Afstudeerstage UX designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Afstudeerstage UX designer

Company: Capgemini

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

Job Type: Internship

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level / Internship

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on end-user-centric digital product design, requiring a deep understanding of user behavior and motivation.

• The role involves conducting comprehensive user research, translating findings into actionable design specifications, and iterating based on feedback.

• You will gain hands-on experience in the full UX design lifecycle, from initial research and ideation to wireframing, prototyping, and user validation.

• This position is ideal for a motivated student looking to complete their HBO degree project within a leading technology consultancy, focusing on practical application and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an internship, indicated by "Afstudeerstage" and the educational requirements. The focus is on completing a degree project with practical UX design experience, rather than a junior operational role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth user research to understand target audience needs, behaviors, and pain points.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, and user flows to represent and communicate user insights.

• Create wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize and test design concepts.

• Plan and execute user testing sessions to gather feedback and validate design decisions with end-users.

• Translate user research findings and testing results into concrete, actionable design recommendations and specifications for digital products.

• Collaborate closely with experienced UX designers for mentorship and guidance throughout the internship project.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX design processes and methodologies within the team.

• Actively participate in team meetings, design reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are derived from the detailed breakdown of UX design phases mentioned in the job description (user research, wireframing, prototyping, testing, validation, and design translation). The emphasis is on practical application for a degree project.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in the final year of an HBO (University of Applied Sciences) technical degree program, such as Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) or Information Technology (IT).

Experience: Some prior experience with design projects, particularly using design tools like Figma and/or Adobe Creative Suite, is required.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of UX design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in conducting user research and synthesizing findings.

• Ability to create wireframes and functional prototypes.

• Experience with user testing and validation processes.

• Familiarity with design software such as Figma and/or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on user needs.

• Demonstrated curiosity about human behavior and a strong motivation to learn.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other UX/UI design tools.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are directly extracted but framed within the context of an internship and degree project. The "final year" and specific degree types ("HBO", "CMD", "IT") are key differentiators. Experience with specific tools like Figma and Adobe is explicitly mentioned as a plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of personal design projects, demonstrating the application of UX principles.

• Examples of user research methodologies employed and the insights derived.

• Visual documentation of wireframing and prototyping processes.

• Case studies detailing user testing phases and the subsequent design iterations based on feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Clear articulation of the design process followed for academic or personal projects.

• Evidence of how user feedback was integrated into the design cycle.

• Documentation of iterative design improvements based on validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" in the sense of a professional job application might not be fully developed for an intern, the emphasis on "design projects" and demonstrating "experience with design projects" implies a need to showcase practical work. The requirements are inferred based on the described responsibilities of user research, prototyping, and testing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €500,- gross per month.

Benefits:

• Learning environment with ample opportunities for initiative.

• Positive and collaborative work atmosphere with knowledge-sharing colleagues.

• Internship allowance of €500,- gross per month.

• Provision of a laptop for use during the internship.

• 1.5 paid leave days per month.

• Access to Capgemini Academy training programs.

• Participation in social activities with DCX colleagues and fellow interns.

Working Hours: The internship is described as a full-time experience, with the common working hours for such roles in the Netherlands typically being 40 hours per week, aligning with the provision of a full-time laptop and a monthly allowance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as €500,- gross per month. The working hours are inferred to be standard full-time (40 hours/week) due to the nature of a full-time internship and the provision of a laptop, which is common practice for such roles. The benefits are directly listed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation, IT Services. Capgemini operates at the forefront of technology, assisting clients with digital innovation and transformation across various sectors. This context means the UX team is likely engaged in diverse projects for different industries.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Capgemini is a global company with tens of thousands of employees). This provides a stable environment with structured support but also means navigating a larger organizational framework.

Founded: Capgemini was founded in 1967. This long history suggests a company with established processes, expertise, and a significant market presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX design team consists of approximately 40 colleagues, indicating a substantial and active community of practice.

• The team is described as diverse in terms of educational background and experience, fostering a rich learning environment.

• There's a strong emphasis on collaboration, mutual feedback, and a shared focus on the end-user.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: The core philosophy is placing the end-user at the center of all design decisions.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: The team values asking "why" to understand deeper motivations and improve design rationale.

• Constructive Feedback: Team members are encouraged to provide and receive feedback openly, particularly during project presentations.

• Collaborative Support: Colleagues are readily available to assist each other when facing challenges.

Company Website: https://www.capgemini.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure are inferred from the description of the UX team at Capgemini. The emphasis on innovation, diversity, and collaboration aligns with typical large technology consulting firm cultures. The "DCX" (Digital Customer Experience) mention suggests a specific focus area for this team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an internship ("Afstudeerstage"), specifically for students in their final year of an HBO program. It's an entry-level opportunity designed for academic project completion and initial professional exposure.

Reporting Structure: The intern will be guided and mentored by an experienced UX designer. This suggests a direct reporting line to a senior team member who provides project oversight and developmental support. The broader UX team of 40 colleagues offers a wider network for learning and interaction.

Operations Impact: While this is an internship and the direct "operations impact" is primarily on the intern's academic project and skill development, the work contributes to real client projects. The UX team's function is to ensure digital products are user-friendly and effective, directly impacting client satisfaction and product success. The intern's contributions, however focused on their project, will be part of this larger impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Significant opportunities to develop practical UX design skills, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, under expert mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience within a leading global technology consultancy, understanding client needs and project lifecycles.

• Networking: Build connections within the Capgemini UX community and with other interns, potentially leading to future career opportunities.

• Academic Achievement: Successfully complete the HBO degree project with practical, real-world design experience.

• Access to Learning Resources: Utilize Capgemini Academy training to supplement practical learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression is framed within the context of an internship. The "growth" is primarily academic and foundational for a future career in UX design, rather than a typical corporate career ladder. The impact is on the intern's learning and project success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site" ("Afstudeerstage UX designer" in Utrecht, with no remote mention implies office-based). This suggests a traditional office environment where collaboration and access to resources are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Utrecht, Netherlands. This is a major city in the Netherlands, known for its business hubs and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes a supportive team atmosphere where colleagues share knowledge and help each other. Regular project presentations foster interaction.

• Tools and Technology: Interns receive a laptop for their use, and proficiency with design tools like Figma and Adobe is expected, indicating access to relevant software.

• Team Interaction: The presence of a 40-person UX team and regular monthly meetings provides ample opportunities for interaction, feedback, and learning from peers and mentors.

Work Schedule: While not explicitly detailed, internships of this nature typically align with standard business hours, likely 40 hours per week, allowing for full immersion in the project and team activities. The "paid leave" benefit suggests a structured employment framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature is inferred from the lack of remote options and the specific location. The workspace context is built upon the described team culture and benefits, highlighting collaboration and access to tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves reviewing the CV and motivation letter to assess academic standing, availability, and initial interest.

• Skills Assessment: A practical component or discussion focused on design tools (Figma, Adobe) and understanding of UX principles. Candidates may be asked about past projects.

• Portfolio Review: Discussion of the student's design projects, focusing on their process, user research, design decisions, and problem-solving approach.

• Behavioral/Motivational Interview: Questions assessing curiosity, initiative, collaboration style, and alignment with Capgemini's values and the UX team's culture.

• Final Discussion: Confirmation of internship details, project scope alignment with academic requirements, and mentorship arrangement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for any submitted projects. Explain why you made certain decisions.

• Showcase User Research: Highlight how you gathered user insights and how those insights directly influenced your designs.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss and potentially demonstrate your skills with Figma, Adobe Suite, or other relevant tools.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to explain the intended or achieved outcome of your design.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that align with Capgemini's focus on end-user-centricity and digital product design.

Challenge Preparation:

• UX Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss core UX concepts like user-centered design, usability heuristics, and different research methodologies.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach a given design challenge, breaking it down into user needs, research, ideation, and testing phases.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing design rationale and user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is inferred based on the role of an internship for a UX designer at a large consultancy. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills, process understanding, and cultural fit, with specific tips tailored to showcasing academic projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required skill. This is a leading collaborative interface design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mentioned as preferred. This suite typically includes tools like Adobe XD (for UI/UX design and prototyping), Photoshop, and Illustrator, which are valuable for digital design and asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX design tasks of this internship. The focus is on design tools and user research platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are directly from the "Requirements Summary" and "Key Skills" sections. The emphasis is on design and prototyping software, which is standard for UX roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: The paramount value, ensuring all design efforts are focused on meeting end-user needs and improving their experience.

• Curiosity & Inquiry: A strong emphasis on asking "why" to uncover deeper insights and drive innovative solutions.

• Collaboration & Support: A culture where team members actively share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support each other.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to learn and grow, leveraging resources like Capgemini Academy and peer knowledge.

• Initiative: Valuing proactive contributions and the willingness to take ownership of tasks and projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Feedback Culture: Regular project presentations and team meetings facilitate constructive criticism and knowledge sharing.

• Mentorship: Experienced UX designers actively guide and support interns, fostering a teaching and learning dynamic.

• Cross-functional Awareness: While the internship is within the UX team, working at a consultancy implies an awareness of how UX integrates with development, strategy, and client management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are synthesized from phrases like "end-user central," "curiosity about human behavior," "motivation to learn," "collegial support," and descriptions of monthly meetings and feedback exchange.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Ambition to Reality: Balancing academic project scope with the constraints and requirements of a real-world consultancy environment.

• Navigating Complex User Needs: Understanding and designing for diverse user groups and potentially complex business requirements.

• Iterative Design Cycles: Adapting designs based on user feedback and technical feasibility, which can require significant revisions.

• Time Management: Effectively managing project timelines to meet both academic deadlines and internship deliverables.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen UX Expertise: Gain practical, hands-on experience in all phases of the UX design process.

• Industry Exposure: Understand the dynamics of working in a large, global technology consulting firm.

• Professional Skill Development: Enhance communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.

• Networking: Build a professional network within Capgemini and the broader UX community.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals, accelerating learning and career insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inferred based on typical internship experiences in design roles within consulting firms. Growth opportunities are directly linked to the internship's nature and Capgemini's offerings.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct user research for a project. What methods did you use, and what did you learn?" (Focus on process, insights, and application).

• "How would you approach designing a [specific type of digital product, e.g., a mobile app for booking appointments] for a target audience you are unfamiliar with?" (Assess problem-solving, research approach, and design thinking).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in interning at Capgemini specifically, and what do you hope to gain from this experience?" (Assess motivation, research, and alignment).

• "How do you approach giving and receiving feedback on design work?" (Evaluate collaboration style and openness to critique).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the outcomes/learnings.

• Highlight the "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices, especially those driven by user research.

• Showcase Iteration: Demonstrate how you incorporated feedback or adapted your design based on testing or new insights.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on the most impactful projects and present them clearly and efficiently.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methods, decisions, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the skills and motivations relevant to an internship in UX design, emphasizing process, user focus, and collaboration, as indicated by the job description and Capgemini's culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX designer internship:

• Submit your application through the Capgemini careers portal.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any experience with design tools like Figma or Adobe. Emphasize your academic program (final year HBO, CMD/IT) and availability dates.

• Craft a compelling motivation letter: Clearly state your interest in UX design, your desire to complete your degree project at Capgemini, and your understanding of user-centric design. Explain why you are a good fit for Capgemini's culture.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 1-3 of your strongest design projects. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your process, user research, design iterations, and proficiency with design tools. Be ready to walk through these projects in detail.

• Research Capgemini: Understand their services, their approach to digital transformation, and their emphasis on user experience. Prepare to discuss why Capgemini is your preferred internship location.

⚠️ 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.