Assoc. Spclst , UX/UI Design Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assoc. Spclst , UX/UI Design Intern

Company: MSD

Location: Singapore, Singapore

Job Type: Full time (Intern/Co-op - Fixed Term)

Category: UX/UI Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support user experience (UX) design activities, encompassing user research, wireframing, and prototyping within an AI-driven organization.

• Contribute to understanding user needs through hands-on research activities such as interviews, surveys, and usability tests.

• Gain exposure to AI-augmented design workflows and explore AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency.

• Develop a portfolio-ready deliverable through contributions to real projects, supported by structured mentorship.

• Engage in professional development by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and observing design critiques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for polytechnic students undertaking an internship as part of their diploma program, offering a structured learning environment focused on practical UX/UI design skills and exposure to cutting-edge AI applications in design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing user research activities, including conducting interviews, distributing surveys, and facilitating usability tests under guidance.

• Support the design and prototyping process by creating sketches, wireframes, and simple clickable prototypes using industry-standard tools.

• Conduct desk research to identify and track emerging UX trends, best practices, and competitive examples from various digital platforms.

• Explore and gain familiarity with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Figma AI, generative design assistants) to understand their application in accelerating design workflows.

• Participate actively in team meetings, design discussions, and critiques, contributing insights and observations as guided by mentors.

• Collaborate effectively with experienced UX designers and researchers, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt to new methodologies.

• Document research findings and design iterations clearly, ensuring information is accessible for team review and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a supportive role, focusing on learning and assisting experienced team members. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design operations within MSD, requiring adaptability and a keen interest in emerging technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a Diploma in a relevant course such as User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, Information Technology, or a related discipline at a local polytechnic. Typically in Year 2 or Year 3, undertaking internship as part of the diploma program.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience, with a focus on academic projects or personal work demonstrating an interest in design, research, or creative problem-solving.

Required Skills:

• Basic awareness of UX/UI concepts (e.g., understanding of wireframes, prototypes, and the importance of user feedback).

• Willingness to learn and utilize design or prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Canva, or equivalent); prior experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

• Good written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and follow direction from mentors.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to complete tasks accurately with clear instructions.

• A curious mindset, openness to feedback, and a proactive approach to learning.

• Familiarity with desktop research methodologies for gathering information on UX trends and best practices. Preferred Skills:

• School projects or personal work showcasing an interest in design, research, or creative problem-solving.

• Basic familiarity with any design tool such as Figma, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, or Canva.

• A demonstrated interest in how technology and AI are transforming user interactions with digital products.

• Exposure to simple research methods through coursework, such as surveys or interviews.

• Understanding of basic data visualization principles to present findings effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong emphasis on foundational UX/UI knowledge, a willingness to learn, and collaborative capabilities, rather than extensive prior professional experience. The preference for candidates interested in AI reflects MSD's strategic direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase academic projects or personal work demonstrating foundational UX/UI design principles, including user research insights and design rationale.

• Include examples of wireframes and simple clickable prototypes to illustrate design progression and user flow considerations.

• Present case studies that highlight a problem-solving approach, detailing the process from understanding user needs to developing design solutions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of user-centered design methodologies, even if applied in an academic context. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of understanding basic research methodologies, including how user needs were identified and analyzed in academic projects.

• Examples of design iteration based on feedback, illustrating a willingness to refine designs based on input.

• Documentation of exploration into design tools or emerging technologies, even if at a foundational level.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio expectations are geared towards showcasing potential and learning aptitude. The focus is on the process and understanding, rather than extensive, polished professional deliverables. Demonstrating curiosity and a structured approach to learning will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a polytechnic internship placement, compensation is typically structured according to institutional guidelines and may be a stipend rather than a market-rate salary. Based on typical polytechnic internship stipends in Singapore for full-time roles, a range of SGD $800 - $1,500 per month is a reasonable estimate.

Benefits:

• Structured mentorship program with experienced UX designers and researchers.

• Hands-on experience with industry-standard UX/UI design tools and processes.

• Exposure to AI-augmented design workflows and emerging technologies.

• Opportunity to contribute to real-world digital product development at a global organization.

• Professional development through participation in team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional collaborations.

• Networking opportunities within the UX design field and at MSD.

• Portfolio-ready deliverables from project contributions.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, aligned with standard business operations. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with specific days in the office determined by team needs and mentorship schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on common polytechnic internship stipends in Singapore. Benefits are focused on learning and development, aligning with the nature of an internship role. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for self-management and coordination.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology. MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is a global leader in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing a wide range of innovative medicines and vaccines. This context means operations roles often support complex, regulated product lifecycles and data-intensive research.

Company Size: Large enterprise (typically 10,000+ employees globally). This size indicates a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for cross-departmental exposure. For operations, it means working with robust systems and collaborating across many functions.

Founded: 1891. MSD has a long history, suggesting a culture that values established scientific rigor, long-term vision, and a commitment to innovation. This heritage can translate into operations roles that prioritize data integrity, compliance, and strategic impact.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely operates within a broader Digital or IT division, supporting product development, research, or commercial functions.

• Interns will report to a designated mentor or manager who oversees their learning and project contributions.

• Collaboration is expected to be multidisciplinary, involving UX designers, researchers, product managers, engineers, and potentially data scientists or AI specialists. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount in the pharmaceutical industry, influencing all operations, including UX design.

• User-centered design principles are applied to ensure products and digital tools meet the needs of healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers.

• Emphasis on research, validation, and iterative development to ensure efficacy, safety, and usability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: MSD's industry and size suggest a highly professional, process-oriented environment where data integrity and user needs are critical. The UX intern will be part of a team that bridges creative design with scientific rigor and technological advancement, particularly with the integration of AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intern/Entry-Level. This role is designed for students to gain initial exposure and foundational skills in UX/UI design. It's a stepping stone within the broader field of design operations or product development.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a direct mentor or supervisor within the UX/UI design team. This provides a clear line of guidance and feedback, crucial for an internship experience.

Operations Impact: While the intern's direct impact on core business operations will be developmental, their contributions to research, prototyping, and exploration of AI tools can support larger project goals and provide valuable insights for the team. The role fosters an understanding of how UX design operations contribute to product success and user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding of UX/UI principles, research methodologies, and prototyping tools. Gain practical experience with AI-augmented design workflows.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the pharmaceutical and biotech industry's specific UX/UI challenges and opportunities.

• Portfolio Building: Contribute to projects that can be showcased in future academic or professional portfolios, demonstrating practical application of learned skills.

• Networking: Build connections with experienced professionals in UX/UI design and related fields within MSD.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a foundational learning experience. Growth opportunities are centered on skill acquisition, practical application, and understanding the professional UX/UI design landscape within a major pharmaceutical company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence, requiring flexibility and self-management. The office environment is likely professional and collaborative.

Office Location(s): Singapore (Boulevard Towers). This location suggests a modern, well-equipped office space in a key business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workplace that encourages interaction, knowledge sharing, and teamwork among design professionals and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard UX/UI design software (e.g., Figma), research tools, and potentially AI-powered design assistants. The company likely provides necessary hardware and software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with mentors and team members through regular meetings, design sessions, and informal discussions, fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (approximately 40 hours/week). The hybrid model suggests some flexibility in daily scheduling, but core working hours will likely be aligned with team availability for collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model in a professional office setting in Singapore implies a need for strong time management and communication skills. Interns should be prepared for a structured yet flexible work environment that encourages collaboration and access to modern design tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, academic background, and any submitted portfolio pieces.

• Informational Interview/Discussion: A conversation with a hiring manager or mentor to assess interest, basic understanding of UX/UI concepts, and cultural fit. This may involve discussing academic projects.

• Skills Assessment (Informal): Potentially a brief exercise or discussion about problem-solving approaches or familiarity with basic design concepts.

• Final Discussion: Clarification of role expectations, internship duration, and logistics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: For an intern role, emphasize the process of design and research over polished final outputs. Explain your thought process, challenges, and how you learned from academic projects.

• Showcase Curiosity: Highlight projects where you explored new ideas, experimented with tools, or showed initiative in learning.

• Clear Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your contributions to team projects and what you learned from each.

• Tool Familiarity: If you have any experience with tools like Figma, Canva, or even basic design software, be ready to discuss it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Conceptual Understanding: Be ready to discuss basic UX/UI principles (e.g., user-centered design, usability).

• Problem-Solving Approach: Think about how you would approach understanding a user's problem, even in a simplified context.

• Enthusiasm for Learning: Demonstrate a genuine eagerness to learn new tools and methodologies, especially related to AI in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an intern role will likely be less intensive than for a full-time position. The focus will be on assessing potential, learning aptitude, and alignment with the team's collaborative environment. A portfolio that highlights academic work and a proactive learning attitude will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a tool to explore, and Canva is also noted. Expect to use these for wireframing and creating interactive prototypes.

• Research Support: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) and potentially usability testing platforms may be utilized.

• Collaboration: Standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for documentation and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the intern, exposure to how design decisions are informed by data might occur. Basic data interpretation skills for survey results or user feedback analysis could be helpful. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX Intern role, but understanding that MSD operates within a regulated environment where data management and automation are critical is useful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on learning and using core UX/UI design tools like Figma and Canva. The role involves exploring emerging AI tools, indicating a forward-looking technology stack within the design team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: Encouraged to ask questions, explore new tools (especially AI), and seek understanding rather than making assumptions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working within a multidisciplinary team, learning from mentors, and contributing to group efforts.

• User-Centricity: A core value in UX design, focusing on understanding and meeting user needs to shape digital products.

• Continuous Learning: Eagerness to learn new skills, adapt to new technologies (like AI), and embrace feedback for improvement.

• Proactivity: Taking initiative to seek feedback, improve work, and contribute positively to the team environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Mentorship-Driven: Interns will work closely with experienced designers and researchers who provide guidance and support.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Opportunities to interact with various roles within product development and research, fostering a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and acting on constructive criticism to enhance design work and personal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values learning, curiosity, and teamwork. Interns are expected to be proactive in their development and contribute positively to a collaborative environment where user needs are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in situations where not everything is clearly defined upfront requires adaptability and a proactive approach to seeking clarity.

• Rapid Learning Curve: Quickly acquiring new skills in design tools, research methods, and AI applications within a corporate setting.

• Balancing Academic and Internship Demands: Managing time effectively to meet both academic requirements and internship responsibilities.

• Integrating into a Corporate Environment: Adapting to the professional norms and expectations of a large, established organization like MSD.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• UX/UI Skill Enhancement: Hands-on practice with industry-standard tools and methodologies.

• AI in Design Exploration: Gaining introductory knowledge and practical exposure to AI-augmented design workflows.

• Industry Insight: Understanding user experience challenges and best practices within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector.

• Professional Network Building: Connecting with experienced professionals and understanding career paths in UX/UI design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an internship, focusing on adaptation and skill acquisition. The growth opportunities are significant for an entry-level role, offering substantial learning and practical experience in a cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a project where you had to understand user needs. How did you approach it?" (Focus on academic projects, research methods, and user empathy).

• "How do you approach learning a new software or tool?" (Highlight your willingness to learn, curiosity, and any past experiences with design tools like Figma or Canva).

• "What interests you about UX/UI design, and specifically how AI is impacting it?" (Connect your interest to MSD's focus on AI-augmented design).

• "Describe a time you received feedback on your work. How did you incorporate it?" (Showcase your openness to constructive criticism and ability to improve). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about MSD and our work in the pharmaceutical industry?" (Research MSD's mission, products, and recent innovations).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a multidisciplinary team?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and willingness to support team goals).

• "How do you manage your time when you have multiple tasks or deadlines?" (Demonstrate organizational skills and ability to prioritize). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Walk through one or two key academic projects. Clearly explain the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the tools you used, and what you learned.

• Focus on your thought process. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Be honest about your limitations but emphasize your enthusiasm to learn and grow.

• If you have explored any AI design tools or personal design projects, be ready to briefly showcase them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong foundation in UX/UI concepts, a proactive learning attitude, enthusiasm for AI in design, and excellent collaborative potential. Showcasing academic work with a focus on process is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the MSD careers portal.

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant academic projects, coursework, and any personal design work that demonstrates your understanding of UX/UI principles, research methods, or design tools. Emphasize keywords like "User Research," "Prototyping," "Wireframing," and "Figma" if applicable.

• Prepare a brief portfolio (even if it's just a few key academic projects) that showcases your design process, problem-solving approach, and any experience with design tools. Be ready to discuss your contributions and learnings from these projects.

• Research MSD and their digital presence. Understand their mission and how UX/UI design contributes to their products and services, particularly in the context of innovation and AI.

• Practice articulating your interest in UX/UI design, your learning goals for the internship, and how you would approach working within a hybrid and multidisciplinary team. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of user-centered design principles.

⚠️ 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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