My Experience as a Design Assistant at the RIT Graduate School

Tucked away on the 3rd floor of the University Services Center Building is a space that feels like a second home to me—the RIT Graduate School. It’s not just a place where events are planned and questions are answered, but a hub where creativity and connection thrive. As a Design Assistant here, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside a team of six incredibly talented and caring women who devote themselves to making the graduate experience as enriching and supportive as possible.

One of the highlights of our efforts is the monthly coffee hours—a time where graduate students can come together, unwind, and share their experiences in a more relaxed atmosphere. These sessions are about more than just coffee; they foster genuine connections between students and staff, creating an open dialogue about academic and personal challenges alike. I love hearing the diverse stories that students bring to these gatherings, and it’s amazing how much we all learn from each other.

My role, as part of this dynamic team, is to create social media content for our @ritgradlife Instagram account (and yes, this is a shameless plug to go and follow us!). It’s a unique way to engage with students, keep them informed about upcoming events, and share moments from the graduate community in a fun and creative manner. Managing the social media has taught me how impactful visuals and messaging can be, especially when connecting with a diverse and international group of students.

Beyond social media, I also get to flex my creative muscles by designing materials for our many events. Whether it’s making buttons, photobooth props, gift hampers or creating eye-catching visuals for upcoming workshops, my work allows me to add a personal touch to every event we host. There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing students enjoy the designs and interact with the little elements we put so much care into. When students light up at an event, whether they’re posing for a photo or collecting a fun button as a keepsake, it makes all the work worth it. 

The Graduate School office is more than just a workplace for me—it’s a space where I feel valued and free to experiment with new ideas. Everyone is open to trying something fresh, whether it’s an innovative event concept or a creative twist in our social media campaigns. The encouragement I receive here has helped me grow as a designer and as a member of the graduate community. It’s not every day that you find a job where you feel like part of a family, and that’s exactly what this office has become for me.

So, whether you’re a grad student looking for support, a place to connect with fellow students, or just curious about the fun events we’re cooking up, the RIT Graduate School is a place that welcomes everyone with open arms. Make sure to follow our @ritgradlife Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, event updates, and all the fun moments that make this place so special.