If you’re a student or early-career creative looking to grow your portfolio, gain real-world experience, and contribute to meaningful community work, the United Way Graphic Design Internship is the perfect opportunity.
Offered by United Way of Frederick County, this internship empowers aspiring designers to put their skills into action — producing real designs, for real audiences, with real impact. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what the role involves, who should apply, and how this experience could shape your future in design.
About the United Way Graphic Design Internship
The United Way Graphic Design Internship is more than just another line on your resume. It’s a hands-on, portfolio-building opportunity where interns play a key role in the creation of both digital and print assets used throughout the organization’s marketing, outreach, and events.
From event posters and annual reports to email blasts and web graphics, your work won’t sit on a shelf. It’ll be shared with the community, seen by donors, stakeholders, and residents across Frederick County. Past interns have even led design projects and contributed to large-scale campaigns — a testament to the organization’s belief in giving interns real responsibility.
What You’ll Do
As a graphic design intern, you’ll work closely with United Way’s communications and development team to take content and bring it to life visually. Depending on your skills and interests, your tasks may include:
Designing social media content, posters, infographics, and event banners
Creating and maintaining templates for newsletters and flyers
Retouching and organizing media assets
Replacing outdated graphics with fresh, modern visuals
Supporting campaigns with digital advertisements, brochures, and landing pages
Collaborating on long-form projects such as annual reports and presentations
This internship is designed to be flexible and skill-building. Interns are encouraged to contribute their own creative ideas, propose new formats, and try new tools while learning in a supportive environment.
What You’ll Learn
One of the best parts of the United Way Graphic Design Internship is how much you’ll learn — and not just about design. You’ll be exposed to the full pipeline of how nonprofits plan and execute marketing campaigns.
During your internship, you’ll gain practical experience with:
Branding consistency and visual identity
Campaign development from concept to delivery
Working with content creators, fundraisers, and community outreach staff
Professional design tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.)
Feedback and revision processes within a team setting
Networking with nonprofit professionals and community leaders
You’ll also build a polished portfolio full of high-quality, real-world projects — a powerful asset when applying for future internships or jobs.
Are You a Good Fit?
The United Way Graphic Design Internship is ideal for students pursuing a degree in graphic design or a related creative field. However, what matters more than your transcript is your enthusiasm, professionalism, and creative eye.
You may be a great fit if you:
Are pursuing (or recently completed) a degree in graphic design or communications
Have a strong working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
Can manage projects independently and meet deadlines
Bring creativity and a desire to improve with each piece you design
Thrive in both independent and collaborative environments
Are open to feedback and eager to grow professionally
Bonus skills like photography, video editing, or basic HTML/CSS are a plus, but not required.
Internship Logistics and Requirements
Here are the practical details you should know about the United Way Graphic Design Internship:
Location: Frederick, Maryland
Hours: 8–12 hours per week, spread over 2–3 days
Format: In-office preferred, some remote work may be allowed with supervisor approval
Duration: Varies by semester and availability
Compensation: This is typically an unpaid internship, but offers invaluable experience and networking
Age Requirement: Open to applicants 16 and older
Technology: Interns are expected to bring their own laptops with design software installed
The internship is designed with student schedules in mind — including flexibility during exam periods and holidays.
Why Choose United Way?
United Way of Frederick County isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a community change organization with over 75 years of service. Interning here means joining a team that values:
Innovation: You’ll be encouraged to try new ideas
Inclusiveness: Diversity is not just welcomed, it’s celebrated
Professional Growth: Interns are mentored like team members
Community Impact: Your work helps real people in Frederick
You’ll be surrounded by mission-driven professionals and given the opportunity to build lasting relationships with people in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
How to Apply for the United Way Graphic Design Internship
Ready to apply? Here’s how:
Prepare your materials
You’ll need:A short cover letter
A portfolio (PDF or a link to your online portfolio)
Submit your application
Send your application to:
[email protected]
Use the subject line: Graphic Design InternshipWait for follow-up
If your application is shortlisted, someone from the team will reach out to schedule an interview or request additional information.
Want more info? Visit:
unitedwayfrederick.org/Careers
Conclusion
The United Way Graphic Design Internship isn’t just about gaining experience — it’s about making an impact. Your work will help drive change, tell meaningful stories, and support programs that improve lives.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to elevate your design game, this internship is the perfect opportunity to grow creatively, professionally, and personally.
Apply today and take your first step toward becoming a designer who makes a difference.
