Application Guide
How to Apply for Visual Design Intern
at World Resources Institute
🏢 About World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization dedicated to creating a sustainable future by addressing critical challenges in climate, energy, water, and more. Working here means contributing to impactful, science-based solutions that shape policy and practice worldwide, with a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration.
About This Role
As a Visual Design Intern, you'll play a key role in enhancing WRI's communication efforts by creating compelling visual assets that translate complex data into accessible formats. Your work will directly support the Restore Local initiative, helping to communicate its mission and impact to diverse audiences through presentations, social media, and donor materials.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking emails and reviewing project briefs, then diving into design work – perhaps refining a presentation template or creating social media graphics for a campaign. You'd likely have check-ins with the communications team to discuss progress and get feedback, and spend time collaborating with subject matter experts to understand data and create infographics. The afternoon could involve updating the Canva platform with new assets or testing templates for usability, ensuring everything aligns with WRI's brand guidelines.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who World Resources Institute Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to World Resources Institute
Tailor your portfolio to include examples of template design, infographics, and social media graphics, especially any projects that involved data visualization or non-profit themes.
In your application, explicitly mention your experience with Canva, as it's a key tool for this role, and describe any work you've done building or improving Canva platforms.
Research Restore Local and WRI's current projects, and incorporate that knowledge into your cover letter to show genuine interest and initiative.
Highlight any experience collaborating with diverse teams or translating complex information into accessible designs, as this is a core part of the role.
Ensure your application is visually appealing – since you're a designer, your resume and cover letter should themselves demonstrate your design skills, but keep them professional and easy to read.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Emphasize your passion for sustainability and how your design skills can contribute to WRI's mission. - Showcase specific examples of your design work that align with the role's responsibilities, such as creating templates or infographics. - Demonstrate your proficiency with Canva and Adobe Creative Suite, and mention any relevant coursework or independent projects. - Express your interest in the Restore Local initiative and how you can help communicate its impact.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore WRI's website to understand their core mission, current projects, and the Restore Local initiative specifically.
- → Look at WRI's recent publications and social media to see their visual style and how your design could fit in.
- → Research the Netherlands office and its role within WRI's global network, as this is where you'll be based.
- → Familiarize yourself with Canva's advanced features, as you'll be expected to build and improve templates on this platform.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a portfolio that is not tailored to the role – make sure it includes relevant work like templates, infographics, and digital assets.
- Ignoring the company's mission – failing to show genuine interest in sustainability or WRI's work can be a major turn-off.
- Overlooking the importance of Canva – even if you're strong in Adobe, neglecting to mention or demonstrate Canva skills could be a missed opportunity.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to World Resources Institute!