📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Motion Graphics Student
🔹 Company: Daktronics
🔹 Location: South Dakota, United States (Remote OK)
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time, Other
🔹 Category: Design, Art
🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing and creating animations and static artwork for LED and LCD displays
- Collaborating with teams to understand customer vision and develop creative solutions
- Working on projects that enhance the end user experience in various retail, commercial, and sports niches
- Gaining hands-on experience and mentorship to prepare for full-time employment
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for a student looking to gain practical experience in motion graphics and digital art while working on real-world projects.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and create animations for video and message displays using 2D graphics and video editing applications
✅ Design and create static artwork for LED and LCD displays using various graphics editing applications
✅ Produce and present design and animations from concept to completion for sponsors, sales, and consumer/fan enhancement
✅ Collaborate with teams to understand the market or customer vision and develop on-target creative solutions
✅ Create artistic content targeted at a variety of display sizes and adhere to the customer branding
✅ Create concepts of display projects, along with animations and graphic frames for demonstrations and presentations to customers
✅ Learn Daktronics products and control systems
✅ Anticipate customer concerns in the context of revisions
✅ Work within a creative project management system
✅ Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong understanding of design principles and the ability to articulate ideas through visualization and 3D technical graphics.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor’s degree program in Visual Graphics, Motion Graphics, Graphic Design, or a related field
Experience: None specified, but candidates should be in their sophomore or junior year of school
Required Skills:
- Strong demonstrated understanding of design principles
- Talent to clearly articulate ideas through visualization and 3D technical graphics
- Fluent in English, both written and verbal
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good organizational skills
- Self-motivation
- Willingness to learn
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Skills:
- Microsoft Office experience
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their design and motion graphics skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $13.75 to $14.50 per hour (based on a South Dakota home office)
Benefits:
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Community Donation Program
- Unpaid Time Off
- 401(k)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Leaves
- Disability
- Accommodations
Working Hours: Approximately 15-20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on a South Dakota home office and may vary depending on the candidate's location and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Daktronics operates in the manufacturing industry, specializing in large screen LED video systems, LED message displays, and other digital display solutions
Company Size: Daktronics has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and learning
Founded: 1968, with over 50 years of experience in the industry
Company Description:
- Honest, helpful, and humble are the core values that guide Daktronics' people, products, and processes
- Daktronics develops solutions that have become the standard in the LED video and messaging display industry through reliable quality with a laser focus on customers' challenges
- The company's products can be found in various settings, from main street to major league stadiums
Company Specialties:
- Large Screen LED Video Systems
- LED Message Displays
- LED Digital Billboards
- Scoreboards & Timing Systems
- Out of Home Advertising
- Digital Signage
- Dynamic Message Signs
- Architectural Lighting
- Intelligent Transportation Systems
- Mobile and Modular LED Systems
Company Website: http://www.daktronics.com
ASSUMPTION: Daktronics' focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction creates an environment where students can learn and grow.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This is an entry-level position designed for students looking to gain practical experience in their field
Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Creative Services Manager and works closely with various teams, including sales and marketing
Work Arrangement: The position offers flexibility, with the option to work from a South Dakota home office or Daktronics location. There is a preference for the individual to reside near the corporate headquarters in Brookings, South Dakota
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain hands-on experience and mentorship to prepare for full-time employment
- Develop a deep understanding of Daktronics products, practices, and procedures
- Potential for full-time employment after graduation, depending on performance and business needs
ASSUMPTION: This role provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and build their professional network.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Daktronics offers the flexibility to work from a South Dakota home office or Daktronics location
Office Location(s): Brookings, SD (preferred), Sioux Falls, SD, Redwood Falls, MN, Shanghai, China, Wiesbaden, Germany
Geographic Context:
- Brookings, SD: A small city with a population of around 24,000, offering a tight-knit community and a low cost of living
- Sioux Falls, SD: The largest city in South Dakota, with a population of around 190,000, offering more urban amenities while still maintaining a small-town feel
- Redwood Falls, MN: A small city with a population of around 5,000, located in southwestern Minnesota
- Shanghai, China: A global financial hub and the most populous city in the world, offering a fast-paced and culturally rich environment
- Wiesbaden, Germany: A city with a population of around 280,000, known for its hot springs and rich history
Work Schedule: Approximately 15-20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
ASSUMPTION: The flexible work arrangement allows students to balance their academic responsibilities with their professional development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit an application through the provided link
- Participate in a phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- Complete a take-home assignment or project to demonstrate design and motion graphics skills
- Attend an in-person or virtual interview to discuss the role, responsibilities, and expectations
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design and motion graphics skills
- Communication and collaboration abilities
- Problem-solving and creative thinking
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant coursework and projects in your application and interview
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your design and motion graphics skills
- Research Daktronics' products and industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Motion Graphics, Digital Art, Design Principles, Animation, Video Editing, Graphics Editing, Creative Problem Solving, Team Collaboration, Customer Branding, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Self-Motivation, Microsoft Office, Learning Ability
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with Daktronics.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Daktronics' proprietary software and systems
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is essential for this role. Training on Daktronics' proprietary software will be provided.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and willing to learn
- Creative and innovative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I align with Daktronics' core values of honesty, helpfulness, and humility?
- Am I comfortable working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment?
- Do I have a strong desire to learn and grow professionally?
ASSUMPTION: Daktronics' culture emphasizes honesty, helpfulness, and humility, creating an environment where students can learn and thrive.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing academic responsibilities with professional development
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional internships, this role offers the opportunity to work on real-world projects with immediate impact
- Daktronics' focus on innovation and quality sets it apart from other companies in the industry
- This role provides a clear path for growth and development, with the potential for full-time employment after graduation
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique benefits and opportunities compared to similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating animations and static artwork for a major league sports team's LED display system
- Designing and implementing a digital signage network for a retail store chain
- Developing a dynamic message sign system for a transportation authority
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and impactful nature of the work performed in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader creative services team and the company as a whole?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company?
- How does Daktronics support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to your professional development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your design and motion graphics skills
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills
- Research Daktronics' products and industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
