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Internship Wayfinding Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Create informational and wayfinding materials, including signage, maps, service alerts, and other ... Experience creating graphic design work through professional employment, internships, freelance ...

Internship Wayfinding Designer information

What is the difference between Internship Wayfinding Designer vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectInternship Wayfinding DesignerJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsRelevant coursework, portfolio, possibly some certifications in design or architectureDesign degree or related certification, portfolio showcasing visual work
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, architecture firms, or public space projectsAdvertising agencies, design studios, or corporate marketing teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in urban planning, architecture, and public space projectsUsed across various industries including advertising, branding, and digital media

The Internship Wayfinding Designer typically focuses on creating signage and navigation systems for physical spaces, often within urban or architectural projects. In contrast, a Junior Graphic Designer works on visual branding, digital media, and print design across diverse industries. While both roles require a strong design portfolio and relevant coursework, the internship role emphasizes spatial and environmental design skills, whereas the junior graphic role centers on visual communication and branding.

How to find a design internship?

To find a design internship, search company career pages, internship platforms, and job boards for entry-level or internship roles in design. Build a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work, and develop skills in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. Networking and reaching out to professionals in the field can also increase opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Wayfinding Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Wayfinding Designer, you need a basic understanding of spatial design, graphic design principles, and proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, typically backed by coursework or a degree in design-related fields. Familiarity with CAD tools, mapping software, and possibly wayfinding systems or environmental graphics standards is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help interns effectively contribute ideas and execute projects. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of clear, user-friendly navigation solutions in complex environments, supporting both the team’s workflow and the end-user experience.

What kinds of projects can an Internship Wayfinding Designer expect to work on, and how do these contribute to professional growth?

As an Internship Wayfinding Designer, you'll typically assist with projects involving the design and placement of signage, maps, and environmental graphics for spaces like campuses, hospitals, or transportation hubs. You'll collaborate closely with senior designers, architects, and sometimes clients to understand user flows and accessibility needs. This hands-on experience not only builds technical skills in design software but also develops your ability to solve real-world navigation challenges, preparing you for more advanced roles in environmental or experiential graphic design.

How to become a wayfinding designer?

To become a wayfinding designer, typically a bachelor's degree in graphic design, environmental design, or a related field is required. Developing skills in visual communication, spatial planning, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software is important. Gaining experience through internships or projects in signage, branding, or environmental graphics can also help build a portfolio and improve job prospects.

What does a design intern do?

A design intern assists with creating visual concepts, developing design materials, and supporting project teams in producing user-friendly wayfinding and signage solutions. They often use design software like Adobe Creative Suite and gain hands-on experience in the design process under supervision. The role provides practical skills and industry exposure for aspiring designers.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

Internship Wayfinding Designer roles, like most internships, are open to individuals of various ages, including those in their early twenties. Age is generally not a barrier if you have the relevant skills, such as proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and a willingness to learn. Employers value skills and enthusiasm over age, making 22 a suitable age for an internship in this field.

What is an Internship Wayfinding Designer?

An Internship Wayfinding Designer is a student or recent graduate who assists with creating signage, maps, and visual cues that help people navigate spaces like airports, hospitals, campuses, and public buildings. The role combines graphic design, spatial planning, and user experience principles to make environments easier to understand and move through. Interns in this field work under experienced designers, gaining hands-on experience in project research, design, and sometimes installation. This position is ideal for those interested in both design and human-centered problem-solving.
What are the most commonly searched types of Wayfinding Designer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Wayfinding Designer jobs in Virginia are:
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Graphic Designer

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join a Mission That Moves Richmond

GRTC is uniquely integrated with the community and offers a range of opportunities, from launching innovative new service designs and building large capital projects to expanding throughout the region and continuing to grow ridership. Joining GRTC also means moving to a vibrant capital city with a nationally renowned arts and culture scene, delicious food, and enormous potential. Located just ten minutes from downtown, GRTC’s headquarters powers 30,000 transit trips a day, with more routes & regional connections in development as well as a second bus rapid transit line that will complement the Pulse, our ITDP Bronze Medal-winning flagship system that serves as the spine of our network.

SUMMARY:

GRTC is seeking a creative Graphic Designer to help bring our brand to life across social media, print, digital, and customer-facing communications.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career designer or recent graduate looking to build a portfolio of meaningful work that reaches thousands of people throughout the Richmond region every day. We're looking for someone with strong Adobe Creative Suite skills, a sharp eye for design, and a portfolio that demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, and visual storytelling.

Whether you're creating social media graphics, marketing materials, signage, or campaign assets, you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact while growing your skills alongside an experienced Marketing and Communications team.

Your portfolio matters more than your years of experience. Show us what you can create.

Portfolio submission is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design engaging visual content for social media, digital platforms, print materials, signage, and marketing campaigns.
  • Create graphics, layouts, and branded materials using Adobe Creative Suite while ensuring consistency with GRTC brand standards.
  • Develop creative assets for customer-facing communications, including flyers, brochures, posters, service announcements, and promotional campaigns.
  • Collaborate with internal departments to translate information into clear, visually appealing communications.
  • Assist with the development and execution of social media content by creating graphics and visual storytelling elements that support marketing objectives.
  • Edit and prepare files for print and digital distribution, ensuring accuracy, quality, and adherence to project specifications.
  • Support the maintenance and implementation of GRTC brand standards across organizational communications and marketing materials.
  • Capture and edit photography and video content for use across marketing, communications, and social media channels.
  • Create informational and wayfinding materials, including signage, maps, service alerts, and other rider communication tools.
  • Assist with campaign planning, concept development, and creative production for agency initiatives and special projects.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
  • Stay current on design trends, accessibility standards, and industry best practices to continuously improve creative output.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

In accordance with our mission statement, additional duties and/or tasks may be assigned to maintain seamless service for the agency.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist Bus Operation Managers with supervision of part-time and full-time Bus Operators.
  • Exercises discretion and independent judgment in making operational decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Education / Experience / Certifications:

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's degree, certificate, coursework, or demonstrated training in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Digital Media, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience creating graphic design work through professional employment, internships, freelance projects, student organizations, academic coursework, or personal portfolio projects preferred.
  • Portfolio demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, visual communication, and Adobe Creative Suite applications required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
  • Strong understanding of graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
  • Ability to create engaging visual content for social media, print, and digital communications.
  • Knowledge of current social media platforms and best practices for visual content development.
  • Ability to interpret concepts, ideas, and information and translate them into effective visual communications.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to receive feedback, adapt designs, and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Working knowledge of photography, video editing, or motion graphics is preferred.
  • Ability to learn and apply brand standards consistently across a variety of communication channels.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


GRTC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WHO VALUES DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE