Intern, UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern, UX Researcher Company: SoFi University Location: United States Job Type: Intern Category: User Experience Research / Product Design Operations Date Posted: January 16, 2026 Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship) Remote Status: On-site (Requires relocation to San Francisco Bay Area)

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to champion research insights and directly influence product and design decisions within the financial technology sector.
• You will be immersed in an innovative and collaborative environment, contributing to the development of next-generation financial products and services.
• The role involves executing research across various stages of the product lifecycle, from initial exploration to final evaluation, providing immediate impact.
• You will gain crucial experience by partnering closely with experienced researchers, Product Managers, Designers, and Product Marketers.
• This position is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their research knowledge and hone their skills in a dynamic, user-centered setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is UX Research, its integration within a financial services company ("SoFi University" implies an internal learning/development focus within SoFi) places it strategically adjacent to GTM and Product Operations by informing product strategy and user-centered decision-making, which are critical for successful Go-to-Market execution. The emphasis on "financial technology products and services" and "product and design lifecycle" highlights the operational impact of research on product development and eventual market readiness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Product Managers, Designers, and Marketers to define research objectives and meticulously plan research initiatives that align with business goals.
• Design and meticulously manage qualitative and/or quantitative research projects from inception to completion, including developing comprehensive research plans, crafting recruitment screeners and discussion guides, conducting member and/or prospect interviews, rigorously analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations.
• Employ a diverse range of research methodologies such as in-depth user interviews, comprehensive usability tests, and targeted surveys to gather critical user feedback.
• Effectively communicate research findings through compelling presentations tailored to various partner groups and stakeholders, ensuring insights are understood and actionable.
• Actively participate in Design Reviews, providing and soliciting valuable member-centric feedback to enhance product usability and design effectiveness.
• Partner closely with and learn from a team of talented UX Researchers at SoFi, fostering professional development and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight the end-to-end nature of UX research within a product development lifecycle, which is a core component of effective Product Operations. The emphasis on planning, execution, analysis, and communication directly informs the operational readiness of new products and features for market.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited US-based university, pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Expected graduation date of December 2026 or Spring 2027.
• Must be returning to school for at least one quarter or semester following the internship completion.

Experience:

• Maximum of 12 months of professional full-time work experience (internships and research assistant roles do not count towards this limit).

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated coursework in a variety of research methods, including lab and field research, survey design, and statistical analysis.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage and track multiple research projects simultaneously.
• Foundational understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, behavioral analysis principles, and basic statistical concepts.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to synthesize complex information and articulate ideas clearly and effectively through visual, verbal, and written mediums.
• Willingness to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area and work from the San Francisco HQ office.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous hands-on experience with research tools such as Qualtrics, UserZoom, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with statistical or programming applications like SQL, Tableau, or SPSS for data analysis.
• Prior research experience gained from research companies, agile startup technology environments, or Fin-Tech companies.
• A demonstrated passion for personal finance and technology.
• Academic majors preferred include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, and Information Science.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong academic foundation in research methods, combined with practical skills in data analysis and communication, is critical for an intern role that aims to provide tangible research outputs. The preference for specific tools and industry experience signals opportunities for candidates to leverage existing knowledge and quickly contribute. The requirement to return to school reinforces the internship's nature as a learning and development opportunity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 1-2 well-documented UX research projects that demonstrate your ability to manage the research process end-to-end.
• Each project should clearly articulate the research problem, the methodologies employed, the data collected, and the resulting insights and recommendations.
• Highlight your role and specific contributions within each project, especially if it was a team effort.
• For each project, provide a brief overview of the research tools and systems used (e.g., survey platforms, interview recording software, analysis tools).
• Include examples of how your research findings influenced design or product decisions, even if it's a hypothetical scenario from academic work.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of research planning, from defining objectives to creating detailed research plans and participant recruitment strategies.
• Show evidence of your ability to execute research ethically and effectively, including conducting interviews and usability tests.
• Present your data analysis process, explaining how qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized to derive meaningful insights.
• Illustrate your approach to communicating research findings, using clear visuals and concise narratives to present recommendations to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the "portfolio" is less about extensive professional experience and more about demonstrating academic projects and potential. The focus is on understanding the research process, methodology, and communication of findings. This section guides candidates on how to present their academic work to showcase their readiness for practical application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an internship position, compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and educational level. Specific salary details are typically provided during the offer stage. Based on industry benchmarks for UX Research Internships in the San Francisco Bay Area, a typical range could be between $30-$50 per hour, depending on whether the candidate is undergraduate or graduate level.

Benefits:

• Access to senior leadership through exclusive Q&A sessions and roundtables with executives.
• Opportunities to present a case study to SoFi leaders, showcasing project impact.
• Dedicated development sessions focused on career, financial, and professional growth.
• Invitations to participate in company-wide events, such as All-Hands meetings and SoFi circles programming.
• Networking social events designed to connect with fellow interns and SoFi employees.
• SoFi branded merchandise and giveaways.
• Access to employee-only perks and resources as detailed in the internship benefits package.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time internship hours, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be available within the core business hours, to be discussed with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical intern compensation for UX Research roles in a high-cost-of-living area like the San Francisco Bay Area. The benefits are explicitly listed in the job description and are tailored to enhance the intern experience beyond just the work itself, focusing on development and networking.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services & Technology (FinTech) Company Size: SoFi is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees, indicating a structured yet innovative environment. Founded: SoFi was founded in 2011, establishing it as a significant player in the FinTech space with a decade of growth and evolution.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is embedded within or closely collaborates with Product, Design, and Marketing departments, signifying a highly cross-functional operational model.
• Interns will report to a dedicated Research Manager or Senior Researcher, receiving direct mentorship and guidance.
• Collaboration is expected to be dynamic, with researchers working alongside Product Managers and Designers throughout the product development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• SoFi emphasizes a user-centered approach, driven by data and research insights to inform strategic decisions.
• The company likely employs agile methodologies, requiring researchers to be adaptable and responsive to evolving product roadmaps.
• A focus on innovation and continuous improvement in financial technology products and services is a core operational tenet.

Company Website: https://www.sofi.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: SoFi's position as a prominent FinTech company suggests a culture that values innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong focus on the member experience. The "SoFi University" branding implies a commitment to learning and development, which is particularly relevant for an intern role. The emphasis on user-centered design and agile processes highlights the operational integration of research.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Internship (Entry-level, focused on learning and foundational skill development within a professional setting). Reporting Structure: Interns will report to experienced UX Researchers or Research Managers, providing structured mentorship and direct oversight. This ensures learning is guided and performance is managed effectively. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is often focused on specific research projects, their findings contribute directly to user-centered decision-making that shapes product strategy and, consequently, the success of Go-to-Market initiatives and overall business growth. Insights generated can influence feature development, user adoption, and customer satisfaction metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to gain practical experience in various research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) and potentially explore areas like generative AI in research or advanced analytics.
• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the FinTech industry, understanding the unique user needs and challenges within personal finance.
• Networking: Build professional connections with researchers, designers, product managers, and leaders at a prominent financial services company.
• Potential for Full-Time Conversion: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time roles, providing a clear career pathway.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the internship not just as a temporary role but as a critical stepping stone for a career in UX Research and potentially broader Product Operations. The emphasis on learning, specialized skills, and industry exposure provides a strategic perspective for candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires candidates to be willing to relocate and work in the San Francisco HQ office, indicating a traditional office-based environment designed for collaboration. Office Location(s): San Francisco, California (HQ office). Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for in-person interaction with team members, mentors, and cross-functional partners.
• Interns will have access to the necessary tools and technology to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings.
• The physical presence in the HQ office facilitates direct engagement with the research team and broader company culture.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time commitment (approx. 40 hours/week) within the designated internship period.
• While core hours will be expected, there may be some flexibility, subject to team and manager discretion, to accommodate research fieldwork or personal commitments, provided project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement highlights the value SoFi places on in-person collaboration, mentorship, and immersion in the company culture for its interns. This context is crucial for candidates evaluating their preferred work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications, focusing on academic background, relevant coursework, and any prior research experience.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Candidates may participate in one or more interviews with the UX Research team and hiring manager. This will likely involve discussing past projects, research methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and motivations for pursuing UX research.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A key component will be presenting one or two academic research projects. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process, findings, and recommendations, demonstrating their analytical and communication skills.
• Behavioral and Situational Questions: Expect questions designed to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you handle challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity and Structure: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate. Clearly label each project with its objective, your role, methodology, key findings, and impact.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – what was the problem, how did you solve it, and what was the outcome?
• Focus on Process: For an intern role, demonstrating your understanding of the research process is as important as the findings themselves. Explain your decision-making at each stage.
• Visuals: Use visuals (charts, graphs, user journey maps, personas if applicable) to illustrate your findings and recommendations effectively.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your work concisely, highlighting the most impactful aspects and being ready to dive deeper into details if asked.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Methodology Questions: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of different research methods and when to apply them.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice thinking through hypothetical research problems and outlining how you would approach them.
• Communication Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects and articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a strategic roadmap for candidates, detailing the expected interview stages, how to best showcase their academic work, and how to prepare for potential challenges, all tailored to the expectations of a UX Research internship.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for conducting and analyzing user interviews and usability tests (e.g., Zoom, UserTesting.com, Lookback).
• Survey Platforms: For designing and distributing surveys (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).
• Data Analysis Tools: Basic statistical software or spreadsheet applications for quantitative data (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, potentially SPSS or R for more advanced analysis).
• Presentation Software: For synthesizing and presenting findings (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary for this intern role, familiarity with basic analytics concepts and reporting tools like Tableau or Google Analytics could be a plus for understanding user behavior data.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Familiarity with collaboration tools like Slack, Google Workspace, or Microsoft Teams is expected for team communication.
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira) may be used by the team, though direct intern use might be limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description lists "statistical and/or programming applications (e.g., Qualtrics, UserZoom, SQL, Tableau, SPSS)" as "Nice to Have," it's crucial for candidates to be aware of these tools. Even basic familiarity can significantly strengthen an application. This section highlights the typical tech stack for UX Research roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member-Centricity: A core value is prioritizing the needs and experiences of SoFi's members in all product and design decisions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of research and analytics to inform strategies and validate hypotheses.
• Innovation and Agility: A culture that encourages new ideas and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced financial technology landscape.
• Collaboration and Transparency: Working effectively across teams and sharing insights openly to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to professional development and staying abreast of the latest research methodologies and industry trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Research is integrated early and often into the product development process, requiring close collaboration with Product Management and UX Design.
• Researchers are expected to be proactive in engaging with stakeholders, understanding their needs, and translating them into research questions.
• Feedback is encouraged through design reviews, team syncs, and informal discussions to refine research plans and findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding SoFi's core values and their collaborative approach is key for interns to align their work and interactions with the company's operational ethos and ensure cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Interns may juggle several research projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Translating Research to Action: Effectively communicating complex findings in a way that leads to concrete product or design changes can be challenging.
• Navigating a Corporate Environment: Understanding internal processes, stakeholder priorities, and corporate communication norms within a large organization.
• Fast-Paced FinTech Environment: Adapting to the rapid pace of innovation and change within the financial technology sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX Researchers provides invaluable learning opportunities for skill development.
• Exposure to Real-World Problems: Working on actual product challenges offers practical application of research skills.
• Industry Insights: Gaining firsthand knowledge of the FinTech industry and the role of UX research within it.
• Professional Networking: Building a professional network that can support future career endeavors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and framing them as growth opportunities helps candidates prepare for the internship experience and demonstrates a proactive mindset.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a research project you've worked on (academic or otherwise) from start to finish. What was the objective, your approach, and what were the key findings?"
• "How would you approach researching a new feature for a mobile banking app to understand user needs and potential pain points?"
• "Imagine a product team is debating between two design approaches. How would you design a study to help them make an informed decision?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX research, and specifically at SoFi?"
• "How do you stay updated on trends in UX research and the FinTech industry?"
• "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Strongest Projects: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process and analytical skills.
• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your methodology, insights, and recommendations. If possible, highlight any impact your research had.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, is concise, and effectively communicates your contributions. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your work.
• Demonstrate Understanding of Tools: Be ready to discuss the tools you used and why you chose them.

📝 Enhancement Note: These example questions and strategies are designed to help candidates anticipate interview topics and prepare compelling responses that highlight their research capabilities and alignment with SoFi's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SoFi careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Select 1-2 academic or personal research projects that best demonstrate your understanding of the UX research process, from planning to reporting. Ensure these projects are well-documented and clearly highlight your contributions.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant coursework in research methods, any prior research experience (even academic), analytical skills, and communication abilities. Use keywords from the job description like "qualitative research," "quantitative research," "usability testing," and "data analysis."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process and findings. Be ready to answer behavioral questions and discuss your motivations for pursuing UX research at SoFi. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SoFi's products, mission, and values. Understand their position in the FinTech market and how UX research contributes to their success. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.