Intern, UX (Design & Copy)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern, UX (Design & Copy)

Company: Rakuten Viki

Location: Singapore

Job Type: Intern, Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Content Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on the critical intersection of UX Design and Content Strategy, aiming to enhance user experience through meticulous design and resonant copy.

• The role involves creating visual prototypes and crafting product microcopy that maintains Viki's brand voice and tone across all platform surfaces.

• Responsibilities include collaborating with Product Managers and UX Designers on design solutions, integrating copy into Figma workflows, and contributing to the maintenance of Viki's design system.

• The intern will gain hands-on experience in DesignOps by supporting the governance and documentation of copy within the design system, ensuring scalability and consistency.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a global entertainment streaming platform specializing in Asian content, bridging cultures through design and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly an internship, targeting candidates with 0-2 years of experience, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and a willingness to learn Figma quickly. The "On-site" remote status is clearly indicated, and the focus on "Design & Copy" suggests a dual responsibility in visual design and UX writing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with UX team members and Product Managers to develop design solutions that effectively address user needs and align with business objectives.

• Create a range of visual prototypes, from conceptual sketches to interactive mock-ups, utilizing Figma to bring design ideas to life.

• Write, review, and refine product microcopy for various Viki interfaces, including buttons, empty states, error messages, tooltips, onboarding flows, and in-app notifications, ensuring clarity and user-friendliness.

• Maintain consistency in Viki's brand voice and tone across all copy elements, adhering to established brand pillars.

• Support product and platform localization efforts by working with copy-related tools, software, and vendors to ensure culturally resonant messaging across multiple languages.

• Integrate written copy seamlessly into Figma design flows, collaborating closely with designers to ensure copy is ready for engineering handoff.

• Contribute to the governance and ongoing maintenance of Viki's copy assets within the design system, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.

• Actively participate in UX discovery and exploration phases, contributing insights and ideas to shape future product features.

• Articulate design and copy rationale clearly and effectively to key stakeholders, including cross-functional teams and leadership.

• Partner with engineers during the development phase to ensure design and copy implementations accurately reflect the intended user experience.

• Drive creativity by generating fresh ideas, challenging existing assumptions, and exploring innovative problem-solving approaches.

• Engage in weekly design critique sessions, providing and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, meticulous writing, and operational tasks related to design systems and localization, indicating a hands-on role requiring collaboration and attention to detail. The emphasis on "product/platform localisation across multiple languages" and "governance and maintenance of Viki’s copy in design system" points to a need for structured thinking and process adherence beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or coursework in Design, Communications, English, HCI, or a related field is highly beneficial. The emphasis is on demonstrated skills and portfolio content over formal education.

Experience: Candidates should ideally have 0-2 years of experience, with a strong preference for internships or academic projects that showcase relevant skills. The ability to think at a high level about complex products and adapt to an iterative, feedback-driven environment is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of the UX design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and iteration.

• Demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically about complex product challenges.

• Excellent written communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for how words and visuals interact.

• Proficiency in Figma, or a demonstrated ability to learn new design tools rapidly.

• Ability to articulate and defend design and copy rationale to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative, and feedback-driven design environment.

• Understanding of web and app design principles. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UX writing, content design, or product copywriting, evidenced through a strong portfolio.

• Familiarity with localization processes and considerations for global platforms.

• Exposure to DesignOps principles and practices, particularly regarding design systems and copy governance.

• Experience with interactive mock-ups and visual prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• A portfolio that goes beyond standard Behance/Dribbble links, showcasing specific UX writing samples or writing-heavy case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements heavily emphasize a portfolio showcasing UX writing, content design, or product copywriting. The explicit mention that "a portfolio in the format of behance.net or dribbble.com will not be accepted" suggests a need for a more in-depth, process-oriented presentation of work, possibly including case studies that detail the writing process and its impact. A commitment to a 6-month, full-time internship is also a key requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A dedicated section showcasing UX writing samples, including examples of microcopy (buttons, error messages, tooltips), onboarding flows, and in-app notifications.

• Case studies that detail the process of developing copy for digital products, highlighting problem identification, solution ideation, iteration, and final outcomes.

• Evidence of how the candidate integrated copy with visual design elements, demonstrating an understanding of UI/UX principles and a collaborative approach.

• Examples of maintaining brand voice and tone consistency across different product features or user journeys.

• Demonstrations of understanding user needs and business requirements through copy solutions. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should ideally outline the candidate's approach to research and user empathy in copy development.

• Showcase how feedback was incorporated into iterative copy revisions.

• If applicable, demonstrate experience with localization considerations or multi-language content strategies.

• Examples of how copy was integrated into design workflows and handed off to engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role. The emphasis is on demonstrating a process for UX writing and content design, not just the final output. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their thought process, problem-solving, and how they ensured copy was effective, consistent, and aligned with design and business goals. The exclusion of typical portfolio sites suggests a preference for more detailed, case-study-driven presentations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship position, compensation is typically provided as a stipend. For Singapore, a full-time, 6-month internship may range from SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,000 per month, depending on the company's internal compensation structure for interns and the specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Mentorship from experienced UX designers and Product Managers.

• Weekly design sharing sessions and design critiques for continuous learning.

• Opportunity to work on a globally recognized streaming platform and contribute to its user experience.

• Networking opportunities with a global team of over 4,000 employees across various Rakuten businesses.

• Exposure to a diverse range of Asian content and culture.

• Potential for professional growth and skill development in UX design and content strategy.

Working Hours: Full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines. The internship duration is preferably 6 months.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical internship stipends in Singapore for roles requiring a full-time commitment. Benefits are inferred from the description of mentorship, learning opportunities, and the overall company context. The work hours and duration are explicitly stated or strongly implied.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Entertainment & Streaming (specifically Asian content), E-commerce, Digital Services. Rakuten International is a diversified conglomerate with a strong focus on innovation and customer delight. Rakuten Viki operates in the competitive global streaming market, emphasizing cultural exchange through entertainment.

Company Size: Rakuten International employs over 4,000 employees globally. Rakuten Viki, as a specific business unit, likely has a significant but distinct team size, with offices in San Mateo, Singapore, Seoul, and Shanghai. This size suggests a well-established organization with structured processes but also potential for agility within its specific product teams.

Founded: Rakuten was founded in 1997, and Rakuten Viki (originally Viikii) was founded in 2007. This history indicates a company with a proven track record and experience in building and scaling digital platforms.

Team Structure: The intern will be part of the UX team, working closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and engineers. This structure implies a collaborative environment where design and product development are integrated. The intern will report to a dedicated mentor within the UX team and participate in broader design sharing sessions.

Methodology: The company's "Five Principles for Success" (Always improve, Always Advance; Passionately Professional; Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika; Maximize Customer Satisfaction; Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!) suggest a culture that values continuous improvement, high standards, agile experimentation, customer focus, and efficient execution. This likely translates into design and product development methodologies that are iterative, data-informed, and customer-centric.

Company Website: https://www.viki.com/ and https://corp.rakuten.co.jp/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is influenced by Rakuten's global principles, emphasizing innovation, customer satisfaction, and speed. Viki's specific focus on Asian entertainment and community building suggests a passion-driven environment that values cultural understanding and global collaboration. The "DesignOps" mention in the role description hints at a mature approach to design processes and systems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, specifically designed for individuals beginning their careers in UX Design and Content Strategy. It provides foundational experience in a professional setting, focusing on learning and skill application under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a dedicated mentor within the UX team and collaborate closely with Product Managers and other UX Designers. This structure ensures direct guidance and integration into ongoing projects.

Operations Impact: While an intern, the role's impact lies in contributing to the refinement of user interfaces and the clarity of communication on the Viki platform. By improving microcopy and visual prototypes, the intern directly influences user engagement, satisfaction, and potentially conversion rates for specific features. This role helps lay the groundwork for future contributions to broader operational efficiency and user experience optimization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX writing, content design, and visual prototyping with Figma, potentially exploring areas like DesignOps and localization.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience within the competitive global streaming industry, specifically focusing on the unique aspects of Asian entertainment content.

• Networking: Build professional connections within Rakuten Viki and the wider Rakuten network, opening doors for future opportunities.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop a strong portfolio with real-world project contributions, showcasing practical skills and a professional work ethic.

• Mentorship: Benefit from structured mentorship and feedback sessions, accelerating learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition, industry exposure, and professional development, which are typical for internship roles. The specific mention of "DesignOps" and "localization" provides a unique growth path beyond standard UX design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Singapore, implying an on-site work environment within Rakuten Viki's Singapore office. This suggests a professional office setting.

Office Location(s): Crimson House, Singapore. This location is likely well-connected and situated within a business district, offering a standard urban working environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with the UX team, Product Managers, and engineers.

• Access to standard office technology and design software (Figma) will be provided.

• The environment will likely foster a culture of open communication, feedback, and teamwork, aligning with Rakuten's global principles.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time internship, typically 40 hours per week, with an implied standard business schedule. However, the fast-paced nature of product development might require occasional flexibility to meet project timelines. The preferred internship duration is 6 months.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and office location are specified. The workspace context is inferred from the collaborative nature of UX work and the company's likely professional office setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for essential qualifications, particularly UX writing samples and Figma proficiency.

• Portfolio Presentation/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting specific UX writing projects and their thought process. A design or copy challenge related to Viki's platform might be assigned.

• Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess skills, cultural fit, and understanding of the UX design process. Questions will likely probe problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and motivation for the internship.

• Final Round: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss the role's scope.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight UX Writing: Clearly showcase UX writing samples, demonstrating your ability to craft clear, concise, and on-brand microcopy.

• Detail Your Process: For case studies, explain your methodology: problem identification, research, ideation, iteration, and how you measured success (even if it's hypothetical for academic projects).

• Showcase Figma Skills: If presenting prototypes, ensure they are well-organized and demonstrate your proficiency in Figma.

• Explain Rationale: Be prepared to articulate why you made specific design and copy choices, linking them back to user needs and business goals.

• Address the "No Behance/Dribbble" Rule: Ensure your portfolio is presented in a format that details the process, such as a PDF or a dedicated personal website that goes beyond visual aesthetics to explain your UX thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with Viki: Explore the Rakuten Viki platform thoroughly. Understand its features, target audience, and content.

• Practice Microcopy: Work on writing microcopy for common UI elements (e.g., error messages, empty states, onboarding tips) for a fictional or existing app.

• Understand Brand Voice: Analyze Viki's current brand voice and tone. Consider how you would maintain or adapt it.

• Prepare to Discuss UX Principles: Be ready to discuss core UX principles and how they apply to both design and copy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on typical internship hiring practices for UX/design roles, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review. The specific instruction about portfolio format is a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for visual prototyping, interactive mock-ups, and design integration. Proficiency is required, or a strong willingness to learn quickly.

• Design System Tools: Experience or familiarity with contributing to and maintaining design system components, especially for copy.

• Localization Tools/Software: Exposure to tools or processes involved in managing localized content across multiple languages.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility for the intern, an understanding of how UX design and copy impact user metrics (e.g., engagement, conversion, task completion) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Amplitude would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this specific UX/content role, but understanding general product development workflows that involve CRM and automation tools in a larger tech company context is useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as a primary tool. The mention of "copy related tools, software and vendors" and "governance and maintenance of Viki’s copy in design system" implies a need for understanding the broader ecosystem of design and content management tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Maximizing customer satisfaction is a core principle, driving the need for user-centric design and clear, helpful copy.

• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): A culture of always improving and advancing encourages iterative design, feedback incorporation, and refinement of processes.

• Passion & Professionalism: A passionate and uncompromising approach to work is expected, reflected in the quality of design and copy.

• Agile Methodology (Hypothesize - Practice - Validate): This principle suggests a dynamic, experimental approach to problem-solving, encouraging hypothesis-driven design and copy testing.

• Speed & Efficiency: The emphasis on "Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!" indicates a fast-paced environment where efficient execution and timely delivery are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers, fostering a team-oriented approach.

• Feedback-Driven: Weekly design critiques and an iterative environment emphasize open communication and constructive feedback exchange.

• Global Mindset: Working within a global company like Rakuten Viki necessitates an awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and user needs, particularly concerning localization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Five Principles for Success" directly inform the expected team culture and values. The emphasis on "Passionately Professional" and "Speed!!" suggests a demanding yet rewarding environment focused on high-quality output and efficient delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design and Copy: Effectively integrating written content with visual design to create a cohesive and intuitive user experience.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified voice and tone across a complex global platform with diverse content.

• Localization Complexity: Understanding and supporting the nuances of translating and adapting content for various international markets.

• Iterative Design Process: Adapting to frequent feedback and making revisions to designs and copy in a fast-paced environment.

• Learning New Tools: Quickly mastering Figma and potentially other design/content management tools if not already proficient.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on UX Writing: Gaining practical experience in crafting microcopy for a live product.

• Design System Contribution: Learning how to document, maintain, and contribute to a scalable design system.

• Localization Fundamentals: Understanding the principles and challenges of globalizing digital products.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Developing skills in working effectively with product, engineering, and design teams.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced professionals in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the specific demands of UX writing and DesignOps within a global product context. Growth opportunities are tied to acquiring specialized skills and gaining practical experience in a dynamic tech environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your writing style to a specific brand voice. What was your process?" (Assesses brand alignment and writing adaptability)

• "Walk us through a piece of microcopy you've written. What problem did it solve, and what was your rationale?" (Evaluates microcopy skills and problem-solving)

• "How would you approach integrating copy into a Figma prototype to ensure it's ready for engineering handoff?" (Tests understanding of design workflows and technical collaboration)

• "Imagine we need to adapt a key onboarding message for users in three different countries. What factors would you consider?" (Probes localization awareness and strategic thinking) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rakuten Viki and its focus on Asian entertainment?" (Assesses genuine interest and cultural awareness)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs or writing?" (Evaluates receptiveness to feedback and iterative process)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you ensure collaboration and clear communication?" (Gauges teamwork and communication skills)

• "How do Rakuten's Five Principles for Success resonate with your work ethic?" (Tests alignment with company values) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (especially for writing), iterations, and the outcome.

• Highlight UX Writing Impact: Emphasize how your copy improved user experience, clarity, or task completion. Quantify results if possible, or explain the qualitative benefits.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: If showcasing prototypes, ensure they are interactive and clearly demonstrate your design capabilities and understanding of user flows.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio as a narrative of your problem-solving journey, showcasing your critical thinking and creativity.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, writing decisions, and how you would handle specific scenarios related to Viki's platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess the specific skills required for a UX Design & Copy intern, emphasizing portfolio content, process, and cultural fit within Rakuten's framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight UX writing samples, content design case studies, and any experience with Figma or similar prototyping tools. Ensure it adheres to the format requirements (avoiding solely Behance/Dribbble links).

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant skills such as UX writing, content strategy, Figma proficiency, and any experience with localization or design systems. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design and copy rationale, prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, and research Rakuten Viki's platform and mission.

• Company Research: Understand Rakuten's "Five Principles for Success" and how they relate to the UX/content role. Familiarize yourself with Viki's content offerings and target audience.

⚠️ 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.