Product Designer Apprentice

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Apprentice

Company: Swan

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: Apprenticeship

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This apprenticeship focuses on hands-on product design within the embedded banking (BaaS) sector, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced fintech environment.

• The role involves end-to-end design of banking features, from initial discovery and user flow mapping to final delivery, emphasizing the improvement of API and interface user experiences.

• Apprentices will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers and Engineers, playing a vital role in shaping intuitive and reliable financial technology solutions.

• A significant aspect of the role includes contributing to and maintaining Swan's design system, ensuring visual consistency and user experience across all product touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer Apprentice," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a role deeply integrated with UX/UI design principles within a B2B SaaS context. The emphasis on API and interfaces points towards a strong focus on the technical user experience for partner companies, rather than solely end-consumer product design. Therefore, the category has been refined to reflect this specialized area.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop user interfaces and user experiences for banking features, from concept through to implementation, collaborating with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Conduct user research and analysis to inform design decisions, ensuring features meet partner needs and business objectives.

• Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using Figma to visualize and iterate on product designs.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of "Lake," Swan's internal design system, ensuring consistency and scalability of design elements.

• Collaborate with marketing, brand, and product integration teams by providing design assets, prototypes, and visual content to support their initiatives.

• Participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance the overall product quality and user experience.

• Continuously learn and stay updated on the latest product design trends, AI advancements, and best practices in the fintech and API product space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the practical, project-based nature of the apprenticeship, emphasizing the full design lifecycle from discovery to delivery, which is typical for hands-on design roles in agile environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience through academic projects, personal portfolios, or previous internships in product design, UX/UI design, or related areas.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• UI Skills: Excellent visual design capabilities with a keen eye for detail, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Figma Proficiency: Essential expertise in using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional product teams and adapt to different problem spaces.

• English Fluency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, crucial for an international work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Fintech/Payments/API Product Interest: Curiosity and a foundational understanding of the financial technology, payments, or API product landscape.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with additional prototyping tools (e.g., Lovable, v0) beyond Figma.

• Basic Front-end Knowledge: Exposure to HTML and CSS, which can aid in understanding technical constraints and implementation.

• AI Trends: Proactive learning and awareness of developments in Artificial Intelligence and its applications in design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are structured to attract students with foundational design skills and a strong aptitude for learning, while specifically calling out Figma as a non-negotiable tool. The "preferred" skills are designed to give candidates a competitive edge without being exclusionary.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• User Flow & Interaction Design: Showcase clear examples of user flows, interaction design, and problem-solving within design projects.

• UI Design Execution: Demonstrate strong visual design skills through high-fidelity mockups and a consistent aesthetic.

• Figma Project Examples: Include at least one project where Figma was the primary tool for design and prototyping.

• Problem/Solution Articulation: Clearly articulate the design problem addressed, the process followed, and the rationale behind design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to be able to articulate their design process, from initial research and ideation to iteration and final design delivery.

• Understanding of agile design methodologies and how design integrates into development sprints is beneficial.

• Familiarity with design system principles and contributions to design system components is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an apprentice role, the emphasis is on demonstrating potential and understanding of the design process, rather than extensive experience. The portfolio should highlight academic or personal projects that showcase core design thinking and technical proficiency with essential tools like Figma.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an apprenticeship role, compensation will be aligned with French labor laws for apprenticeships and industry standards for similar positions in Paris. This typically includes a percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC) or contractual wage, increasing with age and the duration of the apprenticeship.

Benefits:

• Meal Vouchers: Provided via a dedicated card to cover meals on workdays.

• Transport: Monthly mobility package to support commuting, with flexibility for sustainable transport options.

• Holidays: 2 days of paid leave accrued per month of employment.

• Sports & Wellness: Access to discounted subscriptions through partnerships with Classpass and Gymlib, offering a wide range of physical and wellness activities.

• Well-being Support: Access to Moka Care for mental health and wellness resources.

• Annual Offsite: Company-wide event for team building, strategic discussions, and relaxation.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 35-40 hours per week, in line with French labor regulations for apprenticeships. Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical apprenticeship compensation in France and Paris. Specific details will be confirmed by Swan. The benefits are directly listed from the provided job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Embedded Banking (BaaS - Banking-as-a-Service)

Company Size: Growing startup/scale-up (over 150 employees, funded by leading investors). This size indicates a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact and learning, but also requires adaptability.

Founded: 2019. A relatively young company, suggesting a modern, agile, and potentially less hierarchical culture.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is part of the broader Product organization, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Apprentices will be embedded within cross-functional product squads, collaborating with individuals from various disciplines.

Methodology:

• Swan emphasizes a data-driven approach to product development, combined with a strong focus on user experience and simplicity.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, with cross-functional squads working collaboratively on feature development.

• The company values direct communication and a culture of constructive challenge.

Company Website: https://www.swan.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as valuing simplicity, long-term vision, excellence, and humanity. These values are likely to translate into a collaborative, detail-oriented, and mission-driven work environment. The "startup/scale-up" context implies a fast-paced, hands-on approach to work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Apprentice. This is an entry-level, educational role designed for skill acquisition and practical application within a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: The apprentice will report to the Lead Product Designer and will be integrated into product squads, collaborating with Product Managers and Engineers.

Operations Impact: While this is a design role, its impact is on the usability and adoption of Swan's BaaS platform by partner companies. Effective design directly influences partner satisfaction, integration speed, and the overall success of Swan's product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in UX/UI design for complex B2B SaaS products, particularly within the fintech and API space.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Lead Product Designer and exposure to experienced product and engineering teams.

• Career Progression: Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to junior design roles within Swan or provide a strong foundation for future design careers in tech.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience in a rapidly growing and innovative industry (embedded finance).

📝 Enhancement Note: For an apprentice, the primary growth is educational and experiential. The role is designed to build foundational skills and provide exposure to real-world product development challenges, setting the stage for future career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Paris, indicating a traditional office environment conducive to collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): 168 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France. This location is in a vibrant part of Paris, likely offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for direct interaction with team members and cross-functional colleagues.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Figma, will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours will be aligned with the apprenticeship agreement and French labor laws, typically full-time. The on-site nature of the role suggests a structured daily schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for apprentices learning new skills and integrating into a team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Design Interview (with Valentin): This initial stage will likely assess fundamental design skills, portfolio quality, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your design process and rationale for past projects.

• Case Study: A practical exercise designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, design thinking, and proficiency with design tools under a time constraint.

• Potential Second Round: May include discussions with other team members or stakeholders to assess collaboration and broader understanding.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills for this specific role (product design, UI, Figma).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions, and the outcome or learnings.

• Showcase Figma Work: Highlight projects where you utilized Figma extensively for wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity designs.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your design thinking and problem-solving approach, not just the final visuals.

• Tailor to Fintech/API: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of technical products, APIs, or complex workflows.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with Swan's mission, product (embedded banking, BaaS), and target audience (software companies).

• Practice Design Exercises: Work through common UX/UI case studies or challenges, focusing on user flows, information architecture, and interface design.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a set timeframe, mimicking interview conditions.

• Articulate Your Solution: Be ready to present and defend your design choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is streamlined, focusing on practical design skills and problem-solving. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating capabilities, and specific preparation for the case study is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all aspects of product design, including wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration. Proficiency is mandatory.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools like Lovable, v0, or similar advanced prototyping platforms is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Design System Tools: Understanding how design systems are built and maintained.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement is Figma. Awareness of other design and collaboration tools demonstrates a broader understanding of the product development ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Simplicity: A core value driving the design philosophy. Expect to be challenged to make complex banking features as intuitive and straightforward as possible.

• Long Term: A focus on sustainable solutions and supporting partners' growth, implying a thoughtful and strategic approach to design decisions.

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, "pixel-perfect" design and exceeding expectations, requiring attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement.

• Be Human: Emphasizes kindness, integrity, and a broader awareness of societal and environmental issues, fostering a supportive and ethical work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing, and Brand teams.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to refine designs and processes.

• Open Communication: Encourages direct and frank discussions, leaving egos aside to achieve the best outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are integral to its culture. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly simplicity and excellence in design, and a collaborative, human-centered approach to teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Translating intricate banking and payment regulations into simple, user-friendly interfaces for B2B clients.

• API Design Considerations: Understanding and designing for API interactions, which requires a different mindset than traditional user interfaces.

• Balancing Cross-Functional Needs: Managing design requests and priorities from multiple squads and departments while maintaining design integrity.

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to a fast-paced scale-up environment where processes and priorities can evolve quickly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical, real-world experience in product design for a leading fintech company.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced designers and product professionals.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepening understanding of embedded finance, BaaS, and API-driven products.

• Skill Enhancement: Developing advanced proficiency in Figma and other design tools, and potentially gaining exposure to AI in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant learning opportunities by tackling complex challenges within a high-growth industry, offering a strong foundation for an early-career designer.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new feature from scratch, focusing on how you'd approach user flows and interactions." (Prepare a case study example.)

• "How do you ensure consistency and usability when contributing to a design system?" (Discuss your understanding of design systems and your experience, if any.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Swan's mission and the embedded banking space?" (Research Swan's mission and BaaS.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers, especially when there are differing opinions?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of Swan and the role, then present 2-3 key projects. For each project, detail the problem, your role, your process (discovery, ideation, design, testing), your Figma usage, and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality mockups and prototypes. If possible, use Figma's presentation features or share your screen to demonstrate interactive elements.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating design thinking, Figma proficiency, collaborative potential, and alignment with Swan's core values, especially "Simplicity."

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer Apprentice position:

• Submit your application through the Swan careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects showcasing your product design skills, UI capabilities, and extensive use of Figma. Tailor your project selection to highlight relevant problem-solving and user flow design.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight relevant academic achievements, design coursework, any prior internship experience, and key technical skills (Figma, prototyping tools). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing a strong narrative for your portfolio projects, and researching Swan's mission, product, and values.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Swan's position in the embedded banking market, its target audience, and its company culture. Be ready to discuss why you are a good fit for their specific environment and values.

⚠️ 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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