Afstudeerstage UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Afstudeerstage UX Design

Company: KPN

Location: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: Internship

Category: UX Design / Customer Experience Operations

Date Posted: October 24, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on enhancing the digital user experience for KPN's business customers, directly contributing to customer-centricity initiatives.

• You will be instrumental in improving complex customer processes through intuitive design solutions and expanding the KPN Design System.

• The role offers hands-on experience in a dynamic, young department where you can actively contribute fresh ideas and drive impactful projects.

• Collaboration is key, working closely with the experienced UX Guild to learn and apply best practices in user experience design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a UX Design internship, the emphasis on "improving customer processes" and working within a "Customer Centricity" team positions it closely to Customer Experience Operations. The role requires practical application of design principles to optimize customer journeys, a core function within GTM operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Process Optimization: Actively contribute to simplifying and enhancing intricate processes for KPN's business clients, ensuring a more seamless customer journey.

• Design System Enhancement: Collaborate on expanding the KPN Design System and building a comprehensive UX library, ensuring design consistency and efficiency.

• Initiative Development: Propose and work on new ideas and initiatives that have a tangible impact on customer experience and business objectives.

• UX Guild Collaboration: Work alongside experienced UX professionals, learning from their expertise and contributing to client-focused design solutions.

• Cross-functional Engagement: Engage with other sub-departments within Customer Centricity (Content, Customer Experience) to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise for holistic solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize practical application and contribution to core operational improvements within customer experience, aligning this internship with operational enhancement goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Multimedia Design (HBO Communication & Multimedia Design).

Experience: Minimum of 5 months of full-time availability required. A 4-day work week can be discussed.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Principles: Demonstrated understanding and application of user experience design best practices.

• Design Tools Proficiency: Experience with design tools such as Figma is essential for this role.

• Creativity & Innovation: A creative mindset, willingness to generate new ideas, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Digital Mindset: A strong understanding of digital platforms and a forward-thinking approach to technology.

• Structured Approach: Ability to work with a structured methodology and maintain an eye for detail in design and process work.

• Communication Skills: Fluent in both written and spoken Dutch and English, essential for effective collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Customer Journey Mapping: Experience or understanding of mapping and analyzing customer journeys.

• Design System Contribution: Familiarity with contributing to or working within established design systems.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for analyzing complex problems and proposing user-centered solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and collaborate with various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, a structured approach, and contribution to a design system highlights the operational aspects of UX design, focusing on efficiency and scalability rather than purely aesthetic design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you've analyzed and improved existing processes, detailing the methodology used and the outcomes achieved.

• Design System Contributions: If applicable, present examples of your work on design systems, UX libraries, or style guides, demonstrating an understanding of consistency and scalability.

• UX/UI Design Examples: Provide a curated selection of your best UX/UI design projects, highlighting your problem-solving approach and user-centered thinking.

• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma and other relevant design tools, potentially through a live demonstration or project walkthrough.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Analysis: Demonstrate an understanding of how to document and analyze existing workflows to identify areas for improvement.

• Design Specification: Ability to create clear and detailed design specifications for development teams, ensuring accurate implementation of UX/UI designs.

• User Feedback Integration: Showcase how user feedback has been incorporated into design iterations and process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be strictly required for an internship, candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through project examples. The focus should be on process improvement, design system contribution, and structured problem-solving, reflecting operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €600 per month (based on a 40-hour work week).

Benefits:

• Internship Allowance: A monthly stipend of €600.

• Hybrid Work Environment: A balanced work arrangement with 2 days in the office (Rotterdam or Amsterdam) and 3 days working from home.

• Work Equipment: A laptop will be provided, which can also be used for school assignments.

• Travel Reimbursement: Compensation for travel costs (train or car) if you do not have a student public transport pass.

• Dedicated Mentorship: A fixed supervisor who will provide professional coaching throughout the internship.

• Networking Opportunities: Access to a broad network of KPN experts willing to share knowledge and connections.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to expand knowledge and skills through the KPN Academy and workshops.

• Social Engagement: Participation in fun activities via Jong KPN and the intern network, including regular office social events and drinks.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (negotiable to 4 days).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is a standard internship stipend in the Netherlands. The benefits highlight a supportive environment for interns, focusing on professional growth, networking, and work-life balance, which are attractive for candidates entering the operations field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications. KPN is a leading provider of telecommunications and IT services, connecting the Netherlands.

Company Size: Large enterprise. KPN is a significant player in the Dutch market with a substantial workforce.

Founded: 1881. With a long history, KPN has evolved significantly, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to innovation.

Team Structure:

• Customer Centricity Department: A relatively new department (less than 1.5 years old), focused on digital-first, customer-centric approaches.

• UX Guild: A specialized group of UX professionals within the department, serving as centers of expertise.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The department comprises Customer Journey/UX, Content, and Customer Experience teams, which actively collaborate and leverage each other's skills.

• Culture of Camaraderie: The team balances hard work with a strong emphasis on enjoyment and quality, fostering an environment where "working hard and laughing hard go hand in hand."

Methodology:

• Digital First: A primary focus on digital solutions and customer interactions.

• Customer Centricity: All efforts are geared towards understanding and improving the customer experience.

• Collaborative Development: Active cross-team interaction and knowledge sharing are encouraged for building robust solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to refine customer journeys and internal processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: KPN's long history combined with a newly formed, agile Customer Centricity department presents an exciting environment for an intern. The emphasis on digital-first and customer-centricity aligns well with modern GTM and operations strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, providing foundational experience in UX Design within a commercial operations context. It's an excellent stepping stone for careers in UX, Product Design, or Customer Experience Management.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a dedicated supervisor within the Customer Centricity team, likely a senior UX Designer or Manager, and will work closely with the UX Guild.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is developmental, contributions to process improvement, design system expansion, and new initiatives can measurably enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, indirectly influencing revenue through improved customer satisfaction and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, user research, and design system development.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable insights into the telecommunications industry and large-scale enterprise operations.

• Networking: Build a professional network within KPN, opening doors for future opportunities.

• Mentorship: Benefit from structured coaching and guidance from experienced professionals, accelerating learning and career development.

• Potential Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for junior or full-time roles within KPN's UX, Product, or Operations teams upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is framed as a developmental opportunity, emphasizing skill acquisition and exposure to operational environments. The growth path leans towards specialized UX roles but provides a strong foundation applicable to broader GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment with a mix of office-based and remote work. The office serves as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and hands-on work.

Office Location(s): Offices are located in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, providing flexibility for the intern.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration among team members, encouraging idea exchange and joint problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Interns will have access to necessary tools and technology, including a provided laptop, to perform their duties effectively.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the UX Guild, Customer Centricity team, and other KPN experts is encouraged, promoting a dynamic learning atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work 4 days per week. This arrangement allows for focused work periods and personal time, supporting a healthy work-life balance essential for sustained productivity in operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and dual office locations (Rotterdam/Amsterdam) offer flexibility. The emphasis on collaborative workspaces and team interaction highlights the importance of communication and synergy, crucial for operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and motivation letter to assess suitability for the internship.

• First Interview: Typically with a recruiter (e.g., Julie Kleijzen) and potentially a hiring manager or senior team member to discuss background, motivation, and initial fit with the role and team.

• Practical Assessment/Case Study: May involve a small design challenge or discussion based on a portfolio to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of UX principles.

• Final Interview: Potentially with key stakeholders to confirm fit and discuss practical arrangements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: For UX roles, demonstrate how you arrived at a design solution. Include research, ideation, iteration, and testing phases.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the challenge you addressed, your approach, and the impact of your solution.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, perhaps by walking through a project in your portfolio or a simulated task.

• Relevance to KPN: Tailor your portfolio presentation to emphasize aspects relevant to KPN's business, customer focus, and design system needs (if you have experience).

• Structured Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically and be prepared to present it concisely and engagingly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand KPN's Business: Research KPN's services, target audience (especially business customers), and recent initiatives.

• UX Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss core UX concepts, design thinking methodologies, and user-centered design principles.

• Design System Awareness: Understand the importance of design systems for consistency and efficiency in large organizations.

• Process Improvement Mindset: Think about how design contributes to improving operational processes and customer journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an internship will be less intensive than for a full-time role but will still focus on assessing potential, problem-solving skills, and alignment with the team's working style. Portfolio emphasis should be on process and practical application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool explicitly mentioned, essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Design System Tools: While not specified, expect to work with or contribute to tools/platforms used for managing design systems (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight, or internal KPN platforms).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping features will likely be used extensively.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics might be beneficial for understanding user behavior, though not explicitly required.

• User Feedback Platforms: Experience with survey tools or platforms for collecting and analyzing user feedback would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not directly a UX tool, understanding how UX design impacts CRM interactions and customer journeys is valuable.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task management and collaboration within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement is proficiency in Figma. Understanding how UX design integrates with broader customer management systems and operational workflows is a plus, aligning with the GTM operations perspective.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: Placing the customer at the heart of all design and process improvement efforts.

• Digital First: Prioritizing digital solutions and experiences for customers and internal processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort, knowledge sharing, and mutual support within the team.

• Innovation & Fresh Perspectives: Encouraging new ideas and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Quality & Efficiency: Striving for high-quality outcomes while optimizing processes for efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with UX Guild, Content, and Customer Experience teams to ensure cohesive strategies.

• Open Communication: Encouraging the free exchange of ideas and constructive feedback.

• Mentorship & Learning: A supportive environment where experienced professionals guide and mentor interns and junior team members.

• Balanced Approach: Combining rigorous work with a positive and enjoyable team atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a blend of professional rigor and a positive, collaborative atmosphere, which is ideal for learning and development. The "digital first" and "customer centricity" values are directly applicable to GTM operations principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating into a New Department: Adapting to the culture and workflows of a relatively new team (Customer Centricity) and a large organization like KPN.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Translating academic knowledge from Communication & Multimedia Design into practical, impactful solutions for real-world business problems.

• Contributing to a Design System: Understanding the complexities and requirements of contributing to a large-scale design system for a major company.

• Navigating Stakeholder Needs: Learning to balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Applied UX Skills: Gaining practical experience in UX research, design, prototyping, and user testing.

• Design System Development: Contributing to and learning about the principles and practicalities of design systems.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the telecommunications sector and the operational challenges of a large enterprise.

• Professional Coaching: Receiving dedicated guidance from an experienced supervisor.

• Networking: Building connections within KPN's tech and operations community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an internship but are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in understanding large-scale operations and design system management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex process you've simplified through design." (Prepare to discuss a project where you analyzed a process, identified pain points, and designed a more efficient or intuitive solution, detailing your methodology.)

• "How would you approach contributing to an existing design system?" (Discuss your understanding of design systems, how you'd learn KPN's existing components, and how you'd ensure your contributions align with established standards.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why KPN, and why this internship?" (Research KPN's mission, values, and recent developments. Connect your interests and skills to KPN's goals and the specific responsibilities of this role.)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback, your process for incorporating it, and how you view it as an opportunity for improvement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Clearly explain your design thinking process for each project. Use visuals to show sketches, wireframes, user flows, and final designs.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, discuss the intended or achieved improvements in user efficiency, clarity, or satisfaction.

• Demonstrate Figma Skills: Be prepared to briefly showcase your Figma workflow, custom components, or prototyping capabilities.

• Tailor to KPN: Highlight projects that demonstrate skills relevant to enterprise customers, process improvement, or design system thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a practical, process-oriented approach to UX design, aligning with operational efficiency and customer experience goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX Design internship:

• Submit your application through the KPN careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume & Motivation Letter: Highlight your Communication & Multimedia Design studies, specific skills in Figma, any experience with process improvement or design systems, and your availability. Clearly articulate your motivation for this specific internship at KPN.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX design process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with Figma. Be ready to discuss them in detail.

• Research KPN: Familiarize yourself with KPN's business, its customer focus, and its brand. Understand the role of UX in enhancing customer journeys for business clients.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice answering common interview questions, especially those related to your design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of user experience in a corporate context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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