Beca UI Design

VML The Cocktail
Full-timeBarcelona, Spain

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Beca UI Design

Company: VML The Cocktail

Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: Intern

Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-22T11:20:46

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • This internship focuses on UI Design within a technology consulting firm, aiming to enhance brand-people relationships through innovative design, data, and technology.

  • You will be part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing to projects that drive real impact for major clients.

  • The role requires a disruptive, challenger mindset, valuing nonconformity, passion for excellence, and a drive to make things happen.

  • Opportunities for exponential professional growth and exposure to cutting-edge projects in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Beca UI Design" (UI Design Internship), the broader context provided by The Cocktail and VML suggests this role sits within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or Digital Transformation function. The emphasis on accelerating client growth through design, data, and technology implies a need for operations-minded individuals who can connect design execution to business outcomes. Therefore, the category has been broadened to Design Operations / Creative Operations to reflect the strategic and operational aspects of design within a business context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior designers and cross-functional teams to develop user interface designs for digital products and platforms.

  • Translate creative briefs and client requirements into intuitive and visually compelling user interfaces, considering user experience (UX) principles.

  • Contribute to design research and analysis to understand user needs, market trends, and competitive landscapes.

  • Assist in the creation of design assets, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes for client presentations and development hand-offs.

  • Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas to design challenges and client projects.

  • Support the implementation of design best practices and ensure consistency with brand guidelines and project objectives.

  • Engage in iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from team members and stakeholders to refine designs.

  • Learn and apply new design tools and technologies to enhance workflow efficiency and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the company's description and the nature of a UI Design internship within a consulting firm, responsibilities are inferred to include not just visual design but also contribution to strategic project elements, research, and collaboration with diverse teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Media, or a related field.

Experience:

  • 0-2 years of experience in UI Design, UX Design, or a closely related creative field, preferably through internships or academic projects.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in UI design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

  • Basic understanding of user-centered design principles and user experience (UX) best practices.

  • Strong visual design skills with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly.

  • Adaptability and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Familiarity with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS) is beneficial but not required.

  • Experience with design systems and component-based design.

  • Basic knowledge of data visualization or how data can inform design decisions.

  • Experience working in a consulting or agency environment.

  • Understanding of agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Beca" (internship) nature and the 0-2 years experience level, the qualifications are framed to be accessible to emerging talent while highlighting the core competencies required for success in a design role within a tech-consulting firm.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 UI design projects (academic, personal, or internship work).

  • Projects should demonstrate the candidate's understanding of UI design principles, visual aesthetics, and user flow.

  • Clear articulation of the design process for each project, including problem definition, research, ideation, design execution, and outcomes.

  • Examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow and how they approach design challenges.

  • Ability to explain how they incorporate feedback and iterate on designs.

  • Understanding of how design outputs connect to broader project goals and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio requirements are focused on demonstrating potential and understanding of the design process rather than extensive professional experience. The emphasis is on showcasing foundational skills and a willingness to learn.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • As an internship ("Beca"), compensation will align with Spanish market standards for junior/intern positions in the design and technology sector in Barcelona.

  • Estimated Range: €600 - €900 per month. This estimate is based on typical internship stipends in Spain, considering the cost of living in Barcelona and the specialized nature of UI design within a consulting firm.

  • Research Methodology: This range is derived from general knowledge of Spanish internship compensation, industry benchmarks for entry-level creative roles in major European cities, and the specific context of a global WPP agency. Actual compensation will be communicated during the interview process.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a leading global agency (VML, part of WPP).

  • Mentorship from experienced UI/UX designers and creative professionals.

  • Exposure to diverse client projects and industries.

  • Professional development and learning opportunities within a dynamic team.

  • Networking opportunities within the WPP network.

  • Hybrid work model offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Working Hours:

  • Standard internship hours, typically around 30-40 hours per week.

  • Hybrid work model: An average of four days per week in the office, with one day remote, offering flexibility. Specific schedules can be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on the "Beca" designation and location. Benefits are inferred from the company's commitment to professional development and the typical offerings of a large agency.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Marketing, Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation. The Cocktail (as part of VML and WPP) operates at the intersection of creative services, data analytics, and technological innovation to drive client growth.

Company Size: VML is a large global agency, part of WPP, a multinational advertising and public relations giant. The Cocktail itself is a significant entity within this structure, likely employing hundreds of professionals across various disciplines. This scale offers stability and broad exposure.

Founded: The Cocktail was founded in 2007. VML and Wunderman merged in early 2020 to form VMLY&R, which then rebranded as VML in early 2024. This history indicates a company with deep roots in digital transformation and agency services, continually evolving to meet market demands.

Team Structure:

  • You will be part of a multidisciplinary team comprising strategists, designers (UI/UX), technologists, data analysts, and researchers.

  • The structure emphasizes collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, typical of modern creative agencies and consultancies.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making and a focus on measurable business outcomes for clients.

  • Agile and iterative approaches to project management and design execution.

  • Emphasis on innovation, challenging the status quo, and developing disruptive solutions.

  • Collaborative problem-solving and a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Company Website: https://www.vml.com/ (VML), https://thecocktail.com/ (The Cocktail)

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the provided text and general knowledge about VML and WPP. The "Beca UI Design" role is positioned within this larger framework, impacting the operations and culture experienced by the intern.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Beca" (internship) position, typically for individuals with 0-2 years of experience or those still in education. It serves as a foundational step into the professional world of UI/UX design within a large agency/consultancy context.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a Design Lead or a Project Manager who oversees the design aspects of client projects. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be limited, their contributions to UI design directly influence the user experience of client-facing products and services. This, in turn, affects client satisfaction, brand perception, and potentially business conversion rates. The role is crucial in translating strategic goals into tangible digital interfaces.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Intensive learning in UI design tools, UX principles, and agency workflows. Exposure to real-world client challenges.

  • Career Progression: Successful completion of the internship can lead to junior designer roles within VML or WPP, or provide a strong portfolio and experience for opportunities elsewhere in the industry.

  • Networking: Opportunity to build connections with professionals across various disciplines, fostering future career opportunities.

  • Specialization: Potential to explore specialization areas within design, such as interaction design, motion graphics, or design system management, based on project exposure and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed around the internship experience, emphasizing learning, potential future roles, and the value of exposure within a large organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company promotes a hybrid work environment, with teams spending an average of four days per week in the office. This indicates a blend of collaborative in-person work and individual remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Barcelona is a vibrant European hub for technology, design, and business, offering a dynamic professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with spaces conducive to team brainstorming and project work.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) and potentially other project management and communication tools.

  • Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with a diverse group of professionals, including designers, strategists, developers, and account managers, facilitating cross-functional learning.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with an expectation of being in the office four days a week. This structure aims to balance team synergy with individual focus time. Specific daily hours can be discussed to accommodate personal needs where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and office days are explicitly mentioned, providing clear expectations for the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

  • Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process and rationale. A practical design challenge or a case study analysis may be assigned to assess problem-solving skills and design thinking.

  • Team/Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about design philosophy, technical skills, project experience, and how the candidate aligns with The Cocktail's values and work style. This may involve meeting with potential team members.

  • Final Interview: Potentially a final conversation with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss terms of the internship.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best represent your UI design skills and problem-solving abilities. Quality over quantity is key.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the tools you used, your key contributions, and the outcomes or learnings.

  • Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, mood boards, and iterations to demonstrate your thinking.

  • Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs or explain how they contributed to project goals.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the type of work VML The Cocktail does (e.g., digital transformation, brand experience enhancement).

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge or case study assignment. Clarify any ambiguities.

  • Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thought process, not just the final output. Show how you arrived at your solutions.

  • Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and presentation.

  • Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your ideas concisely and persuasively, as if presenting to a client or senior team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed based on standard agency practices for design internships, emphasizing the importance of a strong portfolio and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UI/UX Design Software: Figma (highly likely given industry trends), Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.

  • Prototyping Tools: InVision, Marvel, or built-in prototyping features within Figma/Sketch/XD.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace.

  • Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello (or similar tools used by project teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant for this UI Design intern role, but awareness of how user interfaces interact with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms can provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for UI/UX design roles in agencies and consultancies, with a focus on collaboration and prototyping.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Disruptive & Challenger Mindset: Encouraging innovation, questioning the status quo, and proposing bold solutions.

  • Passion for Excellence: A commitment to high-quality work and continuous improvement in design and execution.

  • Collaboration & Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively.

  • Impact & Growth: Focusing on delivering real impact for clients and supporting the exponential professional growth of team members.

  • Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced environment and adapting to new challenges and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

  • Multidisciplinary Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with strategists, technologists, data analysts, and researchers to create holistic solutions.

  • Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest feedback to drive iterative improvements.

  • Shared Ownership: Fostering a sense of collective responsibility for project success.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share insights, best practices, and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and values are extracted from the provided text and interpreted through the lens of a modern creative agency and consultancy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and evolving project requirements common in agency work.

  • Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Meeting client needs and technical limitations while maintaining design integrity and innovation.

  • Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating design ideas and rationale to non-design stakeholders.

  • Learning New Tools/Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software and digital trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced designers for guidance and skill development.

  • Internal Workshops & Training: Opportunities to attend sessions on design trends, tools, and agency methodologies.

  • Project Exposure: Working on diverse client projects offers varied learning experiences across different industries and challenges.

  • Industry Events: Potential to attend relevant design conferences or webinars to stay abreast of industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the typical experience of an intern in a creative agency, focusing on skill acquisition and professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a UI design project you're particularly proud of and walk me through your process." (Focus on problem, solution, your role, and outcomes).

  • "How do you approach incorporating user feedback into your designs?" (Demonstrate iterative design thinking).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about The Cocktail and VML's approach to design and technology?" (Show you've researched the company and align with their mission).

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism on your design work?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback and professional maturity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Start with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project: Context -> Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Learnings.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and process artifacts. Avoid overwhelming slides with too much text.

  • Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project. Explain the 'why' behind your design decisions.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and to the point.

  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and what you learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess design thinking, collaboration, and alignment with the company's values, focusing on practical application of skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Design internship:

  • Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

  • Customize Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, any previous internships, and proficiency in design software. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, Figma share link), and clearly showcases your best UI design work with detailed process explanations.

  • Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your passion for UI design, your career aspirations, and why you are a great fit for The Cocktail's culture. Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely.

  • Research The Cocktail & VML: Understand their mission, recent work, and client portfolio to tailor your application and interview responses. Familiarize yourself with their hybrid work approach and values.

⚠️ 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

The position seeks a candidate with a disruptive and challenger mindset, characterized by nonconformity and a passion for excellence. Applicants should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.