Summer Intern - Creative Services

Summer Intern- Creative Services

Build your design portfolio with real agency campaigns. Create print, video, and digital work for 6.2 million Virginians. Graphic design students: stop designing hypothetical posters for imaginary clients. Come create real campaign materials that will be seen by millions. You'll work on multiple active campaigns—Mobile ID, recruitment initiatives, internal communications, and more—with guaranteed wide distribution both inside and outside the agency. Your summer portfolio By the end of 10 weeks, you'll have professional work across multiple formats: print pieces (posters, flyers), video content (social media and broadcast-ready spots), and infographics that communicate complex DMV information visually. The project: creative services multi-campaign design Design visual communications across print, digital, and video for active DMV campaigns and initiatives. You'll rotate through different projects based on agency priorities, gaining exposure to campaign development, project management, and working with real stakeholders who have real deadlines.

What you'll create Print design:

• Posters for internal and public-facing campaigns
• Flyers for recruitment, awareness, and program promotion
• Guidance documents with clear visual hierarchy
• Materials that need to work in both digital and physical formats

Video production:

• Social media video content (15-30 seconds)
• Broadcast-quality 30-second spots
• Motion graphics and animated elements
• Video editing and post-production work

Infographics & data visualization:

• Complex information translated into accessible visuals
• Process flows and instructional graphics
• Data visualization for internal and public audiences
• Information design that makes DMV services easier to understand

Active campaigns you'll work on:

• Mobile ID: Promotional materials for Virginia's digital driver's license
• Educational content showing how the technology works
• User adoption campaign materials
• Always driving forward: DMV's internal brand campaign
• Employee engagement materials
• Culture and values communications
• Recruitment initiatives: Hiring campaign materials
• Employer branding content
• Materials targeting specific candidate pools
• Guidance documents: Visual communications that explain DMV policies and procedures
• Instructional design for complex processes
• User-friendly reference materials

What you'll learn Design skills:

• Multi-format design (print, digital, video)
• Campaign development from concept to execution
• Branding consistency across materials
• Designing for diverse audiences (employees, public, industry partners)

Professional experience:

• Real client feedback and revision processes
• Working within brand guidelines and government standards
• Meeting actual deadlines with real consequences
• Presenting design concepts to stakeholders

Project management:

• Juggling multiple projects simultaneously
• Prioritizing work based on agency needs
• Collaborating across teams (Communications, HR, program areas)
• Managing feedback and revisions professionally

Portfolio development:

• Print pieces you can showcase
• Video work with real distribution
• Before/after examples showing your process
• Case studies explaining campaign objectives

Why this experience matters:

• Guaranteed audience: Unlike student projects or spec work, everything you create will be seen. Internal campaigns reach 3,000+ DMV employees. External materials reach 6.2 million licensed drivers and millions more through social media and public distribution. Your work will have actual impact and measurable reach.
• Portfolio quality: Design employers want to see real client work, not just classroom projects. You'll leave with professional pieces that show you can work within constraints, meet deadlines, incorporate feedback, and create effective communications for real audiences.
• Versatility: Most design internships focus on one medium. You'll do print, video, and digital—showing range and adaptability that makes you more competitive in the job market.
• Resume translation: "Created multi-format design campaigns for state agency serving 6.2 million residents, including print materials, video content, and infographics for public awareness and recruitment initiatives"

Minimum qualifications:

• 18+ years old
• Completed at least 2 semesters (24 credit hours) by May 2026 and currently enrolled OR graduated December 2025/May 2026
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Strong communication and presentation skills (you'll present work examples)
• Organizational skills for managing multiple projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365
• Analytical thinking for visual problem-solving
• Available 40 hours/week on-site

Ideal candidates:

• Completed 4+ semesters (48+ credit hours)
• Majoring in graphic design (or related visual communications field)
• Recent graduates (Dec 2025 or May 2026)
• Portfolio showcasing print, digital, and/or video work (required)
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere/After Effects)
• Experience with motion graphics and video editing a plus

Technical skills needed:

• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency (especially Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Video editing software (Premiere Pro, After Effects, or equivalent)
• Understanding of print production and file preparation
• Typography and layout fundamentals
• Visual hierarchy and information design

You'll excel if you:

• Can work across different design formats and mediums
• Take feedback professionally and iterate quickly
• Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Think about how design serves communication goals
• Want real portfolio pieces, not just student work
• Are excited about creating work that reaches millions

Special instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Required documents: Resume, unofficial transcript (official required upon hire), portfolio or link to online portfolio (REQUIRED) - Include examples of print, digital, and video work if available. Important details: Part-time hourly position (no state benefits), no housing or relocation assistance, on-site only (no remote work), no visa sponsorship. Background and driver history checks required.

Contact information:

Name: DMV Employment

Phone: (804) 367-0528

Email: employment@dmv.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-connected veterans are encouraged to answer veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.