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Design Department Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Social Media Intern

Bowie, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... departments. In this role, you will work closely with our Creative Arts Team to conduct research ... You'll design and implement community engagement plans for all social platforms. Intern ...

Kiewit Scholars - Summer 2027 Internship

Washington, DC · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

DHO HR Operations Department: Intern Market: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Temporary ... Our Design Engineer Interns are a part of our teams that supports all aspects of the construction ...

Social Media Intern

Bowie, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... departments. In this role, you will work closely with our Creative Arts Team to conduct research ... You'll design and implement community engagement plans for all social platforms. Intern ...

College Intern - Highways

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

RK&K is hiring a Transportation Design Intern to join our Highways team in our Fairfax, VA office ... As an Intern in our Highways Department at RK&K, you will receive on-the-job training, work ...

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Design Department Intern information

What does a design department intern do?

A Design Department Intern assists professional designers with various tasks such as creating graphics, preparing design drafts, conducting research, and helping with project organization. Interns often support multiple projects, gain hands-on experience with design software, and participate in team meetings. The role is intended to help students or recent graduates build skills, develop a professional portfolio, and understand the daily workflow in a design environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design department intern?

To thrive as a Design Department Intern, you need a solid grasp of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design software, often supported by coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and collaboration platforms such as Figma or Sketch is typically expected. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and a collaborative mindset help interns excel in team environments. These skills and qualities enable interns to effectively contribute to design projects and adapt quickly to professional workflows.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a design department intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Design Department Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as creating visual assets, participating in brainstorming sessions, and supporting senior designers with project research and mock-ups. Interns often work on real client projects, gaining hands-on experience with design tools and workflows while receiving constructive feedback from experienced team members. This role typically involves collaboration with other departments like marketing or product development, offering a comprehensive view of how design fits into broader business objectives. It's a great opportunity to build your portfolio and develop professional skills in a supportive, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Design Department Intern vs Graphic Design Intern?

AspectDesign Department InternGraphic Design Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of design, art, or related programsEnrolled in or recent graduate of graphic design, visual arts, or related programs
Work EnvironmentCollaborative team setting within a company's design departmentCreative studio or corporate marketing team environment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries including tech, fashion, and advertisingCommon in marketing, advertising, and media companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking general design internship roles within a departmentIndividuals looking for specialized graphic design internship opportunities

The Design Department Intern role is broader, often involving exposure to multiple design disciplines within a company's team. In contrast, a Graphic Design Intern focuses specifically on visual communication and graphic projects. Both roles typically require related educational backgrounds and are found in similar industries, but they differ in scope and specialization.

Is a design department intern worth it?

A design department intern gains practical experience in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and develops a portfolio, which can enhance future job prospects. Internships also provide networking opportunities and insight into industry workflows, making them valuable for aspiring designers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Department jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Design Department jobs in Washington are:

Intern - Project Engineer

Dulles, VA

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Southland Industries rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Alternate locations include Dulles, VA, Boydton, VA, and Laurel, MD


Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designed for those students who seek a truly immersive and hands-on experience. At Southland, we view every student as a potential hire and ensure each intern, co-op student, and every new college graduate is truly set up for success to accomplish short and long term career goals. If a student program that exposes you to exciting projects and potential career paths with one of the country's largest MEP building systems firms appeals to you and you're ready for the next big step in your career, then JOIN our team and become a part of an organization that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Position Summary

Our internship program is designed to introduce students to a career in the Design/Build HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection industry. Primary responsibility is to assist a design manager or project manager to successfully coordinate a project using the necessary engineering, labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontracted services. This position requires the development of skills in design, estimating and scheduling to better understand the coordination of the design-build construction process.

Position Details

  • Support field labor
  • Labor feedback   
  • Equipment & Subcontractor procurement
  • Document Control
  • Design, Trade & Subcontractor coordination
  • Assist in budget analysis, cost and margin projections, estimate project changes & impacts, etc.
  • Assist in the development of project schedules.

Qualifications

  • You're pursuing a degree that aligns with Southland needs:
    • Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical Engineering
    • Construction Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Safety Sciences
    • Other areas of interest - Building Automation, Energy Management
  • You have an Interest in technical courses - fluids, heat transfer, CM scheduling, finance, etc.
  • A strong work ethic
  • Initiative and drive to get the job done
  • Strong communication skills
  • The ability to be resourceful and resilient
  • Able to solve problems with limited support
  • Quick learner, seeks answers on their own
  • Positive attitude during adverse/non-ideal situations
  • Exercises Accountability in stressful situations (avoids placing blame)
  • Goal Oriented
  • Collaborative spirit and a Good Teammate - has a "We vs. Me" attitude
  • Strong active listening skills
  • Competent general business writing and public speaking

What you'll gain from our Student Programs at Southland Industries:

  • Basic knowledge of HVAC design to include types of equipment utilized in the industry as well as general understanding of system operations (i.e. variable air, constant volume, refrigeration cycle) is desired but not required.
  • The ability to read mechanical and plumbing drawings and identify work installed to track labor feedback accurately.
  • The ability to prepare an equipment delivery log and track status of these orders.
  • You'll learn to communicate effectively with engineers, vendors and suppliers to procure, manage and update the submittal process.
  • Ability to communicate with field foremen in order to write and track Requests for Information (RFI) both internally with our design department and externally with the architect or other designers.
  • Finally, you'll get your hands dirty!

Internship/Co-op Program Benefits:

  • Hands-on classroom and on-the-job experience in your specific role
  • Opportunity to work side by side with company leaders
  • Socially distant group activities and team events
  • Paid housing (some locations)
  • Paid internship/Co-op
  • Potential full-time employment opportunities

Full-time Employee Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you're engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay:  For Maryland-based internship roles, the pay rate is set at $26.00 per hour, in alignment with program guidelines and market standards.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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