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Student Internship - Brand and Communications (RIO Innovation Fellow)

CSUB ITS Administrative Office
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ITS is developing RIO (Roadrunner Intelligent Operator), an AI-powered campus phone and SMS system that will make its public debut at the 2nd Annual NextTech Kern Conference on October 28, 2026. The RIO Innovation Fellows program places one Student Assistant from each of CSUB's four colleges in a substantive role tied directly to the project.

 

The Brand and Communications Student Assistant works under the direct oversight of the ITS Lead and assists with the visual and sonic identity of RIO and the NextTech Kern conference. All work is directed and approved by the ITS Lead before use. Using AI creative tools including Claude, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and Suno, this student will assist with developing RIO's brand, producing campaign and event materials, creating AI-generated conference music, designing swag, and supporting stage execution on October 28. This student will also present at the NextTech Kern panel on how AI was applied in their discipline.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with developing RIO's visual identity including logo, color palette, and iconography using AI-assisted creative tools
  • Assist with creating a voice and tone guide for RIO's caller communications
  • Apply WCAG accessibility standards and plain language principles to all campaign and communications materials
  • Assist with designing and producing launch materials for the October 28 demo: signage, handouts, and digital assets
  • Assist with building and executing the hype campaign: social media content, email announcements, and event promotion for NextTech Kern
  • Use Suno or similar AI music generation tools to assist with creating the sonic identity of NextTech Kern: intro song, intermission tracks, and lunch background music
  • Assist with designing the shared visual presentation template and Fellows introduction slide used during the live RIO announcement
  • Assist with stage execution during the October 28 RIO announcement: support AV operations and advance slides on cue
  • Assist with designing the RIO swag suite: produce print-ready files for items such as t-shirts, stickers, and other items as requested.
  • Assist with designing personalized recognition slides, digital scholarship badges, and keepsake materials for NextTech Kern scholarship recipients
  • Participate in the NextTech Kern panel on October 28, 2026
  • Participate in 30-day and 60-day progress check-ins with ITS leadership
  • Maintain an AI tools log submitted as a final deliverable

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Coursework or experience in graphic design, communications, digital media, or a related field
  • Willingness to learn and apply AI creative tools -- prior experience helpful but not required
  • Interest in accessibility standards and plain language communication principles
  • Ability to manage multiple deliverables on a defined timeline
  • Comfort with AV or stage presentation support, or willingness to learn

 

AWS Mentor Support

This position may include mentorship support from Amazon Web Services professionals through an open office hours arrangement.

 

Faculty Reference Requirement

Applicants must submit one faculty reference from a faculty member in the College of Arts and Humanities. The faculty member should email their completed reference form directly to avpciooffice@csub.edu with the subject line: RIO Fellows Reference -- [Your Full Name]. Reference forms are available from the ITS office or via CECE. Applications without a submitted faculty reference will not be considered.

 

Program Benefits

  • Real project ownership on a live AI and cloud technology initiative
  • AWS industry mentor support through open office hours
  • 30-day and 60-day progress check-ins with ITS leadership
  • Public presentation at the 2nd Annual NextTech Kern Conference on October 28, 2026
  • AI tools log and portfolio-ready deliverables
  • Potential continuation opportunity into future project phases

 

How to Apply

Apply through Handshake. In addition to your Handshake application, ask a faculty member from the College of Arts and Humanities to email a completed faculty reference form to avpciooffice@csub.edu with the subject line: RIO Fellows Reference -- [Your Full Name]. Applications without a submitted faculty reference will not be considered. Reference forms are available from the ITS office or via CECE.

Note: This position requires U.S. Work Authorization or F-1 Visa status