Associate Design Strategist - Intern/Co-op Conversion 2027

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Strategist - Intern/Co-op Conversion 2027

Company: Duke Energy Corporation

Location: Charlotte, NC, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Strategy / Operations

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on applying human-centered design principles and methodologies to drive customer value within project teams.

• The Associate Design Strategist will collaborate closely with senior strategists, product owners, and agility/change practitioners.

• Key responsibilities include leading teams through comprehensive design activities across all project phases.

• Emphasis is placed on fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging design thinking to solve complex business challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Strategist," has significant operational components. The emphasis on "delivering customer value," "leading teams through full design activities," and collaborating with "agility and/or change practitioners" points to a need for strong process management, cross-functional coordination, and execution oversight, which are core to revenue and sales operations. The "Intern/Co-op Conversion" aspect suggests it's an entry-level position designed to develop future talent within the organization's operational and strategic functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate human-centered design activities, including workshops, brainstorming sessions, and ideation exercises.

• Conduct user research to understand customer needs, pain points, and behaviors, translating insights into actionable design strategies.

• Guide teams through design thinking processes, from problem definition and empathy mapping to prototyping and testing.

• Collaborate with product owners and stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and success metrics, ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Support senior Design Strategists in managing design projects, tracking progress, and identifying potential risks or impediments.

• Assist in the development and implementation of new processes and workflows that enhance team efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Contribute to change management efforts by helping teams adapt to new methodologies and mindsets.

• Document design processes, findings, and recommendations for various stakeholders.

• Actively participate in team retrospectives and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages open communication and shared problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are a blend of core design strategy and operational execution. The emphasis on "facilitate," "guide teams," "collaborate with product owners," "assist in managing projects," and "support senior strategists" clearly indicates an operational role focused on enabling project success through structured processes and team coordination, rather than purely individual creative design work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Duke Energy internship or co-op experience is a mandatory requirement.

• Demonstrated servant-leadership through coaching, volunteer work, or prior roles.

• Strong initiative and self-organization demonstrated in academic, project, or internship settings. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to facilitate design thinking workshops and user research activities.

• Proficiency in human-centered design principles and value-driven prioritization techniques.

• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills, with strong public speaking capabilities.

• Strong facilitation skills essential for guiding team discussions and activities.

• Demonstrated openness, approachability, and a collaborative nature.

• A strong learner mindset with natural curiosity and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Ability to meet teams where they are and effectively support their success.

• Sound professional judgment, including knowing when to seek assistance.

• Experience working with agility and/or change management practitioners. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in customer value delivery frameworks.

• Familiarity with advanced design prototyping tools.

• Ability to articulate and present complex ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

• Experience in data analysis to inform design decisions.

• Understanding of project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Duke Energy internship or co-op experience" requirement is highly specific and crucial. The "Servant-leadership" and "learner mindset" are key cultural indicators. The blend of hard skills (design thinking, user research) and soft skills (communication, facilitation, collaboration) is typical for roles that bridge strategic initiatives with operational execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of leading or supporting teams through design thinking or problem-solving processes.

• Include case studies demonstrating how user research insights were translated into tangible solutions or value.

• Highlight projects where you facilitated collaborative sessions or workshops, detailing the outcomes.

• Provide evidence of how you have helped teams prioritize initiatives or deliver customer value.

• Demonstrate your ability to document processes, findings, and recommendations effectively. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow designs or process improvements you have contributed to.

• Documentation of user research methodologies and their application.

• Artifacts showing how you've helped teams track progress or manage tasks within a project lifecycle.

• Demonstrations of how you've applied agility or change management principles in practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Design Strategist role, particularly one focused on conversion from an internship/co-op, the portfolio is less about independent, polished design work and more about demonstrating process engagement, collaborative capabilities, and the application of structured methodologies (like design thinking) in team settings. The focus should be on how you enable others and facilitate processes to achieve outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an "Associate Design Strategist - Intern/Co-op Conversion 2027" role, it is expected to be an entry-level position, likely a conversion from a prior internship or co-op program. For entry-level roles in Charlotte, NC, in fields related to design strategy and business operations, a typical salary range would be between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specified requirements, the location, and the nature of a conversion program designed to develop talent within Duke Energy. Benefits:

• Competitive pay (as stated in the job description).

• Opportunities for growth and development within Duke Energy.

• Recognition for work and contributions.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) with company match).

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for professional development courses and certifications. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement, indicating a blend of on-site and remote work. Specific days in the office will likely be determined by team needs and manager guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for entry-level roles in Charlotte, NC, are estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar positions and the cost of living in the region. The benefits listed are standard for a large corporation like Duke Energy, aiming to attract and retain talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Utilities. Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, serving millions of customers across nine states. This industry context implies a focus on reliability, customer service, innovation in energy solutions, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. For operations roles, this means working within a highly regulated environment with a critical impact on public infrastructure.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company with tens of thousands of employees). This scale means established processes, extensive resources, potential for specialization, and a structured career path. Operations professionals here often work within large, complex systems and collaborate across numerous departments.

Founded: 1904 (as Southern Power Company). With over a century of history, Duke Energy has a deep-rooted foundation and a long-term perspective, which can influence its approach to innovation, employee development, and strategic planning.

Team Structure:

• The Design Strategist role likely sits within a broader innovation, customer experience, or strategic initiatives group.

• This team probably comprises a mix of senior strategists, analysts, researchers, and potentially other design professionals.

• Collaboration is expected with various business units, product teams, IT, and potentially external partners.

• The reporting structure would likely be to a Design Strategy Manager or Director, with close collaboration with Product Owners and Agile Coaches. Methodology:

• The team employs human-centered design principles, emphasizing empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Integration with Agile methodologies is explicitly mentioned, suggesting a focus on iterative development, flexibility, and cross-functional teamwork.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for user research and value-driven prioritization.

• A culture of continuous improvement and learning is fostered, as indicated by the "learner mindset" and "proactive problem-solving" requirements.

Company Website: https://www.duke-energy.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Duke Energy's position as a major utility provider is key. Operations roles in such companies are critical for ensuring service delivery, managing complex infrastructure, and driving customer satisfaction through reliable and innovative solutions. The "Design Strategist" title here should be viewed through the lens of operationalizing customer-centric strategies within a large, established organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Associate" position, specifically a conversion from an internship or co-op. It's designed for individuals with foundational education and some practical experience, ready to develop specialized skills within the company. The role is a stepping stone to becoming a more independent Design Strategist.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Strategist will report to a senior member of the Design Strategy team, likely a Design Strategist or Manager. They will work closely with and support various project teams, including Product Owners and Agile Coaches, requiring strong dotted-line collaboration.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue-generating activities, this role impacts operations by improving customer experience, streamlining processes, and driving innovation. By applying design thinking to operational challenges, the Associate Design Strategist contributes to increased efficiency, customer satisfaction, and the successful adoption of new initiatives, all of which indirectly support revenue and cost optimization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in design thinking, user research, facilitation, and agile methodologies. Progress to leading design initiatives independently.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad understanding of Duke Energy's diverse operations, from customer service to infrastructure management, by working on various projects.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow into a senior Design Strategist role, potentially mentoring future interns and associates, and leading smaller project teams.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like customer journey mapping, service design, or digital transformation within the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Conversion" aspect is critical. This implies a structured development path for individuals who have already demonstrated potential within Duke Energy. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on more complex projects and increasing levels of autonomy and leadership within design and operational initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a mix of remote work and in-office presence. The specific balance will likely depend on team norms, project needs, and individual responsibilities. This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC (Duke Energy Plaza). This is a major corporate headquarters, suggesting a professional, well-equipped office environment with access to corporate resources and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on teamwork suggest an environment that supports both independent work and group collaboration. Expect meeting rooms, project spaces, and potentially hot-desking arrangements.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack), and potentially specialized design and project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with senior strategists, product owners, and other team members, both virtually and in person, fostering knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour workweek is expected.

• The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing work hours, provided deliverables are met and collaboration needs are satisfied. This flexibility is beneficial for individuals who need to manage personal commitments alongside their professional responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a large corporate headquarters like Duke Energy Plaza suggests a structured approach to work, balancing the benefits of remote flexibility with the value of in-person collaboration for design and operational teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, focusing on the mandatory Duke Energy internship/co-op experience and educational background.

• Behavioral Interview: Assess soft skills, cultural fit, and alignment with company values such as servant-leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Questions will likely explore past experiences in internships, projects, or volunteer work.

• Skills-Based Interview/Workshop: May involve a case study or a simulated design thinking exercise to evaluate practical application of design principles, facilitation skills, and problem-solving approach. This is where portfolio elements will be discussed.

• Team/Manager Interview: Further assessment of fit with the specific team and manager, and a deeper dive into career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process, Not Just Product: Highlight your role in facilitating design thinking, user research, and team collaboration. Show how you contributed to the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value or impact of your contributions (e.g., "improved team efficiency by X%," "contributed to a solution that addressed Y customer pain points").

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of working effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and senior colleagues.

• Demonstrate Learner Mindset: Include examples of challenges you faced, how you learned from them, and how you adapted your approach.

• Tailor to Operations: Frame your design contributions in terms of how they support operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Scenarios: Be prepared to walk through a design thinking process for a given problem, explaining each stage and your role.

• Facilitation Skills: Practice articulating how you would facilitate a specific type of workshop (e.g., brainstorming, empathy mapping).

• Problem-Solving: Prepare examples of complex problems you've encountered and how you approached solving them, particularly in a team setting.

• Company Research: Understand Duke Energy's mission, values, recent initiatives, and customer focus. Be ready to discuss how design strategy contributes to their goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a conversion role, the interview process will likely assess not just potential but also how well the candidate integrated into Duke Energy's culture and operational framework during their internship/co-op. The portfolio should emphasize demonstrated execution and collaboration within the company's context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Thinking & Collaboration Software: Tools like Miro, Mural, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD) for ideation, prototyping, and user journey mapping.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with Agile tools such as Jira, Confluence for tracking tasks, sprints, and project documentation.

• Productivity Suites: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com).

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data from user research or operational metrics, potentially using Excel or BI tools like Tableau or Power BI if applicable to the team.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary focus, awareness of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, if used by Duke Energy) informs customer understanding is beneficial.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in internal communication tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and email for seamless collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Strategist role, especially at the Associate level, will focus on tools that facilitate ideation, collaboration, user research, and project tracking. While direct CRM or automation tool expertise might not be mandatory, understanding their role in the broader operational ecosystem is advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A core value for Duke Energy, emphasizing understanding and serving customer needs through thoughtful design and efficient operations.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional partnership, and shared ownership of outcomes.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, creative problem-solving, and continuous improvement in how work is done.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking responsibility for actions and deliverables.

• Servant Leadership: Prioritizing the needs of the team and stakeholders to enable their success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with diverse teams (e.g., IT, marketing, operations, customer service) to ensure a holistic approach to design and problem-solving.

• Feedback Exchange: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to foster growth and refine solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and organization.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative work, adapting to change, and focusing on delivering value incrementally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlighted in the job description ("others focused," "emotional and situational intelligence," "think customer," "willingness to be vulnerable") point to a culture that values empathy, self-awareness, and a supportive, team-oriented approach to problem-solving within an operational context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Operations: Translating abstract design concepts into practical, implementable operational solutions within a large, established organization.

• Navigating Organizational Complexity: Working effectively across multiple departments and stakeholder groups with potentially competing priorities.

• Driving Adoption of New Methodologies: Helping teams embrace and integrate human-centered design and agile practices into their existing workflows.

• Measuring Impact: Developing metrics and demonstrating the tangible value of design strategy initiatives within an operational framework.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal and external training programs on design thinking, user research, facilitation, agile methodologies, and project management.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced Design Strategists and leaders within Duke Energy.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of projects across different business units, allowing for broad skill development.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in relevant industry conferences or workshops related to design, innovation, and the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles that act as change agents within large organizations. The growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement, practical experience, and career progression within a structured corporate environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used design thinking to solve a problem. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, facilitation, and impact).

• "How would you approach understanding the needs of a new customer segment for Duke Energy's services?" (Demonstrate empathy, research methods, and strategic thinking).

• "Imagine a team is resistant to adopting a new process. How would you help them embrace it?" (Highlight your facilitation, communication, and change management approach).

• "How do you balance delivering customer value with operational constraints and business objectives?" (Showcase your understanding of practical application and strategic alignment). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Duke Energy, and why this role specifically?" (Connect your skills and aspirations to the company's mission and the role's responsibilities).

• "Describe a situation where you had to demonstrate servant-leadership." (Provide a concrete example from your internship/co-op or academic work).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback?" (Emphasize your learner mindset and willingness to adapt).

• "What does 'customer-centricity' mean to you in the context of a utility company?" (Show you've considered the industry and its unique customer dynamics). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio pieces as narratives: the challenge, your approach (emphasizing your process and collaboration), the solution, and the impact/learnings.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team-based projects. Use "I" for your actions and "we" for team efforts.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, screenshots, photos) to illustrate your process and outcomes.

• Quantify Where Possible: Present metrics that showcase success or lessons learned.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges faced, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to emphasize the blend of design strategy and operational execution required for this role, focusing on practical application, collaboration, and a proactive, learning-oriented approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link by the specified deadline (August 14, 2026).

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects from your Duke Energy internship or co-op, highlighting your contributions to design thinking processes, user research, and team collaboration within the company.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your Duke Energy internship/co-op experience, your bachelor's degree, and any demonstrated skills in design thinking, facilitation, and problem-solving. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on examples that demonstrate servant-leadership, collaboration, and a learner mindset. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Deepen your understanding of Duke Energy's current strategic initiatives, customer service efforts, and sustainability goals. Be ready to discuss how your design strategy skills can contribute to these objectives.

⚠️ 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.