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What design strategies can strengthen MEDA’s brand and enhance both internal and external communications?
Project Type
Internship
Duration
5 Months
Role
Graphic Design Intern
Team
Dir. Corporate & Creative Communications Senior Graphic Designer
Graphic Design Intern (me🙋🏻♀️)
Web Designer
Communications Coordinator
Project Overview
During my 5-month summer internship with MEDA, I collaborated with the Senior Graphic Designer to develop campaign visuals and brand communications that supported the organization’s marketing goals. My role involved designing creative materials such as itinerary guidebooks, postcards, sponsorship pamphlets, and animated content tailored for diverse audiences. I also led the production and creative direction of tutorial and corporate communication videos that streamlined internal IT and creative management processes. This experience strengthened my ability to blend storytelling with strategy, manage end-to-end design production, and create impactful visual materials that enhanced MEDA’s brand communication efforts.
the power of youth engagement <3
☀️ Summer highlights
What stood out most during my summer at MEDA was the people. I got to know coworkers from different departments, made real friendships, and worked very closely with the Senior Graphic Designer, who became a mentor and someone I could constantly learn from. Collaborating day to day helped me become more comfortable sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and understanding how design work functions in a professional environment.
One of the most memorable moments was meeting Minister Bardish Chagger and speaking with her about youth engagement and the impact of MEDA’s work in communities. I was also featured in a MEDA article about the internship program, where I shared my thoughts on youth engagement and how young people can contribute to positive change through their work.
Overall, the summer was shaped by the relationships I built, learning from my teammates, and being part of a supportive team that made the experience meaningful both professionally and personally.
💡 What did I learn?
1. What a design approach looks like from a non-profit perspective
For my summer projects, I was tasked with designing for diverse cultures, specifically those where Chick-fil-A was expanding. Creating designs for an international corporate audience necessitates a deep understanding of various cultural perspectives, communication styles, and business practices. I learned the importance of developing designs that are not only visually appealing and functional across different markets but also considerate of cultural sensitivities, language barriers, and regional preferences.
2. It all starts with a "hello!" 👋🏼
During my internship, I learned how important it is to network and get to know the work of others. By talking to colleagues from different backgrounds, I gained valuable insights into their skills and perspectives. I discovered how to communicate effectively and build relationships, which helped me understand the industry better. This experience showed me the value of connecting with people, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other. By learning about different roles and approaches, I was able to expand my understanding and enhance the quality of my own work.
3. Confidence is key
As a designer, it's essential to believe in the value and quality of the work I create. Confidence not only helps me present ideas more effectively but also allows me to advocate for design decisions with clarity and conviction. However, design is a collaborative field, and while it's important to stand behind my work, it's equally crucial to stay open to feedback and other designers' perspectives. Constructive input often leads to stronger, more innovative solutions. Balancing confidence with humility ensures that I'm constantly growing, learning, and improving as a designer.
Key Takeaways
Working at MEDA made me realize design isn’t just about visuals, it’s about supporting the organization’s mission. Since MEDA focuses on helping entrepreneurs and communities build economic opportunities, everything we created needed to be clear and approachable. I started thinking more about how people would understand the message and feel connected to the impact, not just whether the design looked good.
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