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Design Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

As an IBM intern, you won't just gain experience - you'll start thinking, working, and growing like ... Design Thinking Workshops: Engage in dynamic design workshops with multiple stakeholders ...

As an IBM intern, you won't just gain experience - you'll start thinking, working, and growing like ... Design Thinking Workshops: Engage in dynamic design workshops with multiple stakeholders ...

As an IBM intern, you won't just gain experience - you'll start thinking, working, and growing like ... Design Thinking Workshops: Engage in dynamic design workshops with multiple stakeholders ...

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Design Intern information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$18

$35

How much do design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for design intern in Illinois is $18.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a design intern typically expect during their internship?

As a Design Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with concept development, creating digital and print assets, and supporting the design team with research and brainstorming sessions. Interns often have the opportunity to contribute to real client projects under the guidance of experienced designers, allowing for both skill development and portfolio growth. You may also collaborate closely with other departments like marketing or product teams, gaining insight into how design supports broader business objectives. The workload is usually a mix of independent assignments and team-based projects, providing a well-rounded internship experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Intern, you need a basic understanding of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design or visual arts, typically supported by coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and collaborative tools like Figma is usually expected. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and time management are soft skills that help you excel and learn quickly. These abilities are crucial for contributing effectively to design projects, adapting to team workflows, and building a foundation for a future design career.

What is the difference between Design Intern vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign InternGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in design or related fieldFormal education often preferred; professional experience valued
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or temporary, in creative agencies or companiesFull-time or freelance roles in various industries, including advertising, publishing, and digital media
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employeesEstablished role for creating visual content across multiple platforms

In summary, a Design Intern is typically a student or recent graduate gaining practical experience, while a Graphic Designer is a professional responsible for creating visual content with more independence and expertise.

What does a design intern do?

A design intern assists with creating visual concepts, layouts, and prototypes for projects using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. They support the design team by conducting research, gathering feedback, and refining designs to meet project goals, often gaining hands-on experience in the creative process. The role typically involves collaboration, learning industry standards, and developing skills in graphic or UI/UX design.

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

The most popular types of Design jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Design Intern jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,056 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Merchandising Product Design Admin Intern

Li & Fung Limited

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities?
Here is what you need to know about the job:
Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking an exciting opportunity to launch your career in home decor merchandising, product creation, and design?
Here is what you need to know about the job:
The Merchandising Admin Assistant Intern for the Miles Hard Goods Division plays a vital supportive role in bringing home decor products from concept to reality. Working closely with the creative and merchandising teams, this intern will gain hands-on experience in trend research, product development, design coordination, and day-to-day creative operations. This position is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented student or recent graduate eager to learn the world of lifestyle fashion, design aesthetics, and client presentation from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design & Trend Support: Assist the merchandising team in researching current home decor trends, sourcing inspiration, and putting together seasonal mood boards and color palettes.
  • Product Creation & Development: Support the lifecycle of product development by organizing design sketches, updating style sheets, and tracking fabric, materials, and finish selections.
  • Sample Management: Coordinate the logistics of product and decor samples. This includes unpacking new prototypes, styling/arranging them for review, labeling, and tracking approvals between design teams and vendors.
  • Artwork & Packaging Coordination: Assist in tracking product artwork timelines and gathering commercial packaging details, ensuring the visual branding matches the design vision.
  • Showroom & Presentation Prep: Help organize and prepare product specifications, visual presentation boards, and materials needed for client meetings and the tender process.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Support clear follow-ups and communication between local creative teams, overseas development offices, and vendor designers.

Qualifications:
  • Current undergraduate student or recent graduate looking to gain experience in Merchandising, Interior Design, Fashion, Product Development, or a related creative field.
  • A strong eye for home decor trends, color, and textile aesthetics.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and razor-sharp attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-centric mindset.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, creative environment.
  • A collaborative team player with a positive, eager-to-learn attitude.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with visual platforms or design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a strong plus.

Important Notice: Fraudulent Communications: It has come to our attention that there are people posing as representatives of Li & Fung. These imposters may offer false opportunities including fake employment offers and other fraudulent opportunities by email or other means of communication. Please beware of such fraudulent communications. If you are in doubt as to the legitimacy of any communications purportedly from Li & Fung, please verify with us by contacting LFHR@lifung.com.
#lftrading #lifung #internship #homedecor #productdevelopment #fashionmerchandising
If this sounds like you, Apply Now!
If this sounds like you, Apply Now!
As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.