STUDENT GRAPHIC DESIGNER – FALL 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: STUDENT GRAPHIC DESIGNER – FALL 2026

Company: University of Texas at Austin

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS, Austin, TX

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Entry Level / Student

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the Office of the Vice President for Student Experience, specifically within the Communications and Marketing team for Student Life.

• Focuses on creating a wide range of digital and print design assets for web, social media, print collateral, and promotional items.

• Requires hands-on experience with industry-standard design software and a strong understanding of brand consistency.

• This role is ideal for current undergraduate students seeking practical design experience and portfolio-building opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an entry-level, part-time student position designed to provide practical experience in graphic design within a university setting. The "Student Experience" and "Student Life" context suggests a focus on engaging the student body through visual communications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute digital design assets for web platforms, social media campaigns, and online communications, ensuring alignment with Student Life's messaging and brand.

• Create print collateral, including flyers, posters, brochures, and promotional items, adhering to university brand standards and project specifications for production.

• Manage assigned design projects from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring timely completion and readiness for publication or printing.

• Maintain and uphold University brand standards, ensuring consistency across all design outputs for various audiences, units, and specific project needs.

• Respond constructively to design feedback from the Communications Team, proactively offering creative solutions and ensuring functional design outcomes.

• Collaborate with the Graphic Designer supervisor and Comms Team to understand project requirements, timelines, and design objectives.

• Assist in the organization and maintenance of design files and assets for easy retrieval and future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and project management within a structured brand environment. The expectation of managing projects to completion and responding to feedback indicates a need for initiative and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field. A strong demonstrated interest in these areas is also considered.

Experience: Previous design experience is required, supported by a portfolio showcasing a range of design projects.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Demonstrated experience in both digital design (web, social media) and print design (collateral, promotional items).

• Strong communication skills, essential for receiving and implementing feedback effectively.

• High level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Ability to produce quality results with limited supervision, indicating self-motivation and time management skills.

• Understanding and application of brand standards in design work.

• Experience managing design projects from conception to completion. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with additional design software or digital media tools.

• Experience in a university or higher education environment.

• Basic understanding of user experience (UX) principles for web design.

• Knowledge of pre-press requirements for print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific Adobe Creative Suite proficiency points to a need for practical, demonstrable skills. The requirement for a student in a related degree program highlights the role's educational and developmental focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of graphic design work demonstrating proficiency in digital and print mediums.

• Specific examples of projects that highlight adherence to brand guidelines and consistency across a campaign or series.

• Showcase of projects managed from concept to final output, illustrating project lifecycle management.

• Inclusion of work that reflects problem-solving through design, such as adapting designs for different audiences or functional needs. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a systematic approach to design projects, from briefing to final asset delivery.

• Examples of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations.

• Clear presentation of the design process used for key projects within the portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's design capabilities and project management approach. It should clearly illustrate the application of learned design principles and software skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $12.50 per hour.

• Justification: This hourly rate aligns with typical entry-level student positions and reflects the part-time nature and specific skill set required for graphic design work at a university. This rate is competitive for student roles in the Austin, TX area.

Benefits:

• Valuable hands-on experience in graphic design within a professional university environment.

• Opportunity to build a strong portfolio with diverse projects for web, social, and print.

• Development of professional communication and project management skills.

• Potential for renewal of the appointment, offering continued growth and experience.

• Exposure to university branding and marketing strategies.

• Mentorship from an experienced Graphic Designer.

Working Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week, scheduled during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm) at the UT MAIN CAMPUS. Flexibility in scheduling will be discussed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as $12.50 per hour, with the total hours per week also defined. Benefits are primarily experiential and developmental, as is common for student positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Public University. The University of Texas at Austin is a large, research-intensive public university with a broad mission in education, research, and public service.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees). This indicates a complex organizational structure with many departments and a wide array of student services and programs.

Founded: 1883. This long history suggests a strong institutional identity and established traditions, which are often reflected in brand guidelines and communication styles.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Office of the Vice President for Student Experience, specifically in the Communications and Marketing team for Student Life.

• This team likely comprises marketing professionals, communicators, and designers dedicated to supporting various student programs and initiatives.

• Direct reporting is to a Graphic Designer, indicating a mentorship and supervision structure focused on design execution.

• Collaboration is expected with the broader Comms Team. Methodology:

• Emphasis on maintaining University brand standards, suggesting a structured approach to visual identity.

• Projects are managed through completion, implying a workflow that moves from assignment to final delivery.

• Design feedback is a key component, indicating an iterative and collaborative design process.

• Focus on digital and print design for diverse student-facing communications.

Company Website: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstudent/job/UT-MAIN-CAMPUS/STUDENT-GRAPHIC-DESIGNER---FALL-2026_R_00048102 (Link to job posting, not the main university site)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of "Student Life" and "Student Experience" at a major university like UT Austin suggests a dynamic environment focused on supporting student success, engagement, and well-being through effective communication and visual branding.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role is designed for students currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, offering foundational experience in graphic design and professional communication within a higher education context.

Reporting Structure: The student reports directly to a Graphic Designer, who supervises and provides guidance on design tasks and project execution. This mentorship structure is key to skill development.

Operations Impact: While not directly "revenue operations," the role's impact is on enhancing the visibility, engagement, and perception of Student Life initiatives. Effective design supports student participation in programs, events, and services, indirectly contributing to a positive student experience and institutional reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Significant opportunity to hone technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and expand expertise in digital and print design principles.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Direct creation of professional work samples to build a robust portfolio for future career opportunities.

• Professional Experience: Gaining practical experience in a fast-paced team environment, learning project management and client feedback processes.

• Networking: Building professional relationships within the university's communications and marketing departments.

• Potential for Renewal: The possibility of extending the appointment offers continuous learning and deeper involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a stepping stone, providing essential practical experience and portfolio assets crucial for students aiming for careers in graphic design, marketing, or communications. The growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at UT MAIN CAMPUS, specifically within the Office of the Vice President for Student Experience. This implies a traditional office setting within a university administrative building.

Office Location(s): UT MAIN CAMPUS, Austin, TX. This is a central, well-established campus environment.

Workspace Context:

• The work is performed onsite during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm), indicating a structured work environment.

• Collaboration with the Comms Team and direct supervision by a Graphic Designer suggest an interactive and supportive workspace.

• Access to university resources and potentially a dedicated design workstation.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced and changing," requiring adaptability and efficient workflow management.

Work Schedule: Approximately 15 hours per week, with the schedule to be determined and agreed upon based on availability and departmental needs. This part-time structure allows students to balance work with their academic responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and defined working hours suggest a need for candidates who can commit to a regular schedule within a physical office space, facilitating direct collaboration and supervision.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a resume/CV, letter of interest, weekly schedule of availability, and a portfolio of graphic design work. Work-study recipients should also submit a screenshot of their My Financial page showing their award.

• Initial Review: Applications will be screened based on qualifications, portfolio quality, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo an interview, potentially with the Graphic Designer supervisor and/or members of the Communications Team. This may involve discussing their portfolio, design process, and suitability for the team environment.

• Reference Checks: Three work references, including at least one supervisor, will be contacted.

• Final Selection: Based on the interview, portfolio review, and references. Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your strongest and most relevant design work. Ensure it showcases a range of skills, including digital (web/social) and print design.

• For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process you followed, and the outcome.

• Highlight projects where you managed the entire design lifecycle or responded to significant feedback.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link to a personal website, Behance, or a shared cloud document).

• Tailor your portfolio to reflect the types of work mentioned in the job description (e.g., social media graphics, flyers, web elements). Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design choices, rationale, and how you approach creative problem-solving.

• Practice articulating your design process and how you incorporate feedback.

• Understand the University of Texas at Austin's brand guidelines if possible, to demonstrate awareness of institutional branding.

• Be ready to discuss your availability and how you manage your time between studies and work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component, serving as a primary evaluation tool. Candidates should prioritize showcasing relevant skills and a clear, professional design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print collateral, brochures, posters, and publications.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned, but understanding basic digital analytics for social media or web content could be beneficial for understanding design impact.

CRM & Automation: Not applicable to this design-focused role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is a key technical requirement. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable for this position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: Commitment to producing high-quality, visually appealing designs that meet project objectives.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and accurately representing the University of Texas at Austin's brand standards in all communications.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with supervisors and team members to achieve common goals.

• Responsiveness: Adapting to feedback and project changes in a timely and constructive manner.

• Efficiency: Managing time and projects effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-oriented, with close collaboration with the Graphic Designer supervisor and the Communications Team.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes.

• Emphasis on clear communication to ensure project alignment and successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely revolve around professionalism, creativity, adherence to institutional standards, and teamwork, common in university communications departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing academic demands with work responsibilities to ensure consistent performance in both areas.

• Adapting to diverse project requirements and potentially tight deadlines within a university setting.

• Receiving and implementing constructive criticism effectively to improve design outcomes.

• Maintaining consistency with established brand guidelines across a variety of applications. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical application of design skills learned in academic programs.

• Exposure to professional design workflows, project management, and client communication.

• Building a professional network within the university's communications and marketing sector.

• Opportunity to gain experience in specific areas of design relevant to higher education communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is managing the dual role of student and employee, while the growth opportunities are centered on practical skill development and professional exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite. Which programs are you most proficient in, and how have you used them in past projects?" (Prepare examples for Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• "Describe a design project you managed from start to finish. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on project lifecycle and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback on your designs?" (Highlight receptiveness, problem-solving, and iterative process).

• "Can you walk me through a piece in your portfolio and explain your design process and rationale?" (Be ready to present 1-2 key projects in detail). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Student Life at the University of Texas at Austin?" (Research UT Austin's mission, student life initiatives).

• "How do you ensure consistency with brand guidelines in your work?" (Discuss awareness of brand importance and methods for adherence).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate time management and organizational skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant pieces.

• For each piece, clearly state the objective, your role, the tools used, your process, and the outcome.

• Be prepared to discuss any challenges or feedback you received and how you addressed them.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable and visually appealing.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and enthusiastically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily focus on assessing practical design skills through portfolio review and understanding the candidate's ability to work within a professional framework, manage projects, and respond to feedback.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this student graphic designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize your Resume/CV: Highlight relevant coursework, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any previous design experience or projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a compelling Letter of Interest: Clearly state your academic program, your passion for graphic design, why you are interested in Student Life at UT Austin, and how your skills align with the role's requirements. Mention your availability.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Ensure it's polished, accessible, and showcases a range of your best digital and print design work. Include brief descriptions for each piece.

• Gather Required Materials: Have your work study award screenshot (if applicable), weekly schedule of availability, and contact information for three professional references ready.

• Review Application Questions: Carefully answer all application questions and upload all required materials before submitting.

⚠️ 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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