Beca UI Design
π Job Overview
Job Title: Beca UI Design
Company: VML
Location: Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Job Type: Intern
Category: Visual Design / UI Design Operations
Date Posted: 2026-04-23T15:52:25
Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)
Remote Status: Hybrid
π Role Summary
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This internship focuses on creating and implementing distinctive visual languages for digital products, aligning with brand strategies and driving user engagement.
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The role involves translating brand and product strategies into visually differentiated solutions, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and technical excellence in execution.
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Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including strategy, development, content, and product, is essential to ensure visual decisions support business objectives.
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Art direction responsibilities encompass conceptualization through delivery, maintaining visual coherence across all touchpoints, with an emphasis on leveraging AI tools for efficient visual asset creation.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Beca UI Design" (UI Design Internship), the description details responsibilities that extend into broader Visual Design and even aspects of Art Direction within a digital product context. The operations category is framed around the execution and implementation of design strategies, which is a core function within GTM and CX operations.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Develop and execute distinctive visual languages for digital products that are innovative, brand-aligned, and engaging across all channels.
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Translate overarching brand and product strategies into unique visual solutions, from initial concept to final implementation, with a strong focus on detail and technical precision.
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Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including strategy, development, content, and product, to ensure visual design decisions are strategically sound and aligned with business goals.
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Provide art direction for various projects, overseeing the visual execution from conceptualization to final delivery, and ensuring narrative and visual consistency across all user touchpoints.
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Leverage AI tools to enhance the efficiency and creativity of visual asset creation and design processes.
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Contribute to the end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial need identification through to solution development and successful implementation.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic alignment, common in design operations roles where creative output is directly tied to business objectives and cross-functional team integration. The emphasis on "end-to-end" projects and "impact" suggests a focus on operational effectiveness of the design process.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Design, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or a related field.
Experience: 0-2 years of experience in UI/Visual Design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant projects.
Required Skills:
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Genuine interest and foundational knowledge in technology and the digital landscape.
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Strong visual sense, aesthetic sensibility, and a dedication to client service.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective stakeholder interaction.
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Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
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A proactive and problem-solving attitude, with a strong capacity for teamwork and relationship building.
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High level of motivation and eagerness to learn and contribute.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with AI tools for design and asset creation.
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Understanding of digital product development lifecycles.
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Familiarity with user experience (UX) principles.
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Exposure to art direction or creative leadership.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "actitud" (attitude) and "ganas de aprender" (eagerness to learn) is critical for internship roles, indicating that while technical skills are necessary, the candidate's potential for growth and cultural fit are highly valued. The B2-C1 English proficiency is a key requirement for international collaboration.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase of distinct visual languages created for digital products and brands.
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Examples of translating brand and product strategies into visual design solutions.
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Case studies demonstrating collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
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Projects illustrating art direction and end-to-end design execution.
Process Documentation:
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Demonstrations of how design concepts were developed from strategy to implementation.
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Examples of iterative design processes and how feedback was incorporated.
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Documentation of how visual decisions aligned with business objectives and technical constraints.
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Examples of workflow for creating and managing visual assets, potentially including AI tool integration.
π Enhancement Note: For a design intern role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just present final work but also the thinking behind it, showcasing an understanding of process, strategy, and collaboration, which are key operational aspects of design execution.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: As this is a "Beca" (internship), compensation will be aligned with Spanish internship standards, typically a monthly stipend. Based on Madrid cost of living and typical internship rates for creative roles in Spain, an estimated range would be β¬600 - β¬900 per month.
Benefits:
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Hands-on experience in a leading international digital transformation consultancy.
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Opportunity to work on end-to-end projects with blue-chip clients.
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Mentorship from experienced professionals in Visual and UI Design.
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Exposure to innovative projects and cutting-edge technologies, including AI.
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Potential for future career advancement within VML or WPP.
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Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
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Hybrid work model, offering flexibility.
Working Hours: Full-time employment (typically 35-40 hours per week, as indicated by "jornada completa" and the mention of 4 days in office). The specific schedule will be detailed during the interview process.
π Enhancement Note: Internship compensation in Spain is often regulated by specific agreements and can vary significantly. The estimated range is based on general market knowledge for similar roles in Madrid. The hybrid model is a significant benefit for interns seeking work-life balance.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Transformation, Technology Consulting. VML is part of WPP, a global leader in commerce, experience, and technology.
Company Size: VML, as part of WPP, is a large global organization with over 26,000 employees across 55+ markets. The specific Madrid office size is not detailed but operates within a large network.
Founded: VML was formed by the merger of VML and Y&R in 2018, building on the legacies of both agencies. WPP was founded in 1982. This history suggests a culture that blends established agency expertise with modern digital transformation capabilities.
Team Structure:
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The Visual Design team works within a broader Design department, likely collaborating closely with Strategy, Product Management, and Development teams.
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The internship will be part of the "Visual Design" team, reporting to a Design Lead or Art Director.
Methodology:
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VML emphasizes an "end-to-end" approach, working from the initial client need through development and implementation, focusing on impact.
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Projects are approached with a deep understanding of client challenges, leveraging internal talent for successful execution.
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Innovation and human-first approaches are core to their methodology.
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The use of AI in creative processes is a stated methodological advancement.
Company Website: https://www.vml.com/
π Enhancement Note: The description highlights "VML The Cocktail" as the specific entity in Spain, suggesting a local identity within the global VML structure. The culture is described as challenging, innovative, and focused on making things happen, appealing to ambitious individuals.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship ("Beca") position, designed for individuals seeking foundational experience in UI/Visual Design within a professional agency setting. It's an opportunity to learn the operational aspects of design execution.
Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a senior member of the Visual Design team, such as an Art Director or Design Lead, who will guide their work and provide mentorship.
Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is focused on project contributions, their work is integral to delivering high-quality digital products that drive client success and achieve business objectives. The role provides visibility into how design operations contribute to client satisfaction and brand growth.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Development: Intensive learning in UI/Visual design principles, software proficiency (Figma, Adobe CC), and an understanding of digital product lifecycles.
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Industry Exposure: Gaining practical experience in a leading creative agency, working with major clients and understanding industry best practices.
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Networking: Building professional relationships with designers, strategists, developers, and project managers, fostering a strong network for future career steps.
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Potential for Future Employment: Successful interns may be considered for junior or full-time positions within VML, based on performance and business needs.
π Enhancement Note: The "actitud" and "ganas de aprender" are highlighted as key drivers for growth, suggesting that interns who demonstrate initiative will be given more opportunities and guidance.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work model, with an average of four days per week expected in the office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster creativity and connection.
Office Location(s): Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain. The specific office address is not provided but is implied to be a modern workspace conducive to creative collaboration.
Workspace Context:
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The office environment is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection, essential for a design team.
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Access to necessary design tools and technology (Figma, Adobe CC) will be provided.
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Opportunities for interaction with a multidisciplinary team, allowing for learning and exchange of ideas.
Work Schedule: Full-time, as indicated by "jornada completa." The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in how the working week is structured, balancing in-office and remote days.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on being "together" for creativity, collaboration, and connection points to an office environment that is actively managed to facilitate team synergy, a crucial element for design operations.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Application Submission: Submit CV through the provided link.
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Initial Screening: People team reviews CVs for alignment with requirements.
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First Interview: A call with the People team or a hiring manager to discuss fit, motivation, and basic qualifications. This is where they will assess your "actitud" and "ganas de aprender."
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Portfolio Review: Presentation of your portfolio to the design team. Be prepared to walk through your projects, explaining your design process, strategy, and problem-solving approach.
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Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a small design task or case study to assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities in real-time.
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Final Interview: May involve meeting with more senior team members or department heads to assess cultural fit and strategic thinking.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Showcase Process: Don't just present final mockups. Explain your thought process, research, ideation, iterations, and how you arrived at the final design.
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Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you collaborated with others and explain your role and contribution.
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Quantify Impact: If you have metrics or user feedback related to your designs, include them. For an intern, this might be qualitative feedback from instructors or peers.
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Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with digital products, brand strategy, and user-centric design. Showcase your proficiency with Figma and Adobe CC.
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Be Authentic: As VML suggests, "just be yourself." Let your passion for design shine through.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be ready to discuss your approach to common design challenges, such as creating visual consistency, adapting designs for different platforms, or incorporating user feedback.
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Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, linking them back to strategic goals.
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Be prepared to work under a time constraint if a practical exercise is given.
π Enhancement Note: The "tip" to "just be yourself" is a strong indicator that VML values authenticity and personality fit, especially for internship roles. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating operational design thinking.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Proficiency is a must.
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Adobe Creative Cloud: Includes Photoshop (image editing, mockups), Illustrator (vector graphics, icons), and potentially others like After Effects for motion graphics or XD for prototyping.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly relevant to this specific UI Design internship role.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe CC signifies the core technical requirements. Understanding how these tools facilitate efficient design operations and collaboration is key.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches, including the use of AI in design.
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Human-First: Prioritizing user needs and experiences in all design decisions.
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Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals.
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Client Focus: Delivering high-quality work that meets client objectives and drives impact.
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Excellence: A commitment to detail and high standards in design execution.
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Proactivity: Taking initiative, being eager to learn, and contributing actively.
Collaboration Style:
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Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork between design, strategy, development, and product teams.
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Open communication and feedback exchange are implied, crucial for iterating on designs and ensuring alignment.
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A culture that values learning from each other and pushing creative boundaries.
π Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "human first" and "collaboration," are critical for understanding how design operations are integrated into the broader client service model at VML.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Translating Strategy into Visuals: Effectively converting complex brand and product strategies into compelling and user-friendly visual designs can be challenging.
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Balancing Creativity and Constraints: Working within client brand guidelines, technical limitations, and project deadlines while maintaining creative integrity.
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Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring that design decisions are understood and supported by all stakeholders, especially those from non-design backgrounds.
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Rapidly Evolving Tools: Staying current with new design software features, AI tools, and industry best practices.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UI/Visual Designers and Art Directors.
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Project Exposure: Working on diverse projects for well-known clients, providing a broad range of practical experience.
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Tool Mastery: Deepening proficiency in industry-standard design software.
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Industry Insight: Understanding the operational aspects of a leading creative agency and the broader digital transformation landscape.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in design operations and offer significant learning opportunities for an intern looking to develop their problem-solving skills.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to translate a client's strategic goal into a visual design. What was your process?" (Focus on your strategy-to-visual thinking).
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"How do you approach collaborating with developers or strategists who have different priorities than you?" (Highlight your communication and negotiation skills).
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you most about VML and our work in digital transformation?" (Research VML's recent projects and clients).
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"How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to feedback and learning).
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically.
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Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the outcome/impact.
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Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the skills you're showcasing. Use high-quality images and mockups.
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Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly show how you used Figma or Adobe CC to achieve specific design elements or outcomes.
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Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and your eagerness to contribute.
π Enhancement Note: The interview questions are geared towards assessing not just technical skill but also strategic thinking, collaboration ability, and cultural fit, all critical components of effective design operations.
π Application Steps
To apply for this UI Design internship:
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Submit your application through the provided link on the VML careers page.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects that demonstrate your UI/Visual Design skills, your process, and your ability to work with strategic objectives. Tailor it to showcase your proficiency with Figma and Adobe CC.
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Resume Optimization: Update your CV to clearly state your educational background, any relevant project experience, your technical skills (Figma, Adobe CC, English proficiency), and your proactive attitude. Use keywords from the job description.
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your understanding of digital products, and your collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer strategy-based questions.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VML's work, clients, and company culture. Understand their emphasis on digital transformation and human-first approaches.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Seeking students available for full-time hours with proficiency in Figma, Adobe CC, and a B2-C1 level of English. Candidates should possess a passion for digital products, a proactive attitude, and strong communication skills.