished, high-quality work.

• Good communication and collaboration skills, with an ability to articulate design choices.

• Ability to manage multiple small projects concurrently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Figma for collaborative design workflows.

• Basic understanding or interest in motion graphics and video editing.

• Experience with brand consistency and application across various media.

• Awareness of current design trends and their application in marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical proficiency in design software and essential soft skills crucial for intern success, such as adaptability, collaboration, and a strong work ethic.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating foundational skills in typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Include examples of digital design work relevant to social media, web, or email campaigns.

• Present any print design projects, such as brochures, flyers, or event collateral.

• Clearly articulate the design process, problem-solving approach, and rationale behind design decisions for each project.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, briefly outline the project brief, your role, the tools used, and the final outcome.

• Highlight any instances where you applied feedback to iterate and improve a design.

• Showcase your ability to manage project timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While formal process documentation is less critical for an internship, the portfolio serves as the primary evidence of process understanding. The emphasis is on demonstrating a thoughtful design approach and the ability to learn and adapt.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 per hour. This rate is aligned with industry standards for graphic design internships in the Overland Park, KS area, considering the required skills and the entry-level nature of the position.

Benefits:

• Hands-on professional experience in an in-house design environment.

• Mentorship from an experienced Senior Graphic Designer.

• Opportunity to build a strong portfolio with real-world projects.

• Exposure to cross-functional team collaboration within a marketing department.

• Learning experience in brand strategy and creative decision-making processes.

• Networking opportunities within a mission-driven company.

• Potential for future opportunities based on performance and company needs.

Working Hours: This is a nine-week summer internship, running from June 1 through July 31, 2026. Standard full-time working hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility potentially available based on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated hourly wage of $20 is within the typical range for graphic design interns in the Kansas City metropolitan area, reflecting the 0-2 years of experience bracket. Benefits are focused on the developmental and experiential aspects of an internship.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Ad Astra operates within the Higher Education Technology sector, focusing on software solutions and analytics to improve student completion rates. This industry is characterized by a mission-driven approach, a focus on data-driven outcomes, and a commitment to innovation.

Company Size: Ad Astra Info Systems Llc is part of ADP's WorkForce Now platform, suggesting a mid-to-large sized organization with established HR and operational processes. This size typically offers structured environments with opportunities for learning and development.

Founded: While the exact founding date of Ad Astra Info Systems Llc isn't provided, its integration with ADP implies a stable, established company with a history of growth and innovation in its specialized field.

Team Structure: The intern will be part of the marketing team, working directly under the Senior Graphic Designer. This structure indicates a focused, collaborative environment where mentorship is a key component. The marketing team likely collaborates closely with product development, sales, and customer success teams to support the company's mission.

Methodology: Ad Astra emphasizes a data-driven approach to improving student success. Its core values highlight recognizing talent, being unpretentious, passionate, pioneering, fun-loving, and having grit. This suggests a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and a strong work ethic, all aimed at achieving ambitious goals in higher education technology.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=494ef77f-89dc-46b0-9ada-272945a487a1

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by its core values, which are highly relevant for an intern. Understanding and aligning with these values—especially pioneering, passion, and grit—will be crucial for success and integration into the team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for individuals early in their graphic design or visual communication career. It provides foundational exposure to professional design practices, industry tools, and collaborative team environments.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Senior Graphic Designer, who will provide daily guidance, task assignment, and performance feedback. This direct reporting line ensures focused mentorship and clear communication channels.

Operations Impact: While this is an internship, the graphic designer's work directly impacts Ad Astra's brand perception and marketing effectiveness. High-quality visual content can enhance communication about their innovative software solutions, thereby indirectly supporting student success initiatives and the company's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially Figma) and learn professional design workflows.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world projects that can be leveraged for future career opportunities in graphic design or marketing.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the Higher Education Technology sector and the role of design within a mission-driven company.

• Mentorship: Benefit from direct guidance and feedback from an experienced Senior Graphic Designer, fostering professional growth.

• Networking: Build relationships with marketing professionals and other team members, potentially opening doors for future roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition, portfolio building, and professional development, which are the primary goals of a structured internship program in the creative field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an "in-office" internship, requiring the intern to work from Ad Astra's Overland Park, KS location. This environment fosters direct collaboration, real-time feedback, and immersion in the company culture.

Office Location(s): Overland Park, KS 66204. This location is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, known for its growing tech scene and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The intern will likely have access to a dedicated workspace within the marketing department, equipped with necessary technology.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Senior Graphic Designer and other marketing team members will be readily available.

• The collaborative nature of the office environment encourages spontaneous discussions and idea-sharing, beneficial for creative projects.

• Exposure to the daily operations of a professional marketing team will provide practical insights into project management and workflow.

Work Schedule: The internship runs for nine weeks, from June 1 to July 31, 2026. Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. While specific daily schedules may offer some flexibility managed by the Senior Graphic Designer, the focus is on consistent presence and contribution during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "in-office" environment highlights the value Ad Astra places on direct collaboration and mentorship, which are key benefits for an intern seeking hands-on learning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates will submit resumes and portfolios. Portfolios demonstrating strong foundational design skills and relevant project examples will be prioritized.

• Screening Interview: A brief interview, likely with HR or the hiring manager, to assess basic qualifications, availability, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to complete a small, timed design exercise relevant to the role or present specific pieces from their portfolio, discussing their design process and rationale.

• Final Interview: An interview with the Senior Graphic Designer and potentially other marketing team members to assess technical skills, creative thinking, ability to take feedback, and overall fit with the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest 3-5 projects that best represent your skills in typography, layout, color, and composition.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, include a brief explanation of the objective, your role, the tools used, and the design decisions made. Visual process steps (sketches, drafts) are a plus.

• Highlight Relevance: Include projects that align with Ad Astra's mission or the types of design work described (campaigns, social media, collateral).

• Ensure Clarity & Professionalism: Your portfolio should be well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished, reflecting your attention to detail.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design choices, explain how you incorporated feedback, and discuss what you learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Ad Astra's brand and mission. Consider how design supports their goal of improving student success in higher education.

• Practice creating quick visual concepts for common marketing needs (e.g., a social media graphic, a simple banner).

• Be ready to explain your design process clearly and concisely under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process places significant weight on the portfolio as a demonstration of practical skills and design thinking. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic and creative rationale behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is essential for creating vector graphics, editing images, and laying out print and digital materials.

• Figma: Familiarity with Figma is a plus, indicating an understanding of modern collaborative design tools used for UI/UX and prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are typically used by graphic design interns, but an awareness of how marketing campaigns are executed and tracked can provide context for design requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on core design software. Demonstrating proficiency and a willingness to learn these tools is a key requirement for the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Recognize Talent: Ad Astra values the unique skills each individual brings. As an intern, this means bringing your best creative abilities and being open to learning new ones.

• Unpretentious: A culture of humility and admitting what you don't know is encouraged. This fosters an environment where asking questions and seeking help is welcomed.

• Passionate: A strong belief in the company's mission to transform higher education is valued. Showing enthusiasm for the work and its impact is important.

• Pioneering: Bold experimentation and a willingness to try innovative solutions, even if they risk failure, are celebrated. This encourages creative risk-taking.

• Love Fun: The company values positive relationships and enjoying the process. A good attitude and collaborative spirit contribute to a fun work environment.

• Grit: Perseverance through challenges to achieve goals is essential. This means being dedicated and pushing through difficult tasks.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with an open-door policy, encouraging direct communication and feedback between team members, including interns and senior staff.

• Collaboration will involve working closely with the Senior Graphic Designer and other marketing team members to ensure designs align with campaign objectives and brand standards.

• Expect a culture where constructive criticism is seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aligning with Ad Astra's core values will be critical for an intern's success and integration into the team. Demonstrating these values through your work ethic and interactions will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: As an intern, you may juggle several small design tasks simultaneously, requiring effective time management and prioritization skills.

• Adapting to Brand Guidelines: Learning and consistently applying Ad Astra's specific brand guidelines across various design projects can be challenging but rewarding.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Effectively incorporating constructive criticism from senior designers and marketing stakeholders is a key learning curve.

• Understanding Industry Nuances: Grasping the specific needs and communication styles within the higher education technology sector requires curiosity and research.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Skill Enhancement: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially Figma through hands-on application.

• Portfolio Development: Gain substantial, real-world projects to add to your professional portfolio, showcasing your capabilities to future employers.

• Professional Mentorship: Receive direct guidance and career advice from an experienced Senior Graphic Designer.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understand how graphic design integrates with broader marketing strategies and business objectives.

• Industry Insight: Gain exposure to the higher education technology landscape and the impact of design in this field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The internship challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, emphasizing skill development and professional learning within a supportive environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio. What was the objective, and what was your design process from concept to completion?" (Focus on Adobe Suite usage, problem-solving, and rationale.)

• Brand Application: "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects and platforms?" (Prepare to discuss brand guidelines and your approach.)

• Feedback Integration: "Describe a time you received critical feedback on your design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your ability to be receptive and adapt.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in Ad Astra and our mission to improve student success in higher education?" (Research Ad Astra's work and connect it to your passion.)

• Core Values: "Which of Ad Astra's core values resonates most with you, and why?" (Be prepared to provide examples of how you embody these values.)

• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with others." (Emphasize communication, respect, and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, clearly and concisely explain the problem, your solution, and the impact or outcome.

• Visual Focus: Let your designs speak for themselves, but be ready to articulate the strategic thinking behind them.

• Tool Proficiency: Mention the specific Adobe Creative Suite tools used for each project.

• Professionalism: Present your portfolio in a clean, organized manner, whether digital or in-person, demonstrating attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also a strong understanding of Ad Astra's mission, values, and a proactive, collaborative approach to design work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design internship:

• Submit your resume and a link to your digital portfolio through the provided application link.

• Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your foundational graphic design skills, including typography, layout, color, and composition, with examples relevant to digital and print media.

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, design software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any prior design experience.

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you incorporate feedback, and your interest in Ad Astra's mission during interviews.

• Research Ad Astra's company culture and core values to articulate your fit and enthusiasm for the role.

⚠️ 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.

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