Student Assistant UX Designer

A.P. Moller - Maersk
Full_timeCopenhagen, Denmark

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Student Assistant UX Designer
Company: A.P. Moller - Maersk
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Research Operations
Date Posted: 2025-08-15
Experience Level: Entry-Level / Student (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Support the development of user experiences for IT solutions, with a specific focus on AI integration for operational colleagues.
  • Collaborate with UX designers and researchers to explore and implement AI-driven enhancements in user workflows and decision-making processes.
  • Assist in user research activities, ideation, rapid prototyping, and design evaluation within an international, high-tech logistics environment.
  • Gain hands-on experience in designing responsibly and ethically for intelligent systems, contributing to digital transformation initiatives.
  • Engage with a global UX community to share insights on designing with AI and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically geared towards students pursuing digital design education, offering practical experience in a niche area of UX design – the intersection of AI and user experience within a large-scale operational context. The focus on AI integration for operator colleagues suggests a need for understanding complex workflows and user needs in an industrial or logistics setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate closely with senior UX designers and researchers to investigate and conceptualize how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimize user workflows and enhance decision-making capabilities for operational staff.
  • Support user research initiatives, including gathering insights into user needs, behaviors, and pain points within AI-enhanced environments, ensuring user-centricity in design.
  • Assist in the ideation process for new features and functionalities, contributing to the creation of rapid prototypes and wireframes that visualize user interactions and AI functionalities.
  • Participate in the testing and evaluation of user interfaces and interaction designs with end-users, gathering feedback to iterate and improve design solutions.
  • Engage actively within Maersk's global UX community, sharing learnings, insights, and best practices related to designing with AI and contributing to a collective knowledge base.
  • Contribute to the documentation of design processes, user journey maps, and research findings, ensuring clear communication and knowledge transfer.
  • Assist in the development of design guidelines and principles specifically for AI-powered user experiences, focusing on usability, ethics, and responsible AI deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on collaboration and learning, typical for student roles. The core tasks involve supporting established UX processes with a forward-looking focus on AI integration. This indicates a need for candidates who are eager to learn, adaptable, and possess a foundational understanding of UX principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Currently enrolled in a relevant digital design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or related digital education program at universities such as AAU, DTU, ITU, or equivalent institutions.

Experience:

  • Limited professional experience is expected, but academic projects or prior internships demonstrating an understanding of UX principles and design processes are beneficial.

Required Skills:

  • User Experience (UX) Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of core UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and human-computer interaction concepts.
  • User Research Aptitude: Ability to support user research activities, including data gathering and analysis, to inform design decisions.
  • AI Curiosity & Interest: A keen interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and emerging technologies, with a desire to explore their application in UX.
  • Prototyping Skills: Familiarity with or willingness to learn rapid prototyping tools and techniques to create interactive mockups and wireframes.
  • Usability Methods: Basic knowledge of usability testing, heuristic evaluation, and other methods for assessing user interface effectiveness.
  • User Interaction Design: Understanding of how to design intuitive and efficient user interfaces and interaction flows.
  • English Fluency: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, essential for collaborating in a global organization.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to shared goals and supporting colleagues.

Preferred Skills:

  • AI UX Design Tools: Familiarity with or experience using specific tools or frameworks for designing AI-driven interfaces.
  • Data Science & AI Concepts: A foundational understanding of data science principles and how AI informs design decisions.
  • Design Ethics: Awareness of ethical considerations in AI design, such as bias, transparency, and responsible AI development.
  • Journey Mapping & Wireframing Tools: Experience with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Miro, or similar for creating user journeys, wireframes, and prototypes.
  • Previous UX/UI Projects: Academic or personal projects showcasing UX research, design thinking, or AI-related design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "curiosity about AI" and "familiarity with usability methods" suggests that while formal experience with AI UX tools isn't mandatory, a strong foundational understanding of UX and a proactive interest in AI are key. The optional portfolio requirement reinforces this, indicating that demonstrated passion and learning potential are highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Academic Projects: Showcase projects from university courses that demonstrate an understanding of the UX design process, from research to ideation and prototyping.
  • User Research Examples: Include examples of user interviews, surveys, or persona development that highlight your ability to gather and interpret user insights.
  • AI-Related Design Concepts (Optional): If available, include any projects that explore AI applications, even if theoretical or conceptual, to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the field.
  • Wireframes and Prototypes: Present examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to illustrate your design thinking and ability to visualize user experiences.

Process Documentation:

  • Design Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to explain your approach to UX design projects, detailing the steps you followed, the rationale behind your decisions, and how you incorporated user feedback.
  • Problem-Solving Approach: Demonstrate how you tackle design challenges, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and a user-centric problem-solving methodology.
  • AI Integration Rationale: If showcasing AI-related work, clearly articulate the problem AI was intended to solve and the specific design considerations for integrating AI functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is optional, candidates who have relevant academic projects or conceptual work related to AI and UX should highlight these. The focus for review will likely be on the candidate's understanding of the UX process, their ability to articulate their design thinking, and their potential to learn and apply AI concepts in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • As a student assistant position with part-time hours (approx. 20 hours/week), the salary would typically be in line with Danish student worker wage standards. Based on industry benchmarks for student roles in Copenhagen, a competitive hourly rate would likely range from 120 DKK to 160 DKK per hour, depending on the candidate's specific skills, academic year, and the scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Work Schedule: High flexibility, especially during exam periods, allowing for accommodation of academic commitments.
  • Professional Development: Opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in User Experience Design and Research, with a specific focus on cutting-edge AI integration.
  • Mentorship: Guidance from experienced UX designers and researchers within a global organization.
  • Exposure to Global Operations: Insight into the workings of a leading international container logistics company and its digital transformation journey.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connection with a global UX community and professionals across various departments.
  • Company Culture: Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment that embraces different styles of thinking and promotes belonging.

Working Hours:

  • Approximately 20 hours per week.
  • Significant flexibility is offered, particularly during university exam periods, to support academic success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a student assistant role, the "benefits" are heavily weighted towards learning, mentorship, and professional exposure rather than traditional corporate benefits. The salary range is an estimate based on typical student assistant wages in Denmark, a common practice for roles of this nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Container Logistics and Shipping, with a strong focus on Digital Transformation and Technology Integration. Maersk is a global leader in its field, leveraging technology and data science to drive efficiency and innovation. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Maersk is one of the largest shipping companies globally, with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This means exposure to structured processes, large-scale projects, and a diverse, international workforce. Founded: 1904. With over a century of history, Maersk has a strong foundation and a proven ability to adapt and evolve, now leading a digital revolution in its industry.

Team Structure:

  • UX Team: The student will be part of a larger team of UX designers and researchers, indicating a collaborative environment with opportunities for learning from experienced professionals.
  • Reporting: Likely reports to a Senior UX Designer or UX Manager, who oversees the team's projects and provides mentorship.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Will likely collaborate with IT professionals, product managers, engineers, and potentially business stakeholders to understand user needs and integrate AI solutions into existing systems.

Methodology:

  • User-Centric Design: Emphasizes understanding and meeting user needs as a core principle.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizes data science and AI to inform design choices and improve operational efficiency.
  • Agile/Iterative Development: Likely follows agile or iterative approaches to software development, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement.
  • Global Collaboration: Operates with a global mindset, facilitating cross-cultural communication and project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Maersk's positioning as a global integrator of container logistics and its emphasis on digital transformation and AI suggest a forward-thinking and technologically advanced work environment. The company's scale implies opportunities for significant impact and learning across complex systems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Student Assistant. This role is designed for individuals early in their UX design or research career, providing foundational experience and exposure to real-world design challenges. Reporting Structure: The student assistant will likely report to a UX Designer or UX Lead, who will provide guidance, feedback, and project direction. This structure offers direct mentorship and learning opportunities. Operations Impact: While a student role, the work contributes to improving the user experience of IT solutions used by operational colleagues. By focusing on AI integration, the role can indirectly impact operational efficiency, decision-making, and overall business performance in a tangible way.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX design, user research, and specifically in the emerging field of AI-driven UX design.
  • Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, understanding its unique operational challenges and digital transformation efforts.
  • Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with real-world projects, including those involving cutting-edge AI applications, which can be crucial for future career progression.
  • Networking: Develop professional connections within Maersk's global UX community and among IT professionals, opening doors for future opportunities.
  • Potential for Future Roles: Successful student assistants may be considered for future internships or entry-level positions within Maersk's digital or UX teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a stepping stone, offering significant learning and development tailored for students. The growth path is academic-centric, focusing on building skills and a portfolio relevant to the UX field, particularly in the context of AI integration within a large enterprise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Maersk's headquarters in Esplanaden, Copenhagen. This suggests a professional office environment, likely modern and collaborative, designed to support a global workforce. Office Location(s): Esplanaden, Copenhagen, Denmark. This central location in Copenhagen offers a vibrant city environment with good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized UX labs or areas for user testing and ideation.
  • Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, as well as potential access to specialized UX design and prototyping software, and AI development tools relevant to the projects.
  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX team members, designers, researchers, and potentially product teams to foster a sense of community and shared learning.

Work Schedule:

  • Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week.
  • The schedule is flexible, particularly around university exam periods, promoting a healthy work-life-study balance. This flexibility is crucial for students managing academic responsibilities alongside professional experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Copenhagen, coupled with flexibility for academic needs, indicates a supportive environment for students. The headquarters location implies exposure to a professional, corporate setting within a leading global company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of CV, motivation paragraph, and grade transcript to assess academic background and suitability for the role.
  • Portfolio Review (Optional): If a portfolio is submitted, it will be reviewed for relevant academic projects, design thinking, and any AI-related work. The lack of a portfolio is not a disqualifier.
  • Informal Interview: Likely involves a conversation with a UX Designer or Hiring Manager to discuss motivations, academic interests, understanding of UX principles, and curiosity about AI. Questions will focus on assessing potential and eagerness to learn.
  • Team Interaction: Potentially a brief interaction with other UX team members to gauge cultural fit and collaboration style.
  • Final Decision: Based on academic qualifications, motivation, and perceived fit within the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Process: If a portfolio is submitted, highlight the UX process followed for each project (research, ideation, prototyping, testing).
  • Showcase Learning: Emphasize what was learned from each project, especially regarding user insights or design challenges.
  • Explain AI Interest: If you have any AI-related academic work, clearly articulate your interest and how you approached designing for or with AI.
  • Keep it Concise: For student projects, focus on quality over quantity. Select 2-3 strong examples that best represent your skills and interests.
  • Clarity is Key: Ensure all project descriptions are clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Maersk's Business: Familiarize yourself with Maersk's operations, its digital transformation journey, and its vision for global container logistics.
  • UX Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss basic UX concepts, design thinking, and usability principles.
  • AI in UX: Think about how AI can be applied to improve user experiences in operational settings. Consider ethical implications and potential challenges.
  • Motivation & Fit: Be ready to articulate your passion for UX design, your interest in AI, and why you want to work at Maersk.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on optional portfolios and the explicit statement that "This does not disqualify you" indicates the company is prioritizing potential, academic background, and motivation over extensive prior work experience for this student role. The interview will likely assess adaptability and a willingness to learn.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UX Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency or familiarity with tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Illustrator), or similar is beneficial for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
  • Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other internal communication and collaboration platforms.
  • Project Management Tools: Basic awareness of project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana) might be helpful for understanding project workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • User Feedback Tools: Familiarity with tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback (e.g., survey platforms, user testing software).
  • Data Analysis Tools (Basic): While not a core requirement, any exposure to data analysis tools or concepts that inform design decisions would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems (Awareness): Understanding the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in managing customer data and interactions, though direct experience is not expected.
  • Automation Tools (Conceptual): Awareness of how automation and AI can streamline processes, even if not directly interacting with automation platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is on foundational UX design tools. While specific AI tools are not listed, the role implies potential exposure to or learning about tools used in AI-driven design processes, which are rapidly evolving.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A core value that drives design decisions, ensuring that the needs and experiences of operational colleagues are prioritized.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Emphasis on using data, including insights from AI, to inform and validate design solutions and operational improvements.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouragement of working together across disciplines and geographies to achieve common goals, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Innovation & Digitalization: A commitment to embracing new technologies, including AI, to drive digital transformation and improve business processes.
  • Responsibility & Ethics: A focus on designing responsibly, particularly with AI, considering ethical implications and ensuring fair and transparent user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with individuals from various departments, including IT, product development, and operations, to ensure seamless integration of UX designs into business systems.
  • Feedback Exchange: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to participate in discussions, workshops, and learning sessions to share insights and best practices within the UX community and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Maersk's stated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equitable workplaces suggests a culture that values different perspectives. The emphasis on digital transformation and AI integration indicates an environment that encourages innovation and forward-thinking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Bridging AI & UX: A key challenge will be translating complex AI capabilities into intuitive and user-friendly experiences for operational staff, requiring a deep understanding of both AI potential and user needs.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: Working within a global organization necessitates adapting communication styles and design considerations for diverse user groups and stakeholders.
  • Integrating with Existing Systems: Ensuring that new UX designs and AI functionalities integrate smoothly with Maersk's existing IT infrastructure and operational workflows.
  • Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in AI and UX design tools and methodologies to ensure solutions remain current and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI UX Specialization: Opportunity to become proficient in the rapidly growing field of AI-driven UX design, a highly sought-after skill set.
  • Industry-Specific UX: Gain insights into UX challenges and solutions within the complex and critical logistics and supply chain industry.
  • Mentorship from Experts: Learn directly from experienced UX designers and researchers, benefiting from their knowledge and guidance.
  • Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Participate in projects that have a significant impact across a global organization, understanding the complexities of enterprise-level design implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to roles that bridge technology innovation (AI) with practical application (UX for operations). The growth opportunities are significant for a student role, offering specialized knowledge and high-impact experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • UX Process Understanding: "Describe your typical UX design process, from initial concept to final design. How do you incorporate user feedback at each stage?" (Be ready to walk through an academic project).
  • AI in UX Interest: "What interests you about designing with AI? Can you give an example of how AI might improve a user experience in a logistics or operational setting?" (Focus on your curiosity and understanding of potential applications).
  • Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where an operational user is struggling with a new AI-powered feature. How would you approach understanding and resolving their issue?" (Highlight your user-centric approach and problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Motivation for Maersk: "Why are you interested in working at Maersk, and what excites you about this specific Student Assistant UX Designer role?" (Connect your interests in UX, AI, and global operations to Maersk's mission).
  • Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you worked on a team project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and shared goals).
  • Learning Aptitude: "How do you approach learning new tools or technologies? What are you eager to learn in this role?" (Showcase your proactive learning attitude and enthusiasm for AI UX).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: If submitting a portfolio, prepare a concise walkthrough of 1-2 key projects. Start with the problem statement, your approach, key decisions, research findings, design solutions (visuals), and learnings.
  • AI Focus (if applicable): Clearly explain any AI components or concepts explored in your projects, including your thought process for integrating them.
  • Highlight Process: Emphasize the how and why behind your design choices, rather than just showcasing final outputs.
  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time; practice your presentation to be clear and impactful within a reasonable timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing foundational UX knowledge, genuine interest in AI, and the candidate's potential to learn and contribute within Maersk's operational context. The optional portfolio means demonstrating understanding through conversation is also critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link.
  • Craft a compelling motivation paragraph: Clearly state why you are interested in UX design, specifically how AI integration excites you, and why Maersk is the ideal place to grow these interests.
  • Review and organize academic work: Select 1-2 strong academic projects that best showcase your UX design process, research skills, and any conceptual work related to AI. Prepare to briefly discuss these.
  • Update your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant coursework, academic projects, and any skills related to UX design, research, or AI.
  • Prepare for interview questions: Familiarize yourself with basic UX principles, Maersk's business, and how AI can be applied in operational UX. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates should be enrolled in a relevant digital design education and have a passion for User Experience Design or Research. Familiarity with usability methods and an interest in AI-driven design are also desired.