How to Get a Graphic Design Internship

I still remember sitting in my college apartment, staring at my laptop screen in frustration. I had just received my fifth rejection email that week for internship for graphic design students positions I’d applied to. My portfolio felt decent, my resume looked professional enough, but somehow I kept getting passed over. It wasn’t until I completely overhauled my approach—changing not just what I submitted, but how I searched, who I contacted, and how I presented myself—that everything shifted. Within three weeks of implementing the strategies I’m about to share with you, I had secured two internship offers and was suddenly choosing between opportunities rather than desperately hoping for any response.

The truth about how to get a graphic design internship is that it’s less about being the most talented designer in the applicant pool and more about being strategic, persistent, and smart about your approach. After years of working in the design industry and now mentoring students through this process, I’ve identified the exact strategies that consistently work—the ones that transform applicants from invisible to interview-ready. Whether you’re an internship for graphic designers seeking your first professional experience or an internships for graphic design students trying to break into competitive programs, these ten proven strategies will dramatically improve your success rate.

This isn’t generic advice about “working hard” or “following your dreams.” These are specific, actionable tactics that address the real challenges of the internship search: standing out in crowded applicant pools, getting past automated screening systems, building connections when you don’t have a network, and positioning yourself as someone worth investing in despite limited experience. Let’s dive into what actually works.

Who This Guide Is For

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for aspiring designers at various stages of their journey. If you’re an internship for graphic design students currently enrolled in a degree program, you’ll find strategies for leveraging your academic resources and building a portfolio from coursework. Recent graduates seeking internships for graphic design students who want to gain traction before applying for full-time positions will discover approaches for competing against current students and positioning graduation as an advantage rather than a liability.

Career changers exploring design through bootcamps, certificate programs, or self-study will learn how to overcome the “no degree” barrier and demonstrate professional-level skills through alternative credentials. Self-taught designers who’ve been freelancing or practicing independently and now want formal industry experience will find guidance on translating independent work into compelling applications. International students navigating both the internship search and visa complications will benefit from strategies specific to their unique challenges.

No matter where you fall on this spectrum, the fundamental challenge remains the same: you need to convince companies that investing time and resources in training you will pay off. The following ten strategies show you exactly how to make that case convincingly. For a broader understanding of the internship landscape, check our comprehensive guide to graphic design internships.

Strategy 1: Build a Standout Portfolio

Your portfolio is your most powerful tool in the internship search—more important than your resume, cover letter, or even your interview performance. A strong portfolio can overcome almost any other weakness in your application, while a poor portfolio will disqualify you regardless of your credentials.

What “Standout” Actually Means

When I say “standout portfolio,” I don’t mean the most polished, professional-looking work. Reviewers understand you’re still learning. What makes a portfolio stand out for internship positions is demonstrating potential: evidence that you understand design fundamentals, think conceptually, solve problems creatively, and have room to grow with mentorship.

Quality Over Quantity: Eight to twelve exceptional pieces outperform twenty mediocre ones every time. Be ruthless about curation. Each project should serve a specific purpose—showcasing a particular skill, demonstrating conceptual thinking, or showing your process. If a project doesn’t clearly add something unique to your portfolio, remove it. Weak projects drag down your overall impression more than you realize.

Show Process, Not Just Finals: One of the biggest mistakes students make is only showing finished work. Include at least 2-3 projects where you walk through your complete process: initial research, concept sketches, multiple iterations, how you responded to feedback, and the final solution. This reveals how you think and work, which is what internship supervisors care most about. They’re hiring someone to mentor and develop, so they need to see your thinking process, not just your execution abilities.

Diversity of Work: Demonstrate range without being scattered. Include different project types—branding or identity systems, editorial or layout design, digital work like website mockups or app interfaces, and perhaps packaging, illustration, or motion graphics if those are strengths. This variety shows you’re versatile and can handle different design challenges. However, maintain some cohesion in your aesthetic approach or conceptual thinking that creates a recognizable perspective.

Real-World Context: Student projects are fine, but frame them with realistic briefs that demonstrate strategic thinking. Instead of “I designed a restaurant logo,” present it as: “Farm-to-table restaurant targeting health-conscious millennials needed brand identity that communicated freshness and sustainability while standing out in a crowded local market.” This framing shows you understand design serves business objectives, not just aesthetic preferences.

Building Your Portfolio Platform

Your portfolio needs to live online in an easily accessible format. Adobe Portfolio (free with Creative Cloud subscription) offers clean templates and seamless Behance integration. Squarespace and Wix provide user-friendly builders with design-focused templates. If you have web development skills, a custom website showcases additional capabilities. Alternatively, platforms like Cargo Collective or Format specialize in creative portfolios.

Whatever platform you choose, ensure it’s clean, easy to navigate, mobile-responsive, and fast-loading. Your work should be the focus, not flashy website effects. Include an “About” page with a brief bio and professional photo, a “Contact” section with email and LinkedIn, and optionally a downloadable resume.

For comprehensive guidance on creating a portfolio that gets you noticed, including examples, templates, and common mistakes to avoid, see our detailed guide on portfolio for graphic design internships.

Strategy 2: Meet Essential Requirements

Before you start applying everywhere, honestly assess whether you meet the basic qualifications for the internships you’re targeting. This isn’t about discouraging you—it’s about being strategic with your limited time and energy.

Understanding What Companies Actually Need

Most internship for graphic designers positions require certain baseline qualifications. Educational background typically means current enrollment in a graphic design, visual communication, or related degree program, or graduation within the past 6-12 months. Some companies are flexible with non-traditional paths like bootcamps or self-study, particularly startups and small agencies that prioritize skills over credentials.

Software proficiency is non-negotiable. At minimum, you need working ability in Adobe Creative Suite—specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Additional tools may be required depending on the role: Figma or Sketch for digital/UI work, After Effects for motion graphics, XD for prototyping, or basic HTML/CSS for web-focused positions. You don’t need expert-level mastery, but you should be comfortable executing projects from concept to completion.

Design fundamentals matter more than software skills. Employers look for understanding of typography, color theory, composition, hierarchy, balance, and consistency. These principles should be evident throughout your portfolio. Even if your technical execution isn’t perfect, strong conceptual thinking and application of design fundamentals demonstrate you have the foundation to grow with mentorship.

Building Missing Skills Quickly

If you’re lacking certain requirements, don’t just apply anyway and hope for the best. Strategically build those skills first. For software gaps, online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and YouTube offer excellent tutorials. Dedicate 30-60 minutes daily for 2-3 weeks to learn a new tool—you’ll develop working proficiency faster than you expect.

For design fundamentals, structured courses help more than random tutorials. Look for courses that teach design principles specifically, not just software mechanics. Many are free or low-cost through platforms like Coursera, Kadenze, or California Institute of the Arts’ offerings.

If you lack academic credentials, consider certificate programs from institutions like Sessions College, Shillington, or General Assembly. These shorter programs (3-9 months) provide structured learning and portfolio development without the time and cost of a full degree. Many employers increasingly accept these credentials, especially combined with a strong portfolio.

For a complete breakdown of what you need to qualify and how to assess your readiness, explore our guides on requirements for graphic design internships and skills needed for graphic design internships.

Strategy 3: Master the Application Process

Understanding the mechanics of applications dramatically improves your success rate. The best portfolio in the world won’t matter if you’re making critical mistakes in how you submit materials or when you apply.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

Large companies with formal programs typically recruit 6-9 months in advance. Summer 2025 applications likely opened in fall 2024, with interviews through winter and offers by early spring. If you’re reading this in May hoping to find a summer internship starting in three weeks, you’ve missed the window for most major companies.

However, smaller agencies, startups, and companies without formal programs often recruit much closer to start dates. Some positions open up as late as April or May for summer start dates. This means you should never assume all opportunities are gone just because you missed the early cycle. Continuously monitor job boards and company websites throughout the search period.

Apply as early as possible within any posting window. Many employers review applications on a rolling basis, interviewing strong candidates before the official deadline. Waiting until the deadline day significantly reduces your chances, as positions may effectively be filled before applications officially close. Set up job alerts and check target company websites weekly so you can apply within days of postings appearing.

Following Instructions Exactly

This sounds obvious, but failing to follow application instructions is shockingly common and immediately disqualifying. If the posting says “email your resume and portfolio link to internships@company.com with subject line ‘Summer 2025 Design Intern – Your Name,'” do exactly that. Don’t send it to a different email, don’t use a different subject line, don’t attach your portfolio as a 50MB PDF when they asked for a link.

Companies use specific instructions as a basic screening mechanism. If you can’t follow simple directions in your application, why would they trust you to follow design briefs, brand guidelines, or project specifications? Attention to detail is fundamental for designers, and your application is the first test of that ability.

Customization Is Non-Negotiable

Generic applications rarely succeed. Every resume, cover letter, and portfolio should be tailored for each specific opportunity. This doesn’t mean starting from scratch each time—maintain master documents you customize by emphasizing different experiences, adjusting language to match each company’s tone, and demonstrating specific knowledge about each organization.

In your cover letter, reference particular projects the company has done that you admire, mention aspects of their work that align with your interests, or note company values that resonate with you. In your resume, emphasize experiences and skills most relevant to each specific internship. Small touches of personalization signal that you’re genuinely interested in that particular opportunity, not just mass-applying to everything you find.

For step-by-step guidance through the entire application process, including common mistakes and insider tips, see our comprehensive guide on how to apply for graphic design internships.

Strategy 4: Explore Different Types of Internships

Don’t limit yourself to one type of internship. Different formats offer distinct advantages, and broadening your search significantly increases your chances of success.

Paid Opportunities

Paid graphic design internships have become increasingly common as companies recognize the value interns provide and labor regulations tighten. Major tech companies, established agencies, and Fortune 500 corporations typically offer competitive compensation ($18-$40/hour depending on location and company). These positions tend to be more competitive but also more structured, with better mentorship, clearer projects, and stronger potential for full-time conversion.

Focusing exclusively on paid internships is completely reasonable if you need income. Financial stability allows you to fully engage with the experience rather than juggling multiple jobs. Paid positions also signal that the company values its interns as contributors, which often translates to better training and more meaningful work.

Target technology companies, large corporations with design departments, established creative agencies, and companies with formal early-career programs for the highest likelihood of paid opportunities. For comprehensive information on compensation expectations, top companies offering paid programs, and strategies for securing competitive positions, explore our guide on paid graphic design internships.

Remote Opportunities

Remote graphic design internships eliminate geographic barriers, allowing you to access opportunities nationwide or internationally without relocating. You’ll work with teams through digital tools like Slack, Zoom, Figma, and project management platforms, learning remote collaboration skills that are increasingly valuable in modern design practice.

The advantages are substantial: apply anywhere regardless of location, save commuting time and expenses, often maintain more flexible scheduling, and gain experience with distributed team workflows. Remote positions do require strong self-motivation, excellent written communication, comfort with digital tools, and ability to work independently.

If location flexibility appeals to you or you live in areas without strong local design industries, prioritize remote opportunities. Startups, digital agencies, and tech companies are most likely to offer these positions. For detailed guidance on finding remote positions, succeeding in virtual environments, and maximizing remote experiences, check our guide on remote graphic design internships.

Summer Programs

Summer internships align with academic calendars and are the most common format. These intensive 10-12 week full-time programs offer immersive experiences with built-in cohorts of other interns, special programming like workshops and speaker series, and concentrated learning periods. They’re ideal if you’re a current student who can dedicate full-time hours without other commitments.

Remember that summer program applications typically open 6-9 months early, so plan accordingly. For more on timing and maximizing summer experiences, see resources on summer graphic design internships.

Part-Time and Ongoing Programs

If you can’t commit full-time, part-time internships (15-20 hours/week during semesters) provide extended exposure over several months. The longer timeline allows deeper project involvement and stronger relationship building. These work well for students wanting experience during junior or senior year while maintaining coursework.

Strategy 5: Perfect Your Resume

While your portfolio is most important, your resume still matters. It’s often the first thing reviewers see and determines whether they even look at your portfolio. A poorly designed or generic resume gets you eliminated before anyone sees your work.

Design Execution for Designer Resumes

Your resume must demonstrate design skills while remaining readable and professional. This means clean typography, clear hierarchy, strategic use of white space, and subtle visual interest—not excessive decoration or complexity that sacrifices functionality.

Choose one or two professional fonts. Use a sans-serif for headers and serif for body text (or vice versa), or stick with a single versatile font family with multiple weights. Add one accent color strategically to draw attention to headers or key information, but don’t overdo it. Ensure plenty of white space and clear section delineation. The design should feel polished and thoughtful, demonstrating your design sensibility without overwhelming your content.

Content Strategy

Structure your resume with contact information (name, phone, email, portfolio URL, LinkedIn, location), education (degree, school, expected graduation date, major, GPA if 3.5+), relevant experience (internships, freelance, volunteer design work, or jobs with transferable skills), skills section (software and design capabilities), and optionally a projects section if experience is limited.

For each experience entry, use bullet points with strong action verbs: “Designed,” “Created,” “Developed,” “Collaborated,” “Managed.” Quantify achievements when possible: “Designed social media campaign that increased engagement 45%” beats “Made social media graphics.” Tailor your resume for each application by emphasizing experiences most relevant to that specific opportunity.

For detailed guidance including templates, examples, and optimization strategies specifically for internship applications, see our comprehensive guide on graphic design internship resume.

Strategy 6: Write Compelling Cover Letters

Most applicants either skip cover letters or submit generic templates. This means a strong, personalized cover letter immediately differentiates you and can be the factor that gets your application noticed.

Opening With Impact

Hook readers by demonstrating genuine knowledge about and enthusiasm for the company. Instead of “I am writing to apply for your graphic design internship,” try: “When I discovered [Company’s] rebrand of [Client X] last year, I spent hours studying how you balanced playful energy with sophisticated brand strategy. The opportunity to learn from the team behind that project would be invaluable to my development as a designer.”

This opening shows you’ve researched their work, you have specific reasons for interest, and you’re genuinely enthusiastic—all qualities employers value. It makes you immediately more memorable than the fifty other applications that start with generic statements.

Connecting Your Story to Their Needs

Use 1-2 body paragraphs to connect your experience, skills, and interests to the specific internship. Don’t repeat your resume—tell stories that reveal your character and capabilities. Mention 2-3 relevant projects, explain what you learned, and connect those experiences to the company’s work.

If the posting mentions specific requirements, address them directly. If they want someone collaborative, share an example of successful teamwork. If they emphasize digital design skills, discuss your Figma proficiency and relevant projects. Make it effortless for them to see why you’re a strong fit.

Closing Professionally

Reiterate enthusiasm, reference your attached materials (portfolio and resume), and indicate availability for an interview. Keep it professional but warm. Sign off with “Thank you for your consideration” or similar professional closing.

For complete guidance including templates, examples, personalization strategies, and common mistakes, explore our detailed resource on graphic design internship cover letter.

Strategy 7: Prepare for Interviews

Securing an interview means your materials impressed someone—now you need to prove you’re also someone they’d enjoy working with daily.

Mastering Portfolio Presentation

The centerpiece of design interviews is portfolio presentation. You’ll walk through your work while interviewers ask questions about your projects, process, and thinking. Practice presenting each piece using this structure:

Context: What was the project? Who was it for? What problem needed solving?
Challenge: What made it interesting or difficult? What constraints existed?
Process: How did you approach it? What research or exploration occurred?
Solution: What did you create and why? Why specific design choices (typography, colors, layout)?
Outcome: What resulted? What did you learn?

Practice presenting your best 5-6 projects in 15-20 minutes, allowing time for questions. Record yourself to identify unclear explanations or verbal tics. The more comfortable presenting your work, the more confident and professional you’ll appear.

Common Interview Questions

Beyond portfolio discussion, expect questions assessing soft skills and cultural fit. Practice responses to:

• “Tell me about yourself” (60-90 second overview of background, interests, and why you’re pursuing this internship)
• “Why do you want to work here?” (reference specific projects, company values, or work you admire)
• “How do you handle feedback?” (share example where you received criticism, how you processed it, and what you learned)
• “What design trends excite you?” (mention 2-3 current trends and why they interest you)

Always prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers: “What does a typical day look like for interns?” “What types of projects would I work on?” “How does your team collaborate?” “What makes someone successful in this internship?”

For comprehensive interview preparation including 50+ questions with example answers, presentation strategies, and follow-up guidance, see our detailed guide on interview questions for graphic design internship.

Strategy 8: Consider International Options

Don’t automatically limit yourself geographically. International internships provide extraordinary experiences—exposure to different design cultures, aesthetic traditions, and working styles that enrich your creative perspective.

Popular destinations for internships for graphic design students include London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Melbourne, and Toronto. These cities offer strong design industries, English-speaking or international work environments (in many cases), and vibrant creative communities.

Some organizations like AIESEC, The Intern Group, or API specialize in international internship placements, though these often charge program fees. You can also apply directly to companies in target countries, though this requires more initiative and research.

Research visa requirements early—some countries have specific visa categories for internships or working holiday programs that are easier to obtain than standard work visas. Application timelines for international positions are often longer, so plan accordingly (typically 4-6 months ahead).

International experience signals adaptability, independence, and global perspective—all qualities increasingly valued by employers. Even if you ultimately work domestically, international internship experience differentiates you from other candidates. For guidance on international opportunities and logistics, explore resources on graphic design internships abroad.

Strategy 9: Network Effectively

Many internships are never formally posted—they’re filled through referrals, connections, and networking. This doesn’t require natural extroversion or family connections; strategic networking simply means building genuine professional relationships over time.

Attending Events and Building Connections

Join local AIGA chapters and attend their events: portfolio reviews, meetups, speaker series, and workshops. Go to design conferences when budget allows (many offer student discounts). Visit gallery openings, design exhibitions, or creative community events. The goal isn’t immediately asking strangers for jobs—it’s learning, making connections, and becoming part of the design community.

When meeting designers at events, ask about their career path, what they love about their work, what skills they find most valuable, or advice they’d give students. Most people genuinely enjoy discussing their work and helping emerging designers. Exchange contact information and follow up with brief LinkedIn messages referencing your conversation.

Leveraging LinkedIn Strategically

LinkedIn is incredibly powerful for internship searches when used strategically. Optimize your profile with a professional photo, compelling headline (not just “Student at University X”), detailed experience descriptions, and links to your portfolio. Join design groups and participate in discussions. Follow companies and designers you admire.

When you find companies you’re passionate about, research whether any employees attended your school or have other connections. Reach out with personalized messages (never templates) expressing genuine interest in their career and asking if they’d be willing to do a brief informational interview—a 15-20 minute conversation where you ask questions about their experience. Most people are surprisingly willing to help students who show initiative.

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are among the most valuable networking tools. These aren’t job interviews—they’re conversations where you learn from someone’s experience. Request 15-20 minutes, prepare thoughtful questions about their career path and advice, and focus on learning rather than asking for opportunities.

After each informational interview, send a thank-you note and stay in touch occasionally by sharing relevant articles or congratulating them on professional achievements. These relationships often lead to internship opportunities months later when they hear about openings or think of you for positions.

Strategy 10: Follow Up Professionally

Following up appropriately can revive stalled applications or keep you top-of-mind with hiring managers. The key is being persistent without becoming annoying.

Application Follow-Ups

After submitting an application, wait 1-2 weeks before following up. Send a brief, professional email reiterating your interest and asking about the timeline for decisions. Include your name, the position you applied for, and when you submitted your application. Keep it short—3-4 sentences maximum.

If the posting explicitly states “no follow-ups,” respect that request. If you don’t hear back after following up once, let it go. Following up once shows continued interest; following up multiple times appears desperate and annoying.

Post-Interview Follow-Ups

Within 24 hours of any interview, send thank-you emails to everyone you spoke with. Keep them brief but sincere, mention something specific from your conversation, reiterate your interest, and thank them for their time. This demonstrates professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.

If they provided a timeline for decisions (“We’ll make offers by March 15”), wait until a few days after that date before following up if you haven’t heard anything. If they didn’t provide a timeline, following up 1-2 weeks after the interview is appropriate.

Handling Rejections

You will face rejections—everyone does. Respond to rejection emails professionally and graciously: thank them for their consideration, express continued interest in the company for future opportunities, and ask if they have any feedback on your application or portfolio. Most won’t provide detailed feedback, but occasionally you’ll receive valuable insights that improve your future applications.

Keep a spreadsheet tracking applications: company name, position, date applied, materials submitted, follow-up dates, and outcome. This prevents you from losing track of what you’ve applied to and ensures you follow up appropriately.

Success Stories: What Actually Works

Let me share a few real examples from students I’ve mentored to illustrate these strategies in action.

Maria’s Story: Maria applied to 50 internships using the same generic resume and cover letter, receiving zero responses. After we rebuilt her portfolio to show process instead of just finals, personalized each application, and had her reach out to three designers at her target companies for informational interviews, she received interview requests from two of those three companies plus one additional opportunity. She accepted a paid summer internship at a small branding agency where one of her informational interview contacts had referred her application to their HR team.

James’s Situation: James had a strong portfolio but kept getting eliminated in early screening stages. We discovered his resume had a terrible design that undermined his credibility as a designer, and his generic cover letters showed no specific interest in companies. After redesigning his resume to demonstrate his design skills while remaining ATS-friendly, and crafting company-specific cover letters that referenced actual projects from each agency’s portfolio, his interview rate jumped from 2% to 30%. He secured three internship offers and chose a remote position that allowed him to work while completing his final semester.

Priya’s Journey: As an international student, Priya faced additional visa complications that many domestic students don’t deal with. She focused specifically on companies known for hiring international interns, mentioned her visa status upfront to avoid wasting anyone’s time, and emphasized her unique perspective from having studied design in both India and the US. She also strategically applied to remote positions where physical location mattered less. This targeted approach, combined with a portfolio that showcased cross-cultural design thinking, resulted in a paid remote internship at a tech company developing products for global markets.

These stories illustrate that success comes from strategic, personalized approaches rather than mass applications or hoping talent alone will be noticed.

Conclusion

Learning how to get a graphic design internship isn’t about being the most talented designer—it’s about being strategic, persistent, and smart in your approach. The ten strategies covered here work because they address the real challenges of the internship search: standing out in crowded applicant pools, demonstrating potential despite limited experience, making meaningful connections, and positioning yourself as someone worth investing in.

Start by building a standout portfolio that shows both your work and your thinking process. Ensure you meet essential requirements or strategically build missing skills. Master the application mechanics—timing, following instructions, and personalizing every submission. Explore different internship types including paid, remote, and international opportunities. Perfect your resume to demonstrate design skills while remaining professional. Write compelling, personalized cover letters that show genuine interest. Prepare thoroughly for interviews, especially portfolio presentations. Network strategically through events, LinkedIn, and informational interviews. And follow up professionally to stay top-of-mind.

These strategies work whether you’re an internship for graphic designers seeking your first professional experience or internships for graphic design students trying to break into competitive programs. They’ve helped hundreds of students I’ve mentored go from frustrated and overlooked to securing multiple offers.

The internship search requires patience and persistence. You’ll face rejections—everyone does. But each application teaches you something, each interview improves your presentation skills, and each connection expands your network. Keep refining your portfolio, personalizing your applications, and building relationships. The right opportunity will come.

For more comprehensive guidance on every aspect of the internship process, explore our complete guide to graphic design internships. Your design career starts with that first internship. Make it happen.