Co-op UX Designer - Summer 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Co-op UX Designer - Summer 2026

Company: Global Relay

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Internship / Co-op

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Design Operations

Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level / Co-op Student

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This co-op role focuses on contributing to impactful product experiences and strengthening design operations within a leading enterprise information archiving company.

• The position offers hands-on experience across the entire design lifecycle, from ideation and wireframing to prototyping and user testing, with mentorship from senior UX designers.

• The Co-op UX Designer will play a key role in refining internal design processes, such as establishing standardized UX file structures and creating accessibility documentation.

• This role is ideal for a proactive learner eager to build foundational skills in driving design excellence and understanding enterprise software solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a co-op student, indicating an educational placement requirement. The focus on "design operations" suggests a need for process improvement and standardization beyond typical UX design tasks. The company's industry (enterprise information archiving) implies a need for designing complex, regulated, and data-intensive applications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Initiatives:

  • Participate actively in project planning by asking clarifying questions to understand business needs and user requirements thoroughly.
  • Support discovery phases by shadowing research activities, taking detailed notes, and assisting in synthesizing research findings to inform design decisions.
  • Contribute to ideation sessions and the creation of key design deliverables, including user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of user testing sessions, observing user interactions and gathering feedback.
  • Learn about and eventually contribute to the improvement and expansion of the company's design system.
  • Document design rationale, decisions, accessibility considerations, and detailed design specifications for development handoff.
  • Attend stakeholder meetings, primarily led by senior team members, to gain exposure to cross-functional communication.
  • Collaborate closely with UI designers to translate approved wireframes into polished, high-fidelity mock-ups.
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies (e.g., stand-ups, sprint reviews) and conduct quality assurance reviews of implemented designs.
  • Assist in identifying and leveraging product metrics to inform product management decisions and measure the success of design initiatives.
  • Develop a strong understanding of the product offering, its technical architecture, and the overall product vision.

• Design Operations:

  • Implement practical solutions that streamline design workflows and enhance overall design quality across various projects.

  • Lead specific UX initiatives aimed at improving the user experience of Global Relay's products and internal design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are split into "Product Initiatives" and "Design Operations," highlighting a dual focus. The emphasis on documentation, process refinement, and contributing to a design system points towards a need for structured and organized work. The mention of "metrics" and "product management" suggests an expectation for data-informed design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program related to User Experience (UX) Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience creating UX artifacts (e.g., user flows, wireframes, prototypes) through academic coursework, personal projects, or previous internships.

Required Skills:

• Theoretical understanding of core UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Proven ability to create essential UX artifacts such as user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach.

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly.

• Effective collaboration skills, capable of working productively within cross-functional teams.

• Proactive attitude towards seeking feedback and incorporating guidance from senior team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design and collaboration tools such as Figma and Miro.

• Understanding of enterprise software environments or the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.

• Awareness of current UX design trends and emerging technologies.

• Foundational understanding of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About you" section directly translates into required skills. The "Nice to have" section highlights preferred skills that can differentiate candidates. The emphasis on theoretical understanding and coursework/personal projects clearly defines the entry-level and co-op nature of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing academic projects, personal work, or previous internship contributions.

• Clear documentation of the design process, including problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Examples of UX artifacts such as user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate an understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Projects that highlight problem-solving skills and the ability to translate user needs into functional design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to contribute to documentation of design rationale, decisions, and specifications.

• Willingness to learn and help establish standardized UX file structures and internal design processes.

• Experience or aptitude for documenting accessibility considerations and design specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio requirement" isn't explicitly stated beyond "proven track record of experience creating UX artifacts," a strong portfolio is implicit for any UX role. The enhancement focuses on what such a portfolio should demonstrate for an entry-level/co-op candidate. The responsibilities also point to the need for process documentation skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $42,000 - $56,400 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• As a co-op position, specific long-term benefits may differ from full-time employees, but typically include:
  • Mentorship and coaching from experienced UX designers and leadership.
  • Opportunities for professional development and skill-building in a real-world enterprise environment.
  • Exposure to industry-leading enterprise information archiving solutions.
  • A chance to make a tangible impact on product development and design processes.
  • Being part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent attendance during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. Benefits are inferred based on the nature of a co-op/internship role within a professional organization, focusing on learning and development opportunities rather than traditional benefits packages. The "working hours" are standard for full-time employment, as expected for a co-op placement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Enterprise Information Archiving, Cloud Archiving, Surveillance, eDiscovery, and Analytics Solutions. Global Relay operates in a highly regulated sector, emphasizing security, compliance, and data integrity.

Company Size: Global Relay is an established company with a significant presence, described as a "career-building company" and not a "typical technology company." While exact size isn't stated, its long history (25+ years) and comprehensive offerings suggest a medium to large enterprise.

Founded: Over 25 years ago, indicating a stable and experienced organization with a proven track record in its specialized market.

Team Structure:

• The Co-op UX Designer will be part of the design team, collaborating with other designers and reporting to senior UX designers.

• Close partnership with product managers, UI designers, and development teams is expected.

Methodology:

• Product Development: Operates within an Agile framework, participating in Agile ceremonies and quality assurance reviews.

• Design Process: Follows a user-centered design approach, involving ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. Emphasis on iterating based on research and metrics.

• Design Operations: Focuses on elevating design maturity through process refinement, standardization (file structures, accessibility documentation), and streamlining workflows.

Company Website: www.globalrelay.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and history are crucial for understanding the context of the design work. The description of Global Relay as a "career-building company" and its emphasis on diversity and inclusion are key cultural indicators. The mention of Agile ceremonies and stakeholder meetings provides insight into team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level co-op position designed for students seeking practical experience. It's a foundational step in a UX design career, focusing on learning and contributing under supervision.

Reporting Structure: The Co-op UX Designer will report to senior UX designers and collaborate closely with a dedicated design team, as well as product managers and development teams.

Operations Impact: While direct operational impact is limited due to the co-op nature, the role contributes to enhancing product usability, improving design workflows, and supporting the overall design maturity of the organization. This indirectly supports efficient product development and user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning opportunities in UX design principles, methodologies, tools (Figma, Miro), and enterprise software design.

• Process Improvement: Direct involvement in refining and documenting design processes, offering experience in design operations.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the enterprise information archiving industry, compliance regulations, and SaaS product development.

• Networking: Building professional relationships within the design team, product, and engineering departments.

• Future Potential: Successful co-op students may be considered for future internships or full-time roles based on performance and company needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis is framed around the co-op experience, emphasizing learning, skill acquisition, and exposure rather than traditional career progression. The mention of "design operations" as a specific area of contribution is a key growth path within this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site" in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This suggests a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The environment fosters collaboration, with the UX designer expected to work closely with designers, product managers, and developers.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design tools like Figma and Miro is expected, alongside the company's internal systems for project management and communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with experienced professionals, including senior UX designers, offering mentorship and guidance.

Work Schedule:

• The role likely follows standard business hours, typically 40 hours per week, to align with the co-op program requirements and team collaboration needs.

• On-site presence is mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" nature is a significant detail for candidates. The emphasis on collaboration and mentorship points to a supportive work environment within the office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and university transcripts in one PDF via the Global Relay Careers page. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted documents to assess qualifications, academic background, and co-op program eligibility.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio showcasing relevant UX artifacts and design process. This is a critical step to evaluate practical skills.

• Interviews:

  • Technical/Skills Interview: Discussion focused on UX design principles, methodologies, problem-solving abilities, and specific tool proficiency (e.g., Figma).
  • Behavioral Interview: Assessment of soft skills, collaboration capabilities, eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and cultural fit.
  • Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potential team members to discuss role expectations, team dynamics, and answer candidate questions.

• Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from initial problem identification to final solution.

• Highlight Artifacts: Present a range of UX artifacts (user flows, wireframes, prototypes) with clear explanations of their purpose and how they informed design decisions.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Explain the challenges you faced and how you approached them, focusing on user needs and business requirements.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): For personal projects, mention any outcomes or lessons learned, even if not directly measurable.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with enterprise software design or demonstrate an understanding of complex systems, if available.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and explanations are clear and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common UX tasks, such as designing a user flow for a specific feature or improving an existing interface.

• Review common UX interview questions related to design principles, user research methods, and problem-solving.

• Understand Global Relay's business and industry to better contextualize your design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is detailed, including specific document requirements and legal authorization to work. The portfolio review is highlighted as a critical step, and tips are provided to help candidates prepare effectively for this and the interview stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: A primary tool for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Proficiency or familiarity is highly desired.

• Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard platform used for ideation, brainstorming, user flow mapping, and research synthesis. Familiarity is preferred.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with any prototyping tool (e.g., Figma's built-in features, Adobe XD, InVision) will be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX Designer role, but understanding the broader business context of enterprise software and customer data management is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and Miro are explicitly mentioned as preferred tools. The focus is on design and collaboration tools relevant to the UX function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact & Recognition: Global Relay positions itself as a place where employees can make an impact and be recognized for their contributions.

• Innovation & Challenge: Encourages big ideas, new challenges, and groundbreaking innovation.

• Diversity & Inclusion: A strong emphasis on fostering a work environment free of barriers where employees collaborate and learn from diverse backgrounds.

• Career Building: Focuses on employee growth and development, aiming to be a career-building company.

• Data-Driven: Implied through the mention of leveraging metrics to drive product management and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on collaboration across design, product, and development teams.

• Mentorship & Support: A supportive environment where senior members mentor and coach junior staff, including co-op students.

• Open Communication: Encourages asking clarifying questions and participating in stakeholder meetings.

• Feedback-Driven: Proactive seeking and incorporation of feedback is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values around diversity, innovation, and career development are key cultural indicators. The collaborative style is evident from the responsibilities and team structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Working with enterprise-level software often involves complex workflows, intricate data models, and stringent regulatory requirements, which can be challenging to simplify for users.

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user needs into design solutions while respecting technical limitations and business objectives.

• Elevating Design Maturity: Contributing to initiatives that improve internal design processes, file structures, and documentation standards requires proactive effort and initiative.

• Adapting to Enterprise Software: Understanding the nuances of designing for a regulated industry like enterprise information archiving, where security and compliance are paramount.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on UX Experience: Gaining practical experience in all phases of the UX design process within a professional setting.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and learning from experienced senior UX designers.

• Tool Proficiency: Developing skills in industry-standard tools like Figma and Miro.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to and learning about design operations, workflow optimization, and standardization.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the enterprise information archiving sector and its unique design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the inherent challenges of working in enterprise UX and highlights the significant learning opportunities available in a co-op role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your design process for [a project from your portfolio]. How did you identify user needs and translate them into your final design?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you need to design a feature for [a hypothetical enterprise archiving scenario]. What would be your first steps, and what key considerations would you have?"

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a design project. What was your role, and how did you handle disagreements or feedback?"

• Tooling: "What are your preferred UX design tools, and why? How have you used Figma or Miro in your projects?"

• Learning & Growth: "What interests you most about UX design, and what do you hope to learn during this co-op term?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Global Relay and the enterprise information archiving industry?"

• "How do you align with our company values of diversity, inclusion, and innovation?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome/learnings.

• Storytelling: Narrate your design journey for each project, explaining your decisions and rationale logically.

• Visuals: Use clear wireframes, mockups, user flows, and prototype links to illustrate your work.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would apply your skills to Global Relay's products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific question types and portfolio presentation strategies are tailored to a UX co-op role, emphasizing process, problem-solving, collaboration, and company alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Visit the Global Relay Careers page and locate the "Co-op UX Designer - Summer 2026" posting.

• Prepare a single PDF document containing your cover letter, resume, and university transcripts.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights relevant coursework, academic projects, any personal UX projects, and any experience with UX design principles, wireframing, prototyping, and relevant tools like Figma or Miro. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to showcase your strongest UX design work, emphasizing projects that demonstrate your understanding of user-centered design, problem-solving, and your design process. Tailor the selection to align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Global Relay's business, its products, and its company culture, particularly its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Understand the enterprise information archiving industry.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, decisions, and outcomes clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how your skills can benefit Global Relay.

⚠️ 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.

---