Graphic Designer Internship– Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

Description :Your primary focus as a Consumer Marketing – Graphic Designer Intern will be in the following areas:Brand CreativeAce delivers a unique brand message that combines the three key values of service, convenience, and quality. We differentiate in the market by illustrating to our consumer that our associates are knowledgeable, our stores are closer and faster, and we have quality brands and differentiated products that we stand behind.Work with In-house Creative Team to learn creative strategy and execution in all mediums.Support senior level in creation of various omni-channel creative –including web, email, app, display and socialNational PromotionsAs part of our annual marketing plan, Ace will coordinate the national planning, marketing and execution of consumer driven sales events.Review and contribute creative feedback on sales campaign creative across channelsParticipate in creating promotional creative for key categories & brandsLocal MarketingDrive best practices, brand consistency, speed to market and customization that makes each individual store stronger in their local market.Develop hyper local media assets (digital, email, social)The ideal intern will possess the following:Working towards a bachelor’s degree in the following area(s): Graphic Design, Digital Design or UI design for marketing and/or advertisingEntering Senior year of college (either Dec 26' or May 27' graduate)Solid understanding of retail advertising and marketing best practices of a small businessProficient in Adobe Creative Suite & Figma – Online Portfolio PreferredCreative thinker with a strong sense of user-centered design principles, responsive design, accessibility and what’s required for a great user interface. Interested in ideas but understands execution is equally important.Proficient with Macintosh platform (OSX)Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel Power Point)Strong oral and written communication skillsAnalytical and problem-solving skillsAdaptability and ability to learn quickly in high-pressure environmentsAmbitious self-starter who has demonstrated the ability to contribute as an effective team memberExcellent time management and organizational skillsDemonstrated motivation and initiative to succeedKnowledge and interest in Ace Hardware CorporationAbility to work 40 hours per week, Monday -Friday for 12 weeksWillingness and ability to give presentations to colleagues, managers, and directorsAce Hardware (headquartered in Oak Brook, IL) is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks.Ace has retained its #5 position in the annual Franchise Times Top 400 List in 2023. Unmatched customer service is a cornerstone of the Ace Hardware brand. We are a 100-year-old retailer that supports its owners with programs that leverage their local expertise, giving them a distinct advantage over their big box competitors and has resulted in Ace retailers being named by JD Powers #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retailers, 16 out of 18 years. The Helpful Spirit transcends the enterprise with Ace Hardware Corporation consistently ranking amongst the top workplaces in Chicagoland.Ace Hardware corporate headquarters is about 20 miles west of Chicago and you’ll get the very best of city and suburban life – prestigious shopping, dining, recreation, performing arts and historical neighborhoods. Our brand new corporate facility opened in September 2023 and has state of the amenities such as a work-out facility, underground parking and upscale cafeteria. We work in the office the majority of the week and enjoy everything our new facility has to offer together as a team.The Ace Internship program allows you to apply skills and knowledge you're learning in College today, while contributing in a hands-on environment to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning. Here’s what you will take away from your experience:Real hands-on experience in your assigned department/function with day-to-day projects, responsibilities, accountabilities and deadlines.Opportunity to display your skills during your “Final Pitch” presentationQ & A with Ace’s CEO and Senior Leadership teamResume Workshop to help you prepare for future opportunitiesOpportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware FoundationTeambuilding activitiesHourly competitive compensation12-week full time programYour internship experience at Ace will give you the knowledge and skills future employers will look for Want to hear more? Please review our Glassdoor comments from former interns Want to be notified when new jobs are posted? Follow the link below to create an account and set up custom job alerts: