Breaking into the Industry: How to Land Your First Graphic Design Job or Internship

Intro

Breaking into the graphic design industry can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out and competing with designers who already have experience. But don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere. As a senior graphic design major, I’ve been through the process of applying, interviewing, and learning what employers are really looking for. Here are my top tips to help you land that first job or internship and kickstart your creative career.

Build a Portfolio that Speaks for You

Before anything else, employers want to see your work. A strong portfolio is your most powerful tool.
- Include 6–10 high-quality, polished projects.
- Show a range of skills and branding, UI/UX, editorial design, etc.
- Walk viewers through your process. Don’t just show the final result—explain your thinking.

Tip: Tailor your portfolio to the kind of roles you’re applying for. If you want to go into branding, show branding work first.

Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume should be clean, professional, and visually on-brand with your portfolio. Keep it one page and highlight:

  • Technical skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma)

  • Soft skills (communication, time management)

  • Relevant experience, even if it’s freelance, volunteer, or student work

Your cover letter is your chance to show personality. Customize it for each job. Mention why you’re excited about the company and how your design skills can add value.

Network Like a Designer

Networking might sound intimidating, but it can be as simple as:

  • Reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn

  • Attending local or virtual design events and portfolio reviews

  • Participating in design communities like AIGA, Behance, or Reddit forums

Sometimes opportunities come from conversations—instead of job boards.

Apply Strategically (and Creatively)

You don’t have to apply to 100 places to get one “yes.” Instead:

  • Look for companies that align with your style or values

  • Follow up on applications with a polite email

  • Consider designing a custom résumé or application piece for a job you really want

Bonus tip: Apply for internships even if they’re not labeled as “entry-level”—many companies are flexible if you show initiative and talent.

Practice Interviewing and Talking About Your Work

In interviews, you’ll likely be asked to walk through your portfolio. Practice talking about your process, challenges, and design choices with confidence.

  • Why did you choose that color palette?

  • What problem did your design solve?

  • How did you adapt based on feedback?

Also, be prepared for questions like:

  • What are your favorite design trends?

  • What tools do you use most?

  • Where do you get inspiration?

Be Open to Freelance and Contract Work

If full-time roles are hard to find right away, freelance gigs and internships are excellent stepping stones. They give you real-world experience, grow your network, and sometimes even turn into permanent roles.

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, Working Not Working, and local Facebook groups or job boards can be great places to start.

Stay Current and Keep Creating

The design world moves fast. Stay inspired and up to date by:

  • Following design blogs and podcasts

  • Exploring new tools and techniques

  • Continuously adding new work to your portfolio, even if it’s personal or passion projects

Final Thoughts

Landing your first design job or internship takes time, effort, and persistence, but it’s absolutely possible. With a strong portfolio, smart applications, and a little hustle, you can get your foot in the door and begin building a career that excites and inspires you.

Got any questions about job hunting or interviews? Drop them in the comments, I’d love to help!