Intern - UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern - UX/UI Designer

Company: Nelnet

Location: Madison, WI; Centennial, CO

Job Type: Part time, Intern

Category: User Experience / User Interface Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a part-time intern position focused on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, offering hands-on experience in a professional setting.

• The role involves creating design assets such as wireframes, mockups, and prototypes using Figma for active product development and design system initiatives.

• Interns will actively participate in design critiques, providing and receiving feedback to foster a collaborative and iterative design process.

• Collaboration with experienced UX Designers and Leads is a key aspect, ensuring designs are implemented-ready and align with accessibility standards.

• The position emphasizes learning foundational UX practices, including visual hierarchy, typography, responsive design, and basic accessibility considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Intern - UX/UI Designer," the responsibilities and required skills align with a foundational role in design operations, focusing on the practical application of design principles and tools within a business context. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration with leads suggests a role that contributes directly to ongoing product development, offering valuable real-world experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma for current product features and design system enhancements.

• Assist in the application and maintenance of design system components, variables, and styles within Figma projects to ensure consistency.

• Actively participate in design critique sessions, offering constructive feedback and thoughtfully incorporating feedback received into design iterations.

• Collaborate closely with UX Designers, UX Leads, and Accessibility Leads to translate project requirements into polished, implementation-ready design specifications.

• Gain practical knowledge of fundamental UX principles, including visual hierarchy, effective typography, responsive design across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms, and basic accessibility standards (e.g., contrast ratios, focus states, touch target sizes).

• Present design work to internal teams and stakeholders for review, clearly articulating design decisions and iterating based on constructive input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a practical, hands-on approach to design execution, emphasizing the creation of tangible design assets and direct contributions to ongoing projects. This is typical for internships aiming to provide immediate value and comprehensive learning experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Interaction Design, Digital Media, Information Science, or a closely related field.

Experience: No prior professional experience is strictly required, but a portfolio or demonstrated coursework showcasing Figma proficiency is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Working proficiency in Figma, including experience with components and auto layout. Familiarity with Figma variables is a plus.

• Foundational understanding of core visual design principles: typography, color theory, layout composition, and visual hierarchy.

• A strong willingness to provide and receive constructive design feedback within a collaborative team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design ideas clearly.

• Demonstrated presentation skills, capable of showcasing design work effectively.

• A genuine curiosity and interest in accessible and inclusive design practices.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple small design tasks concurrently. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Figma variables for advanced component management.

• Familiarity with design system methodologies and best practices.

• Basic understanding of user research principles.

• Exposure to prototyping tools beyond Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma proficiency, including auto layout and variables, indicates a need for practical, tool-specific skills rather than solely theoretical knowledge. The requirement for a portfolio or coursework suggests that practical application and demonstrated ability are highly valued, even in the absence of professional experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase proficiency in Figma, including examples of component creation, auto layout usage, and potentially variable implementation.

• Include case studies or project examples that demonstrate the process of creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Present work that illustrates an understanding of visual design principles and their application in creating user interfaces.

• If possible, include examples that touch upon design system thinking or contributions to a design system.

• Projects should ideally demonstrate an ability to iterate on designs based on feedback. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for this intern role, candidates are expected to be able to articulate their design process for any submitted portfolio pieces.

• This includes explaining the steps taken from initial concept to final design, including research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration.

• The ability to discuss how design decisions were made and how feedback was incorporated is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the "portfolio" is less about formal process documentation and more about demonstrating practical skills and design thinking through project examples. The emphasis will be on the candidate's ability to explain their workflow and design rationale, showcasing their learning potential and foundational understanding of design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship position, compensation will be competitive and paid hourly. Based on industry standards for UX/UI Design Internships in Madison, WI, and Centennial, CO, for individuals with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated hourly rate typically falls between $18 - $25 per hour. This range can vary based on the specific university program, the intern's demonstrated skills, and the company's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced UX Designers and Leads.

• Competitive Pay: Hourly compensation benchmarked against industry standards for internships.

• Casual Dress: A relaxed dress code, contributing to a comfortable work environment.

• Flexible Schedule: Potential for flexibility in working hours to accommodate academic commitments, within the part-time framework.

• Meaningful Work Experience: Opportunity to contribute to real projects and gain practical, production-quality design experience.

• Intern-Specific Programming: Access to events and activities designed to enhance the intern experience and professional development.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. The exact number of hours per week will be agreed upon, but typically ranges from 20-30 hours, with potential for flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. The role is on-site, requiring the intern to be present at the designated office location during scheduled work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for intern positions in similar tech/design roles in the specified locations. Actual compensation will be determined by Nelnet. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are highlighted to emphasize the intern's experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Student Loan Servicing, Higher Education Technology). Nelnet operates within the complex and highly regulated financial services sector, with a significant focus on technology solutions to support education financing. This industry context means a strong emphasis on data security, compliance, and user trust.

Company Size: Nelnet is a large organization, employing thousands of individuals across various departments and locations. This scale means interns can expect exposure to established corporate processes, a structured environment, and opportunities to learn from many different teams and functions.

Founded: Nelnet was founded in 1996. Its history as a significant player in student loan servicing suggests a company with deep industry knowledge, established operational frameworks, and a commitment to long-term growth and adaptation within the evolving education finance landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is likely a part of a larger Product Development or Technology division.

• Interns will report to a UX Design Lead or Manager, who will oversee their day-to-day tasks and mentorship.

• Collaboration is expected not only within the UX team but also with Product Managers, Software Engineers, and potentially Marketing or Business Analysts. Methodology:

• Design work will likely follow an iterative process, incorporating user feedback and business requirements.

• The use of a design system implies a focus on standardization, efficiency, and scalability in design.

• Data analysis may be used to inform design decisions, especially in understanding user behavior and product performance.

• Agile methodologies are common in tech-driven companies like Nelnet, suggesting a fast-paced, adaptive approach to development and design.

Company Website: https://nelnet.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The industry and company size provide context for the professional environment. For a UX/UI intern, working in a large, established financial services company means designs will need to be robust, user-friendly, and compliant, which is a valuable learning experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the entry-level/internship stage, specifically designed for individuals beginning their career in UX/UI design. The focus is on skill acquisition, practical application, and understanding professional design workflows.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a UX Design Lead or Manager. This provides a direct line of guidance and mentorship, ensuring the intern receives structured learning and feedback. Collaboration will extend to other UX Designers, Accessibility Leads, and potentially product development teams.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is typically focused on specific project contributions, their work on wireframes, mockups, and design system components directly influences the user experience of Nelnet's products. Successful design contributions can lead to improved user engagement, task completion rates, and overall customer satisfaction, indirectly impacting business operations and customer perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Figma, learn core UX/UI principles, and gain practical experience in responsive design and accessibility.

• Industry Exposure: Understand the design process within a large financial services technology company, gaining insights into industry-specific design challenges and solutions.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers and other team members, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Create tangible projects and case studies for a professional portfolio, demonstrating real-world application of design skills.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future part-time or full-time roles within Nelnet, depending on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the developmental aspect of an internship, highlighting how this role serves as a crucial stepping stone for a career in UX/UI design. The "operations impact" is framed in terms of how design contributes to business objectives, a key consideration for any role within a company's operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role requires the intern to work from a Nelnet office location in either Madison, WI, or Centennial, CO. This setup facilitates direct collaboration, in-person mentorship, and immersion in the company's daily operational flow.

Office Location(s):

• Madison, WI

• Centennial, CO

These locations offer a professional office environment conducive to focused work and team interaction. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility would typically be provided during the onboarding process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting allows for spontaneous discussions, team meetings, and direct interaction with UX Designers, Leads, and other cross-functional team members.

• Tools and Technology: Interns will have access to necessary design software (Figma) and company hardware/systems required to perform their duties.

• Team Interaction: The physical presence enables active participation in team stand-ups, design reviews, and informal knowledge-sharing sessions, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time, with flexible scheduling options available to accommodate academic commitments, provided it aligns with team needs and project timelines. While flexible, the on-site requirement means the intern will be expected to be present at the office during their agreed-upon work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator for this internship, emphasizing the value placed on in-person collaboration and direct mentorship within Nelnet's operational structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and any submitted portfolios/coursework will be screened for qualifications, particularly Figma proficiency and relevant academic background.

• Screening Interview: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and clarify expectations regarding the internship.

• Design Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, and potentially complete a small design exercise or challenge related to wireframing, prototyping, or design system application. This step evaluates practical skills and design thinking.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (UX Design Lead/Manager) to discuss design philosophy, problem-solving approach, collaboration style, and alignment with team goals.

• Final Round (if applicable): Potentially a final interview with a senior leader or cross-functional team member.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Figma Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work created in Figma, highlighting your proficiency with its core features (components, auto layout).

• Process Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate your design process: the problem, your approach, the tools used, your role, the challenges faced, and the outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Showcase Iteration: Include examples of how you iterated on designs based on feedback or testing. This demonstrates adaptability and a growth mindset.

• Design System Examples: If you have any experience with or understanding of design systems, present it clearly. This is a key focus for this role.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant projects for this internship.

Challenge Preparation:

• Figma Practice: Re-familiarize yourself with Figma's core functionalities, especially auto layout and component creation. Practice creating simple components and applying them in a layout.

• Design Principles Review: Refresh your understanding of visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, and basic accessibility principles.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a common design problem, such as designing a feature for a mobile app or improving the usability of a form.

• Communication: Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a team unfamiliar with the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical design skills and the ability to articulate one's design process, which is standard for UX/UI roles. The portfolio review and challenge preparation are tailored to the specific requirements of this internship, particularly the focus on Figma and design systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the primary design tool. Proficiency in creating wireframes, mockups, prototypes, using components, auto layout, and ideally variables is essential.

• Design Systems: Familiarity with the principles and practical application of design systems for maintaining consistency and efficiency in UI design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this intern role, understanding that design decisions may be informed by data is beneficial. Exposure to analytics tools might occur through collaboration with Product Managers or UX Researchers. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX/UI design tasks for this internship. The focus is on design tools, not CRM or marketing automation platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily skewed towards design tools, with Figma being the central requirement. This reflects the core function of the role, which is hands-on design execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that meets business and user needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort, open communication, and mutual support within the design team and with cross-functional partners.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of learning, adapting, and seeking ways to enhance design processes, user experiences, and personal skills.

• User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and meeting the needs of the end-user through thoughtful design solutions.

• Efficiency: Leveraging tools like design systems and Figma's features to streamline the design process and deliver results effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Iterative and Feedback-Driven: The team likely engages in regular design critiques and reviews, fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed and used to refine designs.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders to ensure designs are technically feasible and aligned with business objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, insights, and learnings to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style reflect a professional, team-oriented design environment. For an intern, understanding these cultural aspects is key to integrating effectively and contributing positively to the team's workflow.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Commitments: Effectively managing time and responsibilities to excel in both academic pursuits and internship duties.

• Learning Complex Systems: Quickly grasping the intricacies of Nelnet's products, user base, and existing design systems to contribute meaningfully.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Developing the skill to receive constructive criticism professionally and translate it into actionable design improvements.

• Contributing to Production Work: Shifting from academic exercises to real-world project demands, where designs have direct business implications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentored Skill Development: Direct guidance from experienced UX/UI professionals to hone skills in Figma, design principles, and professional workflow.

• Industry Best Practices: Gaining exposure to how a large company approaches UX/UI design, including design systems, accessibility standards, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Portfolio Building: A structured opportunity to add professional-quality projects and case studies to a personal portfolio.

• Networking: Building connections within the design and technology sectors through colleagues and potential future industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed to provide a realistic outlook for an intern, emphasizing both the learning curve and the potential for significant professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, what was your role, what tools did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Be ready to discuss your Figma workflow specifically).

• Figma Proficiency: "Describe your experience with Figma components and auto layout. Can you give an example of how you've used them to create efficient designs?"

• Design Principles: "How would you approach designing a responsive form for both desktop and mobile?" or "Explain the importance of visual hierarchy in UI design."

• Feedback & Collaboration: "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" or "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a design project."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Nelnet specifically, and in the financial services/education tech industry?"

• "What are your expectations for this internship, and how do you see it contributing to your career goals?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI design trends and best practices?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as stories. Clearly define the problem, your unique contribution, the design journey, and the measurable impact (if any).

• Visuals First: Use high-quality screenshots, mockups, and prototypes. Annotate key design decisions and explain the rationale behind them.

• Figma Focus: Be prepared to share your Figma files or screen recordings demonstrating your proficiency, especially with components and auto layout.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Practice presenting your work within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the internship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation guidance is tailored to the specific requirements of this UX/UI internship, focusing on tool proficiency (Figma), design process articulation, and demonstrating a collaborative, learning-oriented mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer internship position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, prominently featuring your best work in Figma. Highlight projects that demonstrate wireframing, mockups, prototyping, and any experience with design systems or components.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any technical skills (especially Figma). Quantify achievements where possible, even for academic projects (e.g., "Designed a user flow that improved task completion by X% in a simulated scenario").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and explaining your portfolio projects clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and visual design principles.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Nelnet's mission, services, and recent news. Understand their commitment to making dreams possible and how design contributes to that. Research their brand identity and any publicly available design guidelines or products.

⚠️ 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.