Intern UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern UX Designer

Company: DEPT®

Location: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Job Type: Internship

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Experience

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on developing foundational User Experience (UX) design skills within a dynamic Growth Invention agency.

• You will engage in the end-to-end UX design process, from user research and information architecture to wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• The role emphasizes hands-on project experience with A-list clients, providing a practical understanding of client-facing UX design.

• You will gain exposure to a collaborative environment, working alongside visual designers, developers, and strategists to deliver impactful digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an internship designed to cultivate new talent, requiring candidates to be currently enrolled in a Dutch university. The focus is on skill development and portfolio building rather than immediate operational impact, as is typical for entry-level positions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research to understand user behaviors, needs, and pain points relevant to digital product development.

• Map out logical user flows, user journeys, and information architectures to inform intuitive and efficient digital experiences.

• Design UX wireframes to define user interactions and the overall structure of digital interfaces.

• Validate UX designs through usability testing and iterate based on feedback to ensure a seamless user experience.

• Present design concepts, research findings, and UX logic to internal teams and client stakeholders.

• Collaborate with UI designers to translate wireframes into visually appealing prototypes.

• Work closely with visual designers, developers, and strategists to ensure a cohesive and technically feasible solution.

• Assist in defining and executing graduation projects for students seeking to complete their thesis with the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities outline a comprehensive UX design internship, covering all core stages of the design process. Emphasis is placed on practical application and collaborative teamwork, preparing interns for real-world project demands.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program at a Dutch university for the entire duration of the internship.

Experience: Limited to no prior professional experience required, but a strong portfolio showcasing academic or personal UX-related projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Deep passion for UX design, user understanding, and creating engaging digital experiences.

• Proactive attitude, curiosity, and a strong drive to learn and contribute.

• Proficiency with leading design tools such as Figma for wireframing and prototyping.

• Ability to effectively communicate in both Dutch and English, both verbally and in writing.

• Experience with user research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Understanding of information architecture, user flows, and user journey mapping.

• Experience with usability testing and iterative design processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools and their integration into the design process.

• Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Previous exposure to client-facing projects or agency environments.

• Experience in presenting design work and rationales to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in UX principles and tools, coupled with a proactive learning mindset. The preference for AI tool integration highlights DEPT®'s commitment to forward-thinking design practices, which candidates should highlight if they have relevant experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of UX-related projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the UX design process from problem identification to solution.

• The portfolio should showcase your ability to conduct user research, analyze findings, and translate them into actionable design decisions.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes that illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Evidence of usability testing, including methodologies used and how feedback was incorporated into design iterations.

Process Documentation:

• For each project presented, clearly outline the UX methodology employed (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean UX, Agile UX).

• Detail the specific steps taken in research, ideation, design, and testing phases.

• Explain the rationale behind key design decisions, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.

• Showcase how you iterated on designs based on feedback and testing results.

• If applicable, demonstrate experience with specific design systems or component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored for an internship, focusing on the demonstration of understanding and application of the UX process rather than extensive professional outcomes. Candidates should focus on clarity, process, and learning within their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: A monthly allowance of €450, plus a €50 internet allowance.

Benefits:

• Monthly internship allowance: €450

• Monthly internet allowance: €50

• Opportunities for skill development through training and certifications.

• Access to mindfulness sessions and mental health services.

• Healthy lunches provided at the office.

• A safe and supportive work environment.

• Use of OV-bikes and an NS Business Card for transportation.

• Exposure to diverse clients and challenging projects.

• Potential for thesis collaboration and project definition.

Working Hours: Availability of 5 days per week (40 hours) for a duration of 5 months, starting September 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is typical for a Dutch internship, focusing on providing an allowance and covering essential expenses like internet, rather than a full salary. The benefits emphasize professional development and well-being, aligning with DEPT®'s "Great Place To Work" certification.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Marketing, and Digital Transformation (Growth Invention)

Company Size: Over 4,000+ specialists globally, with a significant presence in the Netherlands (part of the Experience & Engineering team). This large size indicates a robust organizational structure with ample resources and diverse expertise.

Founded: DEPT® has been operating and growing, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to innovation and client success. Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

Team Structure:

• Part of the "Experience & Engineering" team in the Netherlands, which combines technical solutions with design expertise.

• Interns are paired with a dedicated mentor for 1-on-1 coaching.

• Work within a larger team of 40+ passionate designers.

Methodology:

• Focus on "Growth Invention" – helping ambitious brands grow faster through technology and marketing intersection.

• Emphasizes being "first to move" and pioneering new ideas.

• Values combining technical solutions with exceptional design to build lasting client relationships.

• Operates at the intersection of technology and marketing, integrating diverse skill sets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT® positions itself as a forward-thinking agency that values innovation, collaboration, and client growth. The "Growth Invention" model suggests a dynamic environment focused on cutting-edge solutions, which requires adaptability and a proactive approach from team members, including interns.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed to provide foundational experience in UX Design. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for individuals aspiring to build a career in digital experience design.

Reporting Structure: Interns will report to a dedicated mentor within the Experience & Engineering team, providing direct guidance and feedback. They will also collaborate with other designers, developers, and strategists on project-specific tasks.

Operations Impact: While interns won't have direct "operational" impact in the traditional sense, their contributions to client projects through research, design, and testing directly influence the user experience and, consequently, client brand perception and engagement metrics. The goal is to learn how UX design contributes to business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Hands-on experience with the full UX design lifecycle, including research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing, using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Mentorship: 1-on-1 coaching from an experienced UX designer, providing personalized guidance and feedback.

• Portfolio Building: Opportunity to work on diverse client projects (e.g., BUUT, Inter Milan, Artis, UNICEF, Lufthansa) and build a strong portfolio showcasing practical skills and client exposure.

• Thesis Collaboration: Potential to define and work on a graduation project, aligning academic requirements with real-world design challenges.

• Networking: Integration into a large team of designers and exposure to cross-functional teams (developers, strategists), fostering professional connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are heavily geared towards skill acquisition and portfolio development, which are paramount for an internship. The emphasis on mentorship and client projects provides a structured pathway for interns to gain practical experience and prepare for future roles in the UX field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model is implied, with an emphasis on on-site collaboration, as the role is listed as "On-site" and mentions healthy lunches available at the office.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands. These are major European hubs offering vibrant professional environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment with 40+ passionate designers, fostering a strong sense of community and shared learning.

• Access to a dedicated mentor for personalized guidance and support.

• Opportunities to work on diverse and exciting client projects, providing variety and exposure to different industries.

• A culture that supports health and well-being, with mindfulness sessions, mental health services, and healthy food options.

• Integration into a "Growth Invention" company that values innovation and a proactive approach.

Work Schedule: A commitment of 5 days per week (40 hours) for a duration of 5 months, starting September 2026. This full-time structure allows for deep immersion in projects and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is designed to be supportive and collaborative, balancing hands-on project work with professional development and well-being initiatives. The on-site nature is crucial for the mentorship and team collaboration aspects of the internship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, CV, and portfolio to assess alignment with internship requirements and potential.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, key decisions, and learnings from past UX projects. This is a critical stage to showcase design thinking and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a practical exercise or case study to evaluate UX design skills (e.g., wireframing, problem-solving, user flow mapping) in real-time or as a take-home assignment.

• Team/Mentor Interview: Meeting with potential mentors and team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration potential, and enthusiasm for UX design.

• Final Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or senior team member to confirm suitability and discuss logistics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process behind each project, from understanding the problem to arriving at the solution.

• Showcase Iteration: Highlight how you used feedback from research or testing to refine your designs.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to explain the intended impact or any measurable outcomes.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities and tools mentioned in the job description (e.g., Figma, user research, wireframing).

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your best 2-3 projects in detail rather than many superficially.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common UX challenges, such as designing for a new feature, improving an existing user flow, or conducting user research with limited resources.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about your choices.

• Research DEPT®'s work, client portfolio, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an internship will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and demonstrated understanding of the UX design process. Candidates should be ready to not only show their work but also to explain the "why" behind their design decisions and their learning journey.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Proficiency is a hard requirement.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with Figma's prototyping features or other relevant tools (e.g., Adobe XD, InVision) is expected for creating interactive mockups.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Lookback) is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX design tasks of this internship, but understanding how design integrates with marketing and CRM systems can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of the required toolset for this role. While a deep technical understanding of analytics or CRM is not expected, an awareness of how UX design contributes to broader business goals and user engagement metrics is advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and shared learning within design teams and across disciplines.

• Relentlessly Curious: Encourages a proactive mindset, continuous learning, exploration of new technologies (like AI in design), and a desire to understand users deeply.

• Get Sh*t Done: Promotes a results-oriented approach, taking initiative, and driving projects forward efficiently.

• Growth Invention: Fosters innovation and a drive to help clients achieve accelerated growth through cutting-edge solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: Works closely with Visual Designers, Developers, and Strategists to ensure holistic digital experiences.

• Mentorship-driven: Strong emphasis on learning from experienced professionals through dedicated mentorship.

• Feedback-oriented: Encourages constructive feedback loops during design and testing phases to refine solutions.

• Client-focused: Dedication to understanding client needs and delivering impactful solutions that drive growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s core values—Better Together, Relentlessly Curious, and Get Sh*t Done—are central to their culture. Interns are expected to embody these values by being collaborative, eager to learn, and proactive in their contributions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Internship Demands: Managing a full-time internship alongside ongoing university studies requires strong time management and organizational skills.

• Rapid Learning Curve: Quickly adapting to agency workflows, client expectations, and advanced design tools within a 5-month period.

• Translating Theory to Practice: Applying academic knowledge of UX principles to real-world client projects with complex requirements and constraints.

• Navigating Client Feedback: Learning to interpret and effectively incorporate feedback from diverse stakeholders, including clients, mentors, and team members.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Project Experience: Gaining practical experience across the full UX design spectrum on projects for notable clients.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Receiving personalized guidance from experienced UX designers to hone skills and navigate career development.

• Tool Proficiency: Mastering industry-standard tools like Figma and gaining exposure to others used in the UX workflow.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a professional portfolio with tangible project outcomes that can significantly boost future job prospects.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding agency operations, client management, and the intersection of technology and marketing in driving business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for internships, focusing on the need for rapid skill acquisition and adaptation. The growth opportunities are framed around the structured learning environment and the practical experience gained, which are invaluable for early-career designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your UX process for this project [from portfolio]." Be prepared to walk through your methodology, research, design decisions, and any iterations.

• "How would you approach designing [a specific feature/product] for [a hypothetical user/client]?" Focus on your user-centered approach, research methods, and initial thoughts on user flows/wireframes.

• "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders?" Discuss your approach to synthesizing feedback, prioritizing user needs, and communicating design rationale.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why DEPT® and why this internship?" Connect your passion for UX with DEPT®'s "Growth Invention" mission and your desire to learn from their renowned team.

• **"How do you embody our values: Better Together, Relentlessly Curious, Get Sh*t Done?"**Provide specific examples from academic or personal projects.Portfolio Presentation Strategy:-Start with the Problem: Clearly define the user problem or business objective your project aimed to address.

• Detail Your Role: Be explicit about your specific contributions, especially in group projects.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, research findings) to support your explanations.

• Explain Your 'Why': Justify your design decisions by linking them back to user research and strategic goals.

• Highlight Learnings: Conclude with what you learned from the project, including any challenges and how you overcame them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid understanding of UX principles, a clear process, strong communication skills, and genuine enthusiasm for DEPT®'s culture and work. The portfolio is the primary tool to showcase these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Greenhouse.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, highlights 2-3 strong UX projects with clear process documentation, and emphasizes your use of Figma. Tailor it to showcase research, wireframing, and testing experience.

• Optimize Your CV: Highlight your current enrollment in a Dutch university, your Dutch and English language proficiency, and any relevant academic projects or skills that align with UX design.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your UX process, motivations for applying to DEPT®, and how you embody their core values. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research DEPT®: Familiarize yourself with DEPT®'s client work, case studies, and company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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, especially regarding specific project requirements or interview formats.