The eye-catching posters, engaging graphics and dynamic social media posts seen across campus come to life thanks to student designers Carly Carnall and Jeremy Roesner.
As graphic design interns for the Division of Student Affairs, they blend creativity, strategy and technical skill to shape campus communications.
But their work isn’t just about aesthetics — it involves crafting designs that inform, engage and inspire the campus community. Each day brings new challenges, fresh ideas and opportunities to refine their craft.
A day in the life as a graphic design intern
For Carly, each shift requires collaborating with the Marketing and Communicatons team to bring ideas to life. "It all starts with caffeine, then I dive into designing, brainstorming and working with the team," she says.
Jeremy tackles a variety of design projects for events and campus campaigns, ensuring each piece is both creative and functional. He also keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes — "manning the printer to make sure everyone gets their prints done," as he puts it.
While their tasks may differ, one thing is certain: No two days are ever the same, and that’s part of what makes their work exciting.
Creative styles and inspiration
Graphic design is all about individual style, and both Carly and Jeremy bring their own unique approach to the table. Carly describes her design style as authentic, colorful and intentional, drawing inspiration from collaboration.
"Nothing fuels my creativity more than bouncing ideas off other designers," she explains. "There’s something about that creative energy — sharing thoughts, refining concepts and seeing ideas evolve — that makes the process even more rewarding."
For Jeremy, music is key to getting his work done. "As a lover of electronic music, nothing gets me ‘in the design zone’ more than some nice Chill House," he says.
Beyond daily tasks, their experiences have also shaped how they see design, creativity and professional growth.
Lessons learned and advice for future interns
Both interns have grown tremendously in their roles, picking up skills they didn’t expect. Carly has learned the importance of confidence in her work and trusting the creative process.
"Putting your work out there can feel intimidating, but that’s when your best work happens," she says.
Jeremy has gained a new appreciation for working within brand guidelines. "I was anticipating needing to work under the strict IU brand guidelines, but I was pleasantly surprised that I’ve gotten the chance to learn how to merge creativity and professionality while upholding the integrity of the IU brand," he explains.
As for advice? Jeremy has a time-saving tip: "Make some templates for all the different sizes of posters/screens around campus. It’ll make it a lot faster than resizing each design for every project."
What makes this role so fun?
For Carly and Jeremy, this internship is more than just a job — it’s a dynamic, collaborative experience.
"The best part is it rarely feels like work!" Carly says. "The office enviornment strikes the perfect balance of energy and productivity, making each day fun and fulfilling."
Jeremy agrees, noting that the variety of projects challenges him to go beyond his creative comfort zone. But the most rewarding part? Seeing their designs come to life.
"There’s nothing better than knowing a client is just as excited about a design as I am," Carly shares.
Big impact, creative future
As graphic design interns, Carly and Jeremy do more than create visuals — they help shape how students experience campus. Each project encourages them to think creatively, refine their skills and bring ideas to life in meaningful ways.
With every design, they’re gaining hands-on experience and building a foundation for their future careers.
Interested in an internship like Carly and Jeremy’s? Check out Handshake to explore available opportunities with Student Affairs.
