Graphic Design Intern

About the Role

The Graphic Design Intern will support the Creative Services team in creating high-quality print and digital marketing materials that bring the National Life brand to life. Working alongside experienced designers, you'll gain hands-on experience designing brochures, flyers, presentations, social media graphics, and more while learning how an established national brand is managed, maintained, and evolved. The intern will gain exposure to the creative development process from concept through production while learning how to apply National Life's brand standards, collaborate with cross-functional partners, and deliver thoughtful design solutions that support business objectives.

This position currently offers an onsite work schedule, with the expectation that you will be in the office four (4) days per week during onsite core days and the ability to work-from-home on Friday. Our current onsite core days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The work schedule type and core days are subject to change with advance notification and manager discretion.

10-week paid internship (June 1 - August 6, 2027) with formal orientation and onboarding.

Hourly Pay Range: $19 - $28 USD

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with designers, marketers, writers, and business partners to develop creative solutions that support National Life's brand and business objectives.
• Support the design and production of print and digital marketing materials, including brochures, presentations, emails, social graphics, and internal communications.
• Apply National Life's brand standards to ensure consistency across all communications and marketing materials.
• Prepare production-ready files for print and digital distribution while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions and contribute ideas that support marketing campaigns and business initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to understand project objectives and translate requirements into effective visual solutions, and incorporate feedback as needed.
• Organize and maintain creative assets, project files, and design libraries.

Program Highlights

• Networking opportunities with peers and leaders throughout the summer.
• Cross-Departmental group project focused on an enterprise-wide solution presented at company-wide event.
• Presentation skills coaching sessions.
• Learning opportunities throughout the program.
• Access to mentors (former program participants).

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Graphic Design, visual communications, digital media, or a related creative field.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative thinking, typography, layout, and visual design fundamentals.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Familiarity with Microsoft PowerPoint, Teams, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with Canva, Figma, HTML email design, or project management systems like Adobe Workfront is a plus, but not required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

AI Proficiency Expectations

• Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
• Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
• Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life's AI guiding principles.
• Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention, and intellectual property.

Core Competencies

• Service Focus
• Decision Making
• Results Oriented
• Plans and Aligns
• Demonstrates Learning Agility
• Establishes Relationships
• Communicates Effectively
• Fosters Diversity

How You Show Up

• Highly reliable, engaged and possess a customer service attitude.
• Demonstrate effective communication to various areas of the organization (technical and non-technical).
• Bring creativity, thought leadership, and curiosity to the table; actively participate in forums to contribute and learn.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, i.e. a problem solver’s mindset.
• Eager to learn, ask relevant questions, seek new knowledge, and make connections.
• Enjoy taking on challenges and working towards solutions both collaboratively and independently.