HCD & UX Designer Intern - Summer 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: HCD & UX Designer Intern - Summer 2026

Company: Cox Enterprises

Location: Atlanta, GA

Job Type: Intern (Full-Time)

Category: Operations - User Experience / Human-Centered Design

Date Posted: 2025-09-12

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years experience in a relevant field)

Remote Status: Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on Human-Centered Design (HCD) and User Experience (UX) principles, providing hands-on experience within Cox Enterprises' innovation initiatives.

• Interns will actively participate in planning and facilitating HCD workshops, supporting cross-functional teams to achieve their objectives through design thinking methodologies.

• The role involves direct involvement in UX projects, encompassing user research, prototyping using tools like Figma, and user testing to enhance digital products and services.

• A key aspect includes supporting community and university engagement, strengthening relationships with academic institutions and contributing to early career recruitment strategies.

• Opportunities for departmental rotation within Team Member Experience, including IT Service Management/Processes, Client Services, and Service Delivery, offer broad exposure to business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Intern - Technical," the description clearly positions this role within "Business Operations" and specifically focuses on HCD/UX, indicating a blend of technical design skills applied to operational improvements and strategic initiatives. The emphasis on workshop facilitation and user research aligns it with operations support functions that drive efficiency and user satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of Human-Centered Design (HCD) workshops, guiding internal teams through problem definition, ideation, and prioritization phases.

• Support User Experience (UX) projects by conducting user interviews to gather requirements, designing detailed prototypes using tools such as Figma or Adobe XD, and performing user testing.

• Contribute to the development and delivery of HCD training materials and facilitate design thinking sessions for various internal business units.

• Aid in managing and growing university relationships through event planning and supporting early career recruitment efforts, enhancing the company's talent pipeline.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather insights, synthesize research findings, and translate them into actionable design recommendations that improve operational processes and user journeys.

• May participate in rotational assignments within departments like IT Service Management/Processes, Client Services, or Service Delivery to gain a broader understanding of business operations.

• Document workshop outcomes, user research findings, and prototype iterations to ensure knowledge sharing and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed around supporting operational teams and processes through design thinking and UX methodologies. This indicates the intern will be involved in a project management and execution capacity, focused on improving internal tools, processes, or user-facing services from an operational standpoint.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience or a strong academic foundation in Human-Centered Design principles, User Experience research, and/or interaction design.

Required Skills:

• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, essential for workshop facilitation and user interviews.

• Multi-tasking: Capacity to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• MS Office Proficiency: Competence in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex problems, synthesize information, and develop innovative solutions.

• Self-Motivation: Proactive and independent work ethic, capable of taking initiative and driving tasks to completion with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in design and prototyping software such as Figma, Adobe XD, or similar tools.

• Workshop Facilitation: Experience or aptitude for facilitating group sessions, workshops, or brainstorming activities.

• User Research Methods: Familiarity with various user research techniques, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing.

• Data Analysis: Basic understanding of how to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions.

• Collaboration Tools: Experience with collaborative platforms like Mural for virtual workshops and ideation sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills, particularly in prototyping tools and user research, suggest the role extends beyond theoretical understanding into practical application within business processes. The emphasis on communication and critical thinking is crucial for any operations-focused role that requires problem-solving and stakeholder interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 1-2 well-documented projects demonstrating the application of HCD or UX methodologies.

• Projects should clearly articulate the problem statement, user research conducted, design process, iterations, and final outcomes or learnings.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, prototypes, or usability testing reports to illustrate design thinking and execution.

• Highlight the impact or potential impact of the design solutions on user experience or operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to clearly document their design process, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, and prototyping workflows.

• Ability to articulate the steps taken to move from problem identification to a proposed solution, emphasizing efficiency and user-centricity.

• Show evidence of iterative design and how feedback was incorporated to refine solutions, crucial for operational process improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an internship, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design thinking to solve problems is implicitly expected. For an operations context, this means showing how design skills can lead to tangible improvements in processes, user satisfaction, or efficiency, even in academic or personal projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Hourly base pay rate is $23.65 - $35.48/hour.

• The final hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's ultimate work location, and their demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Benefits:

• Health Care Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Retirement Planning (401(k))

Working Hours:

• Standard business hours, likely 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time internship. The specific schedule will be determined based on team needs and intern availability, offering flexibility within the "Hybrid" work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate range is competitive for internship roles in the Atlanta area, particularly for positions requiring specialized skills like UX/HCD. The benefits listed are standard for full-time employees and may be prorated or offered in a limited capacity for interns, but their inclusion suggests a robust intern program.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Diversified Media, Telecommunications, and Automotive Services. Cox Enterprises operates across a broad spectrum, including cable television, internet services, local news and advertising, and automotive marketplaces.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant number of employees globally. This scale offers interns exposure to complex organizational structures and diverse business operations.

Founded: 1898. With a long history, Cox Enterprises emphasizes a legacy of innovation and a commitment to long-term growth, impacting its operational approach and culture.

Team Structure:

• The HCD@Cox team acts as a central resource and leader for innovation across Cox Enterprises, providing specialized support to various divisions.

• The team likely consists of experienced HCD/UX strategists, designers, researchers, and facilitators who mentor interns.

Methodology:

• The HCD@Cox team employs human-centered design methodologies, including design thinking, user research, journey mapping, prototyping, and usability testing to drive innovation and improve operational processes and user experiences.

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for informing design decisions and measuring the impact of implemented solutions.

• Agile or hybrid project management approaches may be utilized for workshop facilitation and UX project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cox Enterprises' diverse portfolio means the HCD/UX team likely supports a wide range of operational challenges, from improving customer-facing digital platforms to enhancing internal tools for employees. The company's long history suggests a stable environment with established processes, but also a culture that values innovation to stay competitive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed for students to gain foundational experience in Human-Centered Design and User Experience within a corporate operations context. It serves as a stepping stone for future roles in design, product management, or business analysis.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or lead within the HCD@Cox team, who will provide guidance, project assignments, and mentorship. They will likely work on projects assigned by senior team members.

Operations Impact: Interns contribute to projects that aim to improve the efficiency, usability, and effectiveness of Cox Enterprises' products, services, and internal processes. Their work directly supports the company's goals of innovation and customer/employee satisfaction through design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience in HCD/UX methodologies, design tools (Figma, Adobe XD), user research techniques, and workshop facilitation.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the operations of a large, diversified corporation and how design thinking is applied to solve business challenges.

• Networking: Build professional connections with industry leaders, mentors, and peers within Cox Enterprises.

• Potential Full-Time Conversion: Successful interns may be considered for full-time positions upon graduation, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, enabling interns to build a portfolio and develop skills directly applicable to operations-focused roles in design and strategy. The opportunity for departmental rotation further broadens their operational understanding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, allowing for a mix of remote work and in-office collaboration. This model balances flexibility with the need for in-person interaction and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Cox Enterprises office located at 6205 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg A.

Workspace Context:

• Interns will likely have access to modern office facilities and collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

• The hybrid model supports focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team meetings in the office.

• Exposure to various internal teams and departments will provide insights into different work styles and operational environments within Cox Enterprises.

Work Schedule:

• The internship is typically structured around standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), Monday through Friday, for 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may offer some flexibility, aligning with the hybrid work arrangement and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is common in modern operations roles, requiring strong self-management and communication skills. Interns will need to adapt to both independent remote work and collaborative in-office sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and any required application materials through the Cox Careers portal.

• Initial Screening: Recruiters will review applications to assess qualifications against the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Candidates may participate in one or more interviews with the hiring manager and/or team members. These interviews will focus on technical skills (HCD/UX), problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A key component will be the review of the candidate's portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-2 relevant projects, detailing your process, contributions, and learnings.

• Final Interview/Offer: Successful candidates will proceed to a final interview stage, potentially with senior leadership, before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your HCD/UX process and highlight your skills relevant to the internship description.

• Tell a Story: Structure your project presentations to narrate a clear design journey – problem, research, ideation, design, testing, and outcomes.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process, decision-making, and how you applied HCD/UX principles. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results or articulate the qualitative improvements your design solutions aimed to achieve, even if it's based on user feedback or potential impact.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handled feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential case studies or design exercises that might be given during the interview process. These could involve analyzing a user problem, sketching a solution, or outlining a research plan.

• Practice articulating your design thinking process concisely and clearly.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of Cox Enterprises and how HCD/UX can contribute to its business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review indicates that practical application of design skills is highly valued. For an operations context, demonstrating how design thinking can solve operational issues or improve processes will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma, Adobe XD (or similar industry-standard tools like Sketch, InVision). Proficiency in at least one is expected.

• Collaboration & Ideation: Mural, Miro (or similar digital whiteboarding tools) for virtual workshops and brainstorming.

• Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this specific intern role, but exposure to how CRM systems and automation tools impact user experience within an organization could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and/or Adobe XD is a critical technical skill for this role, directly supporting UX project execution. Familiarity with collaborative platforms like Mural is also highly relevant for workshop facilitation and team-based design work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new ideas and approaches to solve business challenges and improve user experiences.

• Customer/User Centricity: A deep understanding and focus on meeting the needs and expectations of users (both internal and external customers).

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across the organization to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency: Striving for streamlined processes and effective solutions that optimize resource utilization.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights from research and analytics to guide design and process improvements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional teamwork is essential, requiring interns to collaborate with individuals from various departments, including business operations, IT, marketing, and product development.

• Open communication, feedback exchange, and a willingness to learn from others are key aspects of the team's collaborative approach.

• The HCD@Cox team likely fosters a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, encouraging sharing of best practices and new design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a proactive, user-focused, and data-informed approach to operations, which is typical for successful HCD/UX teams embedded within larger organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to a Large Organization: Navigating the processes and stakeholder landscape of a large, diversified company like Cox Enterprises can be challenging.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing time and priorities across diverse projects and responsibilities as an intern.

• Translating HCD/UX into Business Value: Clearly articulating the impact of design work on business objectives and operational efficiency for non-design stakeholders.

• Rapid Learning Curve: Quickly acquiring new skills and understanding new tools and methodologies within the context of Cox's business.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal training sessions on HCD/UX methodologies, tools, and best practices.

• Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced professionals within the HCD@Cox team.

• Project Experience: Hands-on involvement in real-world projects that provide tangible learning outcomes and portfolio pieces.

• Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with leaders and professionals across Cox Enterprises, expanding professional networks.

• Exposure to Diverse Business Units: Understanding how HCD/UX principles are applied across different operational contexts within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The internship is designed to present manageable challenges that foster significant growth, particularly in understanding how design thinking integrates with broader business operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• HCD/UX Process: "Walk me through your process for designing X, from initial research to final prototype." Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem definition, user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a design challenge and how you overcame it. What was your thought process?" Focus on critical thinking and iterative problem-solving.

• Collaboration: "How do you typically collaborate with stakeholders or team members on design projects? How do you incorporate feedback?" Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.

• Tool Proficiency: "What are your favorite design tools and why? How have you used Figma/Adobe XD in your projects?" Be ready to discuss your experience with specific software.

• Company Understanding: "What do you know about Cox Enterprises and its business? How do you see HCD/UX contributing to our operational goals?" Research the company's divisions and recent initiatives.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in Cox Enterprises and this specific internship.

• Reflect on your understanding of the company's values and how they align with your own.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: Aim for a 5-7 minute overview for each project, focusing on key decisions and outcomes.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize the results of your work, even if it's based on user feedback or projected improvements for operational efficiency.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate in-depth questions about your design choices, challenges, and how you would approach similar situations at Cox.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, interviewers will likely be looking for not just design skills, but also an understanding of how those skills can be applied to solve business and operational problems effectively within a corporate structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused HCD & UX Designer Internship:

• Submit your application through the Cox External Career Site link provided. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to highlight relevant skills and coursework.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically feature projects that demonstrate your HCD/UX process, problem-solving abilities, and any experience with improving user flows or operational processes, even in academic settings.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your GPA, relevant coursework, and any academic or personal projects that showcase your design skills, critical thinking, and ability to work in a team. Use keywords like "Human-Centered Design," "User Experience," "Prototyping," "User Research," and "Workshop Facilitation."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project contributions clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Cox Enterprises and how your skills align with their innovation goals. Rehearse explaining your portfolio projects.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cox Enterprises' various business segments (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive, etc.) and their current focus areas. Understand how HCD/UX can contribute to their operational success and customer experience.

⚠️ 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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