Afstudeerstage UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Afstudeerstage UX Design

Company: Stedin

Location: Rotterdam, Blaak 8 (Kantoor functie), Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time Intern

Category: UX Design / Digital Product Development

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the design of user-friendly digital applications and smart solutions that accelerate the energy transition for Stedin's colleagues and customers.

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including UX designers, developers, and business stakeholders to enhance user flows and optimize digital processes.

• Gain practical experience in user research, design systems, and prototyping within a dynamic and supportive professional environment.

• Develop and refine user journeys and interface designs, ensuring a user-centric approach to problem-solving and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for an intern completing their final year of study, focusing on practical application of UX design principles within the energy sector. The emphasis is on learning and development, with a clear path for mentorship and project ownership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop user-friendly interfaces for digital applications that support Stedin's mission in the energy transition.

• Conduct user research to gather insights and inform design decisions, translating findings into actionable user flows and wireframes.

• Collaborate with Design System designers to ensure consistency and adherence to established design principles and components.

• Participate in team meetings and design reviews, actively contributing ideas and feedback to enhance user experience and process efficiency.

• Work on diverse projects, from improving data visualizations to user testing with field technicians, ensuring designs meet the needs of various user groups.

• Refine user flows and interaction designs based on feedback from colleagues, developers, and business stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UX design, emphasizing collaboration and practical application within the context of the energy transition. Interns are expected to actively engage with design processes and contribute to real-world projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently in the final year of a relevant UX education program (e.g., Bachelor's degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design, or related field).

Experience: While formal experience is not required, a strong portfolio demonstrating UX design skills and academic projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Experience with user research techniques (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing).

• Ability to translate user insights into intuitive user flows, wireframes, and mockups.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design ideas effectively.

• Self-starter mentality with a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.

• Interest in data visualization and its application in user interfaces.

• Experience with agile development methodologies.

• Understanding of the energy sector or sustainability initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and user research suggests a need for practical, hands-on skills. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves and demonstrate a broader understanding of modern UX practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 diverse UX design projects, ideally including academic work or personal projects.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, user research conducted, design process followed, and final design solutions for each project.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, including interactive prototypes and detailed user flows.

• Highlight the user-centric approach taken, emphasizing how user needs were identified and addressed.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, provide a brief explanation of the design process used, from initial ideation to final design.

• Detail the user research methods employed and how insights were synthesized.

• Explain how design decisions were made and how they relate to user goals and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this internship. The expectation is for candidates to not just present finished designs but to explain the rationale and process behind them, showcasing critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to UX design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €675 per month (based on a 40-hour work week).

Benefits:

• Monthly internship allowance of €675.

• Excellent professional guidance and mentorship from experienced UX professionals.

• Opportunity to gain valuable experience at a Worldclass Workplace recognized for its employee satisfaction and work environment.

• Exposure to real-world projects impacting the energy transition.

• Networking opportunities within a growing and ambitious UX Design team.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility to accommodate academic schedules where feasible, but primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is a fixed intern allowance. The benefits focus heavily on professional development, mentorship, and gaining experience in a reputable organization, which are key draws for internship positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (Utilities and Infrastructure) focused on the energy transition. Stedin plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply.

Company Size: Stedin is a mid-to-large size organization, indicated by its significant presence and operational scope within the Netherlands' energy sector.

Founded: Stedin has a long history, evolving from historical utility providers, indicating a stable and established company with a forward-looking mission.

Team Structure:

• You will be part of a growing and ambitious UX Design team.

• The team works on diverse projects for IT, operations, and field services.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design and continuous improvement of digital processes.

• Integration of design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Practical application of UX principles through real-world problem-solving and user testing.

• Data-driven decision-making informed by user research and performance metrics.

Company Website: [Stedin Company Website - Placeholder, as URL was not provided]

📝 Enhancement Note: Stedin's focus on the energy transition provides a strong mission-driven context. The company culture values collaboration, innovation, and practical application of skills, making it an attractive environment for interns looking to make a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship role, specifically designed for students in their final year of a UX Design program. It serves as an entry point into the UX design field within a corporate environment.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated mentor or lead UX designer within the UX Design team, receiving direct guidance and feedback.

Operations Impact: While an intern, your contributions are expected to directly influence the usability and effectiveness of digital tools used by Stedin's employees and customers, thereby supporting the broader goals of the energy transition and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Direct mentorship from experienced UX professionals, fostering skill development in practical design scenarios.

• Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Figma and exposure to design system principles.

• Opportunity to build a strong portfolio with real-world projects that can be leveraged for future job applications.

• Potential to gain insights into the energy sector and the role of digitalization within it.

• Learn about cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management in a corporate setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a significant learning opportunity. While not a permanent role, it offers substantial growth in terms of practical skills, portfolio building, and professional networking within a relevant industry and a Worldclass Workplace.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Stedin's office in Rotterdam, Blaak 8, described as a "Kantoor functie" (office function), implying a professional office setting.

Office Location(s): Rotterdam, Blaak 8, Netherlands. This location is likely well-connected and situated in a central business district.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment where interaction with the UX Design team, developers, and business stakeholders is encouraged.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Figma.

• Opportunities for informal discussions and idea-sharing during team check-ins and lunch breaks.

• The office setting is conducive to focused work while also facilitating team collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours, with the expectation of being present on-site to maximize collaboration and learning opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement highlights the company's emphasis on in-person collaboration, mentorship, and immersion in the team’s daily workflow, which is typical for internship programs focused on skill development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess suitability for the internship.

• First Interview: Likely with an HR representative and/or a UX designer to discuss motivation, background, and basic qualifications. This stage will assess your communication skills and general fit.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A more in-depth session where you will present your portfolio, discuss specific projects, your design process, and how you approach user research and problem-solving. Expect questions about your Figma skills and understanding of design systems.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a team lead or hiring manager to discuss team dynamics, growth potential, and confirm final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact (if measurable).

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be prepared to walk through your Figma prototypes, demonstrating your understanding of interaction design and user flows. Highlight any use of components or design system elements.

• User-Centricity: Emphasize how you put the user at the center of your design process. Discuss your research methods and how user insights informed your decisions.

• Tell a Story: Present your projects as compelling narratives of problem-solving. Explain your thought process and any challenges you overcame.

• Tailor to Stedin: If possible, draw connections between your projects and Stedin's mission (e.g., digital solutions for complex systems, user needs in essential services).

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential design challenges, which might involve a small design exercise or a hypothetical problem to solve during the interview.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, your ability to think critically, and how you would apply UX principles to a given scenario.

• Practice articulating your design thinking process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and discussion indicates that demonstrating practical UX skills and a clear understanding of the design process is paramount. Candidates should prepare to not just show but explain their work thoroughly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, collaboration, and creating design systems. Proficiency is a key requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly related to the UX design role, but an understanding of how digital products integrate into larger business systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the primary tool mentioned. The role implies interaction with tools used by developers and potentially data visualization tools, underscoring the need for cross-functional awareness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value driving all design decisions, ensuring that the needs and experiences of users are paramount.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, working effectively with designers, developers, and business stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Ambition: A forward-thinking approach to design and problem-solving, aiming to create smart solutions for the energy transition.

• Professionalism & Quality: Commitment to high standards in design work, as reflected in Stedin's status as a Worldclass Workplace.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on creating designs that have a tangible positive impact on colleagues, customers, and the company's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and communicative, with regular team check-ins and design review sessions.

• Multidisciplinary approach, encouraging input and collaboration across different departments.

• Supportive environment where ideas are shared and feedback is constructively given and received.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values a blend of user focus, collaborative spirit, and a drive for innovation, all within a professional and supportive framework. This is ideal for interns looking to learn and contribute meaningfully.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Internship Demands: Managing coursework and project deadlines alongside internship responsibilities.

• Translating Theory to Practice: Applying academic UX knowledge to real-world business problems and technical constraints.

• Working with Complex Systems: Understanding and designing for intricate systems within the energy sector.

• Integrating with a Professional Team: Adapting to corporate workflows, communication styles, and team dynamics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in Figma, user research methodologies, and design system principles.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the energy sector and understand its digital transformation challenges.

• Portfolio Development: Create compelling case studies for your portfolio that highlight your practical design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Mentorship: Benefit from expert guidance and feedback from experienced UX professionals.

• Networking: Build professional connections within Stedin and the broader UX design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for internships but are framed as opportunities for growth. The learning opportunities are substantial, covering both technical UX skills and broader professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio. What was the problem, how did you approach it, what research did you do, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to detail your steps from user needs to final design.

• Figma Proficiency: "How do you use Figma for prototyping and collaboration? Can you show me an example of a complex user flow or component you built?"

• User Research: "What user research methods have you used, and how did they inform your design decisions? How do you handle conflicting user feedback?"

• Design Systems: "What is your understanding of design systems, and how can they benefit a team or product?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine we need to design a mobile app for field technicians to report issues. What would be your first steps?" Focus on your thought process, not just a solution.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Stedin and the energy transition?"

• "What do you hope to learn during this internship?"

• "How do you typically collaborate with team members on projects?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: Present your strongest projects efficiently, focusing on key decisions and outcomes.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality visuals of your designs, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Narrative: Weave a story around each project, explaining your role and impact.

• Figma Demo: Be prepared to share your Figma file or a live demo to showcase your skills.

• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions and engage in a dialogue about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical UX skills, a user-centered mindset, and the ability to articulate design decisions clearly. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design internship:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Stedin's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and clearly showcases your best UX design projects, highlighting your Figma skills and user research experience. Tailor your project selection to demonstrate relevance to digital product design or problem-solving.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your relevant coursework, academic projects, and any technical skills (especially Figma). Clearly state that you are seeking a final year internship.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project details. Prepare to discuss your motivations for applying to Stedin and your learning objectives for the internship.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Stedin's mission related to the energy transition and their commitment to digitalization. Understand their values as a Worldclass Workplace.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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