StartupYard seeks Graphic and Web Design Intern in Prague, January 2016
Are you a self-starter looking for real, hands-on experience in graphic and web design, working with a diverse group of startups? We have a job for you. We are seeking a graphic and web design intern to join us in Prague for 3 months in 2016.
Last year, StartupYard welcomed Ian Abildskou, from Denmark, as our in-house graphic design intern. Whatever Ian lacked in experience, he made up for in his enthusiasm, his willingness to try new things, and a very positive attitude. He made a lasting impact on StartupYard, and all the projects that he worked on with us.
Ian (right) with Exec in Residence Phillip.
Over the course of 4 months, in which he spent several days a week at the StartupYard offices, first working with the StartupYard team, and then our 2015 startups, Ian designed our new logo, and a presentation on the Czech tech ecosystem that was among the most popular content we have generated all year. In addition, Ian contributed to the designs of almost all of the 2015 startups’ logos, and to many of their websites and other marketing materials as well.
Dates: January 2016 – April 2016
The Job
We are looking for someone like Ian, who wants to gain some professional experience working on real startups, with real users and real products. The designs that this person works on will be seen by potentially millions of people who use the products and services our startups create.
The candidate should be familiar with basic visual effects software such as Photoshop, visual design software like Fireworks, as well as basic website design tools like Dreamweaver. The candidate doesn’t need to be a photoshop wizard or a total ace when it comes to website design and CSS, but they have to be willing to learn, and interested in receiving guidance and feedback.
A “good eye” is essential. Someone interested in photography and drawing, with some experience in those areas, will have an advantage.
The internship will be what this person makes it. Whether they choose to come in just a few times a week, or to devote themselves more fully to the learning opportunity we offer, this person will have the chance to work with up to 10 new companies, all of whom will be looking for help designing logos, making web pages, crafting email templates, and making ads for social media, among many other creative tasks.
They will experience the day-to-day challenges of working with startups, including having to deal with unclear or incomplete ideas and requests, and having to tweak and re-work designs and ideas many times, until a consensus can be reached. Startups learn by doing, so the candidate will have to be prepared for shifting objectives and shifting focus. If you are willing to hear: “I love it… but we need to completely change it,” then this is the place for you.
The candidate must also be willing to have and to share their opinions and ideas. Startups don’t always know when they need help, so the ideal candidate will speak up when they think something needs doing. Startups also don’t always know what works best, so a great intern isn’t afraid to disagree, and to fight for their ideas.
Language
As StartupYard’s program is conducted entirely in English, good communications skills in English are essential to this position. Czech language skills will not be factored into the selection of candidates, so Czechs or non-Czechs should not hesitate to apply.
The Benefits
Aside from small perks like free lunches (the first month of the program), and free coffee and other snacks while working, the intern will have the opportunity to meet and interact with many of StartupYard’s influential and interesting mentors, many of whom run successful businesses, and may provide valuable contacts for work and professional development.
During the second month of the program, StartupYard hosts dozens of challenging and informative workshops, which the intern will be encouraged to take advantage of. This will give the person an opportunity to learn about working in startups, picking up valuable knowledge about marketing, sales, UX/UI design, and other fields related to their work. We don’t want an intern just to put them to work- we want to help this person in their professional development, and the StartupYard team will spare time for guidance, direction, and encouragement when needed.
Over the course of the program, the intern will have a chance to build an impressive portfolio, and the bragging rights that go along with having their work featured by real, working businesses. The intern will have many opportunities to showcase their work to people who may be hiring, such as at StartupYard’s Demo Day, and StartupYard will reward hard work with strong recommendations and other help landing a job after the internship is up.
In addition, there will be startups leaving our program with the need for graphic and web designers. The candidate may have the opportunity for further paid work with those companies following the program.
Logistics
As this is an unpaid internship, the ideal candidate is a student or young professional who will be in Prague during the internship period, and will provide for their own accommodations and living expenses during that period. We would expect the intern to spend a minimum of 10-12 hours a week at the accelerator, and any effort above and beyond that amount would be welcome and encouraged.
Join Us
If you’re a student or a young professional looking for a leg-up in the startup business, and real, hands-on experience in design, then StartupYard is offering you an unmatched opportunity.
In order to apply, please click on the button below and submit a CV, along with a portfolio or a few representative samples of your work. If you have a personal webpage, or a LinkedIn profile, please provide a link to that as well.
