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Student Design Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... students navigate campus resources, and assist professional staff with general office duties. 5. ... design skills and experience for project-based assignments requested by the department (this ...

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Student Design Assistant information

What is a student design assistant?

Student Design Assistants are typically university or college students who support design teams by assisting with creative projects, preparing visual materials, and helping with design-related tasks. They work under the supervision of professional designers or faculty, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as graphic design, digital media, or marketing. These roles provide students with valuable exposure to real-world projects, enhance their technical skills, and help build their professional portfolios. Student Design Assistants may work in academic departments, campus organizations, or external companies.

What are the typical responsibilities of a student design assistant during a project cycle?

As a Student Design Assistant, your core responsibilities often include supporting lead designers with research, preparing draft layouts, creating visual assets, and assisting with revisions based on feedback. You'll likely collaborate closely with other students, faculty, or professional staff, depending on the setting, and may be involved in brainstorming sessions or client meetings. Throughout a project cycle, you can expect to manage multiple tasks, such as organizing files, updating design documentation, and communicating progress to the team. This role offers valuable exposure to real-world design processes and helps build practical skills for future advancement.

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

To thrive as a Student Design Assistant, you need a solid understanding of design principles, basic proficiency in graphic design or drafting, and current enrollment in a related degree program. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or AutoCAD is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to take feedback constructively are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality design work, meeting project deadlines, and effectively supporting senior designers.

What is the difference between Student Design Assistant vs Design Intern?

AspectStudent Design AssistantDesign Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in design or related programEnrolled in design or related program
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, university projectsCompany or agency offices, real-world projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, educational institutionsDesign firms, creative agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles for studentsExploring internship opportunities in design

Both roles typically require students to be enrolled in a design-related program and involve assisting with design projects. The main difference is that Student Design Assistants often work within academic settings or university projects, while Design Interns usually work in professional design firms or agencies on real-world projects. Understanding these distinctions helps students find the right opportunity aligned with their career goals.

What does a student design assistant do?

A student design assistant supports design projects by creating visual materials, assisting with layout and graphics, and using design software such as Adobe Creative Suite. They often work under the supervision of senior designers and may help with tasks like drafting, editing, and preparing presentations or prototypes. This role provides practical experience in design processes and tools while contributing to project development.

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

The most popular types of Student Design jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Student Design Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Student Design Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Design Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Design Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Student Design Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Student Design Assistant job openings:

Student Graphic Design Assistant - Federal Work Study

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


James Madison University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Student Graphic Design Assistant - Federal Work Study
Job no: 20002121
Work type: Federal Work Study
Location: Harrisonburg
Categories: Student Employment
Working Title: Student Graphic Design Assistant - Federal Work Study
State Role Title: N/A
Position Type: Federal Work Study
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: N/A
College/Division: Advancement Marketing
Department: 100445 - Advancement Marketing
Pay Band:
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $13-15 hour
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? N/A
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A
Beginning Review Date: 07/31/2026
General Information:
Kickstart your creative career while you're taking classes at JMU!
JMU's Philanthropic Communications team is looking for a talented and motivated Student Graphic Design Assistant to join our collaborative, fast-paced environment. In this role, you'll gain real-world design experience and work on meaningful projects seen across campus while building a strong, diverse portfolio - and get paid for it. If you're passionate about visual storytelling, enjoy both independent and team-based work, and want hands-on experience with professional marketing projects, this is your opportunity.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Create designs for print, emails, web, and social media projects using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
• Collaborate with the Philanthropic Communications team and the departments we serve for design edits and feedback
• Be creative while working within the JMU brand guidelines
• Work both collaboratively and independently
• Meet project deadlines
Qualifications:
• You must be a current JMU student (enrolled in at least 6 credits) who qualifies for Federal Work Study.* (Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application for a FWS job. You can log on to your MyMadison and under Finances click 'View My Financial Aid'. Click on the current Aid Year. Copy and paste your award information into a Word document, and save. This document can be sent electronically along with your application when applying for FWS jobs. As soon as you have verification of your FWS eligibility, you can begin applying for FWS positions.)
• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to complete beginner-level tasks and projects
• Detail-oriented with strong written communication skills
• Effective time management and prioritization skills
• Knowledge or experience in the following is also helpful: Writing, AP style, Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, Lightroom Classic, photography experience
Additional Posting Information:
Hours:
• This position is 10-12 hours per week.
• Hours must be worked between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the semester. (We will determine your work schedule based on your availability.)
• Provided you continue to remain eligible for Federal Work Study, it may be possible for you to retain this position for future fall and/or spring semesters.
Work Location: Sonner Hall (next to College of Business)
Conditions of Employment:
EEO Statement:
Reasonable Accommodation:
Advertised: 07 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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