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Design Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Company Description Bitarchitects, LLC is a boutique design studio at the heart of Washington DC. A ... The daily meeting attendance is mandatory (the intern that cannot join the meeting must send an ...

Company Description Bitarchitects, LLC is a boutique design studio at the heart of Washington DC. A ... The daily meeting attendance is mandatory (the intern that cannot join the meeting must send an ...

Intern

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Intern opportunity for specific department within VAE; Software, Security, Network, Admin, Operations, Project Management, Systems, Design, or Human Resources, etc. Learn key skills for future career ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Intern information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$20

$38

How much do design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for design intern in Reston, VA is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $22.88 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, preparing drafts, and gaining hands-on experience in the design process, often under supervision and within a structured internship program.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Design jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Design Intern jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Design Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Intern job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,595 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Design and Visuals Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, DC • On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Internship OpportunitiesThe Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments. About FDD's Internship ProgramThe Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Design and Visuals InternThe Design Team is seeking a full-time or part-time Design and Visuals Intern to assist with digital content, graphic design, and data visualization. The selected candidate will support the design of FDD-branded materials across digital and print platforms. This includes creating graphics, developing data visualizations, designing UI/UX elements for digital products, and helping prepare multimedia content for online distribution. Previous knowledge and skills in Adobe Premiere, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and Canva are preferred. Experience with data visualization tools and web design principles is highly valued. An interest in international affairs and national security is also a plus. EligibilityMust have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: Digital Design, Marketing, Branding, International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week, remote or in-office.Must be eligible to work in the United States. Application Materials RequiredResume/CVCover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)Examples of your previous work in graphic design or social mediaUnofficial transcript copyPlease specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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