Corporate Intern - UX Designer (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Corporate Intern - UX Designer (Remote) Company: First Citizens Bank Location: United States Job Type: TEMPORARY, INTERN Category: Digital Design / User Experience Date Posted: 2026-01-21 Experience Level: Entry-Level / Internship (0-2 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on creating design solutions and conducting user research for digital products, services, and channels.
• The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams including designers, product owners, product managers, developers, and business stakeholders.
• Interns will contribute to enhancing the bank's digital user experience by developing prototypes, visual designs, user journey maps, and wireframes.
• The position offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in user research methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "UX Designer," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a strong emphasis on foundational UX/UI design principles and user research. The "Corporate Intern" designation and the temporary nature of the role indicate it's an entry-level opportunity designed for current students to gain practical experience. The "0-2 years" experience level is inferred from the internship context and the "high school diploma or GED and 1 year of experience" requirement, which is unconventional for a typical degree-seeking internship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Experience and Support (45%):
  • Create and iterate on prototypes, visual designs, digital design assets, user journey maps, and wireframes under guidance.
  • Support the enhancement of the bank's digital user experience to ensure efficiency and ease of use for clients.
  • Advocate for product design that aligns with target audience needs and behaviors to the product team.
  • Apply brand guidelines and visual elements to user interfaces consistently.
• User Research (25%):
  • Assist in conducting user interviews and surveys to gather insights.
  • Analyze research findings and help compile comprehensive reports.
  • Utilize data to draft user personas and scenarios that inform design decisions.
  • Perform competitive analysis to identify industry patterns and best practices.
• Collaboration (30%):
  • Work closely with other design team members to create necessary assets.
  • Collaborate with enterprise design, product, technology, and QA stakeholders to measure product and team success.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of brand guidelines and standards for the enterprise design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distribution of responsibilities (45% Design, 25% Research, 30% Collaboration) provides a clear picture of the role's focus. The emphasis on supporting existing teams and contributing to specific tasks indicates a supportive rather than lead role, typical for an internship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited collegiate institution during the duration of the summer program.
• Preferred: Studying Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design, or other relevant fields.

Experience:

• Required: 1 year of experience (in addition to High School Diploma or GED).
• Preferred: Some practical or internship experience using design tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Axure) and relevant practical or internship experience in user research.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work 40 hours per week during the program duration.
• Strong desire to learn and grow.
• Positive attitude, natural curiosity, and enjoyment of collaboration.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to multitask and adapt priorities based on business needs.
• Ability to take direction and absorb information quickly.
• Self-starter, comfortable asking questions and determining the best course of action.

Preferred Skills:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and Axure.
• Experience with user research methodologies and tools.
• Understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles.
• Familiarity with product design and interaction design concepts.
• Experience with visual communication and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement of "1 year of experience" alongside a High School Diploma for an internship is unusual. It might imply experience gained through personal projects, volunteer work, or earlier part-time roles, rather than formal employment. The preferred qualifications strongly align with typical UX/UI internship requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Work Samples: Showcase examples of prototypes, visual designs, digital design assets, user journey maps, or wireframes created during academic projects or previous internships.
• User Research Contributions: If possible, include documentation or summaries of user research activities undertaken, such as interview notes, survey analysis, or persona development.
• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Briefly mention or visually represent the design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe Suite, Axure) used in your portfolio projects.
• Problem/Solution Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the problem addressed and the design/research solution implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to describe their involvement in design and research processes, demonstrating an understanding of:
  • Workflow design and optimization phases in a team setting.
  • Data collection and analysis methods used in user research.
  • Application of brand guidelines and design standards.
  • Iterative design processes based on feedback and research.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required, but demonstrating relevant work through a digital portfolio or a well-organized presentation of academic/personal projects is highly recommended. The focus should be on showcasing understanding and application of design and research principles, rather than solely polished final products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18.70 - $28.60 per hour

• The provided salary range is based on the explicit statement in the job description. Actual starting base pay will be determined by factors such as skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory criteria.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• 401k
• Additional benefits as outlined in the offer of employment, with more information available on the First Citizens Bank careers website.

Working Hours:

• The internship requires full-time commitment, working 40 hours per week.
• The internship dates are from May 27, 2026, to July 31, 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay range is specific and competitive for a corporate internship, especially considering it's a remote role. The mention of "variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards" in the total compensation context is standard for full-time roles but may not fully apply to a temporary internship; however, the explicitly listed benefits (Health Insurance, 401k) are significant for an intern position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Banking and Financial Services. First Citizens Bank is a prominent financial institution offering a wide range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Company Size: Large. First Citizens Bank is a significant player in the financial sector, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and a substantial employee base. Founded: 1897. With a long history, the company likely values stability, customer trust, and a blend of traditional banking practices with modern digital innovation.

Team Structure:

• The intern will join the Digital Design team, likely within a broader Digital Transformation or Technology division.
• This team collaborates closely with Product Management, Development, QA, and various business stakeholders across the bank.
• The reporting structure will involve a direct manager or mentor who oversees internship projects and provides guidance.

Methodology:

• The Digital Design team likely employs agile methodologies for product development, focusing on iterative design and user-centric approaches.
• Data analysis and user research are integral to informing design decisions and measuring product success.
• Collaboration is key, with a focus on cross-functional alignment to deliver cohesive digital experiences.

Company Website: https://jobs.firstcitizens.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established bank, First Citizens Bank is likely to have a formal corporate culture that values professionalism, reliability, and adherence to regulatory standards. The digital design team's role is crucial in bridging the gap between traditional financial services and modern user expectations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level internship designed for students, providing foundational experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design within the financial services industry. Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a designated manager or mentor within the Digital Design team. This mentor will guide projects, provide feedback, and facilitate learning opportunities. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is typically limited, their contributions to design assets, research analysis, and collaborative efforts will support larger projects aimed at improving client digital experiences, thereby indirectly contributing to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard design and research tools, and learn best practices in UX/UI design and user research.
• Industry Exposure: Understand the unique design challenges and opportunities within the regulated financial services sector.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders within a large financial institution.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Create tangible work samples that can be added to a professional portfolio for future job applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Internships are primarily about learning and exposure. The "growth" here is educational and experiential, preparing the intern for future roles in UX/UI design. There's no indication of a direct career path to full-time employment, but successful interns often gain valuable references and experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The role is specified as remote, meaning the intern will work from their own location. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company headquarters are in North Carolina, and the role is designated for the United States. This suggests candidates must be based in the U.S.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The intern will need to be proficient in using collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, instant messaging, project management software) to stay connected with the team.
• Digital Tools: Access to necessary design and research software will be provided or expected to be used (e.g., Figma, Adobe Suite, potentially specialized research platforms).
• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, design critiques, and collaborative sessions will be part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule:

• The internship requires a commitment of 40 hours per week.
• The specific working hours will likely be aligned with U.S. Eastern Time or Central Time business hours to facilitate collaboration with the core team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" designation means candidates must have a suitable home office setup and reliable internet connectivity. The expectation of 40 hours per week indicates a full-time commitment during the internship period.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and availability.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a portfolio review, a design exercise, or questions testing understanding of UX/UI principles and research methods.
• Behavioral Interview: To evaluate soft skills, cultural fit, learning agility, and collaboration capabilities. This may involve discussing past experiences and hypothetical scenarios.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior team member to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in UX/UI design and user research relevant to the role.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing.
• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your design decisions or research findings (e.g., improved usability, clarity of user needs).
• Tool Usage: Clearly state the tools used for each project (e.g., Figma for wireframing and prototyping, Photoshop for asset creation, survey tools for research).
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a small design challenge, which might involve creating a wireframe or a user flow for a specific feature, or critiquing an existing design.
• Research Scenario: You might be asked how you would approach a specific user research task, such as designing a survey or planning user interviews.
• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach designing a user-friendly interface for a banking-related feature, considering constraints and user needs.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would work with developers, product managers, or other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since it's an internship, the emphasis will be on potential and a willingness to learn, rather than extensive experience. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and research, even from academic projects, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Axure (preferred).
• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar platforms for remote teamwork.
• Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello might be used by the team for task tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics work might be limited, familiarity with how data informs design and research is beneficial. Understanding the output of user research and how it's reported is crucial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX design role, but awareness of how user experience impacts customer interactions within CRM systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is highly desirable. Experience with Axure is a specific plus mentioned. The ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and collaboration tools is also important for a remote intern.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving the needs of First Citizens Bank clients through intuitive digital experiences.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to enhancing digital products and processes through iteration and feedback.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Adhering to high standards of conduct, especially critical in the financial services industry.
• Learning & Growth: Encouraging curiosity and skill development among team members.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative, supportive environment, especially for interns.
• Expect regular team meetings, design critiques, and opportunities for knowledge sharing.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring clear communication and the ability to articulate design decisions to non-design stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a large bank often balances innovation with stability and compliance. The design team's role is to bring user-centered thinking into this environment, fostering a culture that values both user needs and business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Navigating the complexities of design within a highly regulated industry like banking.
• Remote Collaboration: Effectively contributing and integrating into a remote team environment.
• Learning Curve: Quickly acquiring new skills and understanding complex financial products and user needs.
• Translating Research into Design: Effectively synthesizing user research findings into actionable design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Dedicated guidance from experienced UX/UI designers.
• Practical Application: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects that impact customers.
• Industry Insight: Gaining exposure to the digital transformation efforts within a major financial institution.
• Tool Mastery: Deepening proficiency in industry-standard design and research software.

📝 Enhancement Note: Internships are designed to present manageable challenges that foster growth. The primary challenge for this role will be adapting to the corporate environment and learning the specific demands of UX/UI design in financial services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to learn a new design tool or software quickly. How did you approach it?" (Assesses learning agility and self-starter qualities).
• "Walk us through a design project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Tests design thinking, process, and communication).
• "How would you approach gathering user feedback for a new feature on a mobile banking app?" (Evaluates understanding of user research methodologies).
• "Imagine you're designing a feature for users who are less tech-savvy. What considerations would you make?" (Assesses user empathy and problem-solving for diverse audiences).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX design, and specifically about working in the financial services industry?" (Gauges motivation and industry interest).
• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your design work?" (Assesses receptiveness to feedback and collaboration).
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with others on a project. What was your role and how did you contribute?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your role, your process, the solution, and the results.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you arrived at your design decisions, not just the final visual output. Show wireframes, user flows, research insights.
• Tool Clarity: Be ready to explain which tools you used for specific tasks and why.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, highlighting the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, interviewers will look for enthusiasm, a foundational understanding of UX/UI principles, good communication skills, and a strong willingness to learn. Demonstrating a structured approach, even on academic projects, is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the First Citizens Bank careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or prior experience (even volunteer or personal) related to design, research, or technology. Use keywords from the job description like "UX," "design," "research," "prototyping," "collaboration," and specific tool names.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your digital portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best work. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail, focusing on your process and contributions. If you don't have a formal portfolio, prepare a document or presentation with your design and research work samples.
• Research First Citizens Bank: Understand their business, their digital presence, and their mission. This will help you articulate your interest and tailor your responses during the interview.
• Practice Interview Questions: Review common UX/UI internship interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and your approach to design challenges. Be ready to talk about your motivations for pursuing this specific internship.

⚠️ 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.