UNPAID Internships - Graphic Design

WHO IS USA LACROSSE

USA Lacrosse, a non-profit organization, is the governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse in the United States, leading the U.S. National Teams Program and establishing universal standards.  With nearly 400,000 members, we provide national leadership, structure, and resources to fuel and unify the sport's growth and enrich the experience of its players, coaches, officials, parents, and program leaders. 

USA Lacrosse believes a diverse team best positions our organization to fulfill its mission. We strive to attract and maintain a team of talented and dedicated professionals who represent the diverse nature of our membership and the national lacrosse community.  We are committed to a team culture that ensures everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included.

Core Values

• We Influence - Written and Verbal Communication
• We Serve - Customer Focused
• We Create & Innovate - Creativity
• We Collaborate - Peer Relationships
• We are Humble & Honest - Integrity and Trust
• We Embrace Individuality - Diversity
• We Have Fun – Work Hard and Play Hard

If this aligns with who you are and what you are looking for in an organization, keep reading. 

POSITION SUMMARY

A Typical Day Looks Like…

Essential Functions

• Assists with the creation of visual assets for both digital and print use, including social media graphics, flyers, email templates, and event materials.
• Supports the design team by updating existing creative templates and revising in-progress projects.
• Collaborates with the Art Director and marketing team to ensure alignment with brand guidelines and visual consistency across all materials.
• Organizes and manages design files using established file naming conventions and internal tools.
• Participates in brainstorming sessions and team meetings to contribute creative ideas for campaigns and initiatives.
• Stays current on design trends and techniques to bring fresh, innovative perspectives to projects.
• Provides general support on design-related tasks as needed, including production prep and asset resizing.

What You Will Gain as an Intern

• The opportunity to gain hands-on real-world professional experience in your field of study/interest outside the academic setting.
• You will see how different departments work together and understand their responsibilities within an organization.
• You will learn how to collaborate with peers and see the internal working environment within an organization.
• The opportunity to work with multiple departments within USA Lacrosse to understand what they do and how they work with other departments within the organization.
• You will gain the ability to meet with members of our leadership and management team to learn their “why.”
• The opportunity to work hands on at an event hosted by USA Lacrosse at our headquarters office.

What Will Be Expected of You

• You will report to work each day you are scheduled on time, presenting yourself in a professional manner though your appearance and interactions with others.
• You are empowered to ask questions to help learn and understand not only what you are doing, but why you are doing It.
• You will be asked to complete a "final report" about your internship experience to Include:
  • What did you learn about USA Lacrosse. 
  • What did you learn about your field of study and the responsibilities of the department you worked in.   
  • Explain your roles and responsibilities and talk about any project(s) you did.   
  • Reflect on skills and work habits you learned that you will take with you as you start your career.  
  • Reflect on skills and work habits you learned that you will not be taking with you as you start your career.   

Is This You…

• Current college student working toward a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field looking for an unpaid or for credit internship.   
• Ability to work 15 to 30 hours starting in May and ending in August. 
• Demonstrated passion for visual storytelling, branding, and marketing design.
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator).
• Strong attention to detail and an understanding of basic design principles including layout, color, and typography.
• Ability to follow brand guidelines and work within existing templates while also contributing fresh ideas.
• Familiarity with designing for both print and digital platforms preferred.
• Intermediate computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. 
• Enthusiastic go-getter with a “roll up your sleeves” and “get it done” attitude. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, follow up/through skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.   
• Strong communication skills, including interpersonal, verbal and written. 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  Must possess a strong “customer first” attitude.     
• Ability to exercise the appropriate level of discretion and judgment with the capability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information and materials.   
• Ability to present a professional persona and presence to build relationships and establish credibility.   
• Ability to be flexible with your work schedule, including the ability to work some nights and weekends based on event schedules.   
• Willingness to learn about the sport of lacrosse and appreciate the need to develop and fuel the growth of the sport with diversity, inclusion, and equity in mind.    
• Ability to align with USA Lacrosse’s Mission, Vision, and Values and Strategic Plan to support our initiatives and organizational goals.  

Expected Hours of Work

This is an unpaid/for credit internship at USA Lacrosse. The intern is expected to work between 30-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday with flexible hours between 8:00am and 5:00pm.  There may be occasional requirements for longer hours during the week and/or weekends based on events and other business needs. This position will work from our headquarters office in Sparks, MD.  Please note, we do not offer housing for this internship program.  All candidates must live within a commutable distance from Sparks, MD. 

Compensation & Benefits Overview

This is an unpaid/for credit internship. 

USA Lacrosse offers its Interns the following benefits:   

• Flexible work schedule during business hours.
• Discounts on USA Lacrosse merchandise. 
• Free onsite gym at HQ office. 
• Free parking.

EEO Statement

USA Lacrosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military status, veteran status, or any other status/characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. USA Lacrosse believes diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success as an organization, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.