UX & Product Design Internships (Summer 2026, In Person- NYC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX & Product Design Internships (Summer 2026, In Person- NYC)
Company: Paramount
Location: New York, NY
Job Type: Internship
Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Operations
Date Posted: January 08, 2026
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) and Product Design within a leading global media and entertainment company.
• Interns will contribute to design projects, gaining practical exposure to the full product development lifecycle from concept to execution.
• The role involves collaborating with experienced design teams, utilizing industry-standard design tools, and participating in professional development activities.
• Successful candidates will gain insights into designing for iconic entertainment brands and contribute to platforms like Paramount+, Pluto TV, and CBS Sports Digital.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for UX & Product Design, it's categorized under Operations as it involves process execution, tool utilization, and contributing to the operational efficiency of design workflows within a large organization. The focus on delivering UX deliverables and research reports aligns with operational output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of user interfaces and user experiences for digital products, including websites and applications.
• Create and refine UX deliverables such as wireframes, user flows, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes based on project requirements and user feedback.
• Participate in user research activities, including study planning, data collection, and synthesizing findings into actionable insights and reports.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure design solutions are technically feasible and align with business objectives.
• Assist in the maintenance and utilization of design systems, ensuring consistency and adherence to established patterns and guidelines.
• Document design decisions, rationale, and user feedback to support project transparency and knowledge sharing within the design team.
• Engage in all program-related activities, including speaker series, networking events, workshops, and mentorship sessions, to foster professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are framed to emphasize the operational aspects of design, such as creating specific deliverables, documenting processes, and collaborating within a structured team environment, which are key for an operations-focused enhancement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled and pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in User Experience Design, Human-Centered Interaction, Psychology, Behavioral Design, or a closely related field.
Experience: Foundational understanding of UX principles and product design methodologies. Prior internship or academic project experience demonstrating application of design thinking.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in User Experience (UX) Design principles and Human-Centered Interaction methodologies.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to balance application performance, aesthetics, and pre-existing interaction models and patterns.
• Practical experience using Figma for design and prototyping in a team or academic setting.
• Ability to articulate design thinking and rationale behind UX deliverables, including wireframes, mock-ups, user flows, and prototypes.
• Experience creating and presenting UX deliverables that solve user and business problems.
• Experience creating and presenting research deliverables, such as study plans and reports.
• Familiarity with design system management tools (e.g., Zeroheight, Design System Manager).

Preferred Skills:

• Academic or project-based experience in Psychology or Behavioral Design.
• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and user analytics tools.
• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design feasibility.
• Experience with user testing platforms and methods.
• Strong visual design and aesthetic sensibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are detailed to align with typical expectations for design internships, emphasizing the practical application of design tools and methodologies, which are crucial operational skills in a design context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct UX/Product Design projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process from problem identification to solution delivery.
• For each project, clearly articulate the user and business problems being solved, the design thinking and rationale applied, and the final UX deliverables (e.g., wireframes, user flows, mock-ups, prototypes).
• Include examples of research deliverables such as study plans, user interview summaries, or research reports, highlighting the insights gained and how they influenced design decisions.
• Projects should demonstrate an understanding of balancing application performance, aesthetics, and interaction patterns.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss the design process followed for each portfolio project, including methodologies used for research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to work with or contribute to design systems and maintain design consistency.
• Ability to articulate how user feedback and research insights were incorporated into the design iteration process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the operational output of a designer—the portfolio—and requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding and execution of design processes, crucial for evaluating their ability to integrate into established design workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $38.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Speaker series featuring industry experts to provide insights into the media and entertainment landscape.
• Unique networking opportunities with professionals across various departments within Paramount.
• Exclusive social events designed to foster connections and team building among interns.
• Complimentary Paramount+ subscription for the duration of the internship.
• Workshops focused on essential career skills, including resume building, interview techniques, and career strategy development.
• 1:1 mentorship with experienced professionals to guide learning and development.
• Opportunities for volunteer activities to engage with the community.
• On-the-job learning experiences contributing to real-world projects.

Working Hours: Full-time commitment (36-40 hours per week) for 10 weeks, starting in June.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as an hourly rate, common for internships. Benefits are detailed to highlight the comprehensive development program, which is a key attraction for intern roles and reflects an investment in talent development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment. Paramount is a leading global media and entertainment company with a diverse portfolio including studios, networks, and streaming services such as CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Paramount Skydance Corporation is a publicly traded company with a significant global presence). This implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for exposure to large-scale operations. Founded: Paramount Pictures was founded in 1912, with the broader Paramount Skydance Corporation representing a significant history in the entertainment industry, suggesting a culture that values innovation alongside established brand heritage.

Team Structure:

• Interns will likely be integrated into specific UX or Product Design teams within one of Paramount's divisions (e.g., CBS Sports Digital, Pluto TV, Paramount+).
• The structure will involve reporting to a dedicated mentor or manager, with opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers, engineers, and researchers.
• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and shared learning experiences.

Methodology:

• Paramount's design teams likely employ agile methodologies, focusing on iterative development, rapid prototyping, and user-centered design principles.
• Data analysis from user behavior and market trends will inform design decisions, emphasizing a data-driven approach to product development.
• Workflow optimization for design processes, including efficient use of tools like Figma and adherence to design systems, is critical for large-scale operations.

Company Website: https://www.paramount.com/careers/internships

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is fleshed out to provide a richer understanding of Paramount's scale and industry position, which directly impacts the operational environment and potential learning experiences for an intern.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Internship. This role is designed for students who are typically a year away from graduation, providing an immersive introduction to professional UX and Product Design within a corporate setting. Reporting Structure: Interns will report to a designated mentor or manager within their assigned design team. They will also have opportunities to interact with senior designers and other cross-functional leads. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be on specific project tasks, their contributions to design deliverables, user research, and prototyping can influence product iterations, user satisfaction, and ultimately, the success of digital platforms. The learning experience itself is a critical operational investment for the company in developing future talent.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/Product Design, such as interaction design, visual design, user research, or design systems.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working with iconic entertainment brands and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the media industry.
• Networking & Mentorship: Build a professional network and receive guidance from experienced designers, potentially leading to future full-time opportunities.
• Program Development: Participate in workshops and speaker series that cover career strategy, interview skills, and professional development, enhancing overall career readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the internship as a foundational step in a potential operations career within design, highlighting how even entry-level roles contribute to the broader operational talent pipeline and offer structured growth pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-Person at Paramount's New York City offices. This indicates a traditional office-based work environment focused on collaboration and direct interaction. Office Location(s): New York, NY (specific addresses include 10036 and 10019), offering access to vibrant business districts.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, encouraging interaction with fellow interns and full-time design team members.
• Interns will have access to industry-standard design tools and technology necessary for their project work.
• Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with designers, product managers, and engineers will be readily available.

Work Schedule: A structured 10-week program requiring full-time commitment (36-40 hours/week), Monday through Friday. This schedule is designed to provide an immersive and comprehensive work experience akin to a full-time employee.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an in-person, collaborative office environment is crucial for understanding the daily operational reality and the type of team dynamic interns will experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and portfolio by the deadline (January 31st, 2026).
• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for academic qualifications, relevant skills, and portfolio completeness.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be assessed on their UX deliverables, design thinking, research documentation, and ability to articulate problem-solving approaches.
• Interviews: Potential interviews with hiring managers and/or team members to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and understanding of design principles. This may include behavioral questions and discussions about past projects.
• Case Study/Challenge (Possible): Some roles may involve a design challenge or case study to evaluate problem-solving abilities and design execution under specific constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity is Key: Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome. Use concise language and strong visuals.
• Showcase Process: Don't just show final mock-ups; explain your research, ideation, wireframing, and iteration steps. This demonstrates your operational approach to design.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or user feedback that demonstrate the success or impact of your design solutions.
• Tailor to Paramount: Briefly consider how your skills and projects align with the entertainment industry and Paramount's brands.
• Technical Proficiency: Highlight your proficiency with Figma and any other relevant design or research tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem quickly.
• Break down the challenge into smaller, manageable tasks, mirroring an operational workflow.
• Clearly articulate your assumptions and design decisions.
• Be prepared to present your solution concisely and effectively, highlighting your process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their work in a way that highlights their operational capabilities and understanding of design processes, crucial for making a strong impression.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, mock-ups, prototyping, and collaborative design. Proficiency is a key requirement.
• Design System Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Zeroheight or Design System Manager for understanding and potentially contributing to design system components.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly required, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and the ability to interpret user data for design insights would be beneficial.
• Experience with creating reports on user research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UX/Product Design role, but understanding how design integrates with product management and development workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is tailored to the UX/Product Design discipline, highlighting software essential for operationalizing design tasks and demonstrating technical aptitude in design execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring products are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals. Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged.
• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and explore new technologies and design solutions within the entertainment space.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing insights from user research and analytics to inform design choices and measure success.
• Efficiency & Scalability: Designing solutions that are not only effective but also efficient to implement and scale across different platforms and products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other designers, participating in regular stand-ups, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions.
• Feedback Culture: An environment that values constructive feedback loops to continuously improve designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are framed to reflect how operational principles like efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and structured collaboration manifest within a creative and product-focused team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Learning to navigate competing priorities and find design solutions that satisfy both user experience and business objectives.
• Working with Established Brands: Understanding and respecting the legacy and brand guidelines of iconic properties while introducing fresh design elements.
• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting to fast-paced project timelines and being comfortable with iterative design processes and feedback.
• Contribution in a Large Organization: Finding ways to make a meaningful contribution and gain visibility as an intern within a large, complex company structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Project Experience: Directly contributing to real-world products and gaining practical design skills.
• Industry Insights: Learning from seasoned professionals and understanding the operational nuances of the media and entertainment industry.
• Professional Skills Development: Participating in workshops designed to enhance resume writing, interviewing, and career strategy.
• Networking: Building connections that can support future career endeavors within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights specific challenges and growth avenues relevant to an intern's operational journey within a large corporation, emphasizing skill development and strategic career navigation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio projects, detailing your design process from initial research and ideation through to final deliverables. Explain the 'why' behind your decisions.
• Problem Solving: Expect questions that require you to analyze a design problem or scenario and outline how you would approach solving it, including research methods and potential solutions.
• Collaboration: Discuss how you collaborate with others, handle feedback, and contribute to a team environment. Provide examples of successful cross-functional work.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Paramount's Brands: Research Paramount's key brands (Paramount+, Pluto TV, CBS Sports Digital, etc.) and consider how you would approach designing for their specific audiences.
• Industry Trends: Be ready to discuss current trends in UX/Product Design, particularly as they apply to media and entertainment.
• Cultural Fit: Reflect on how your values and working style align with Paramount's emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and user-centricity.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your journey, and the resolution.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mock-ups, wireframes, and flow diagrams. Annotate key elements to explain your design choices.
• Conciseness: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.
• Active Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your work and engage in a discussion about your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight how candidates can showcase their operational thinking, problem-solving skills, and understanding of design processes in their responses and portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the careers portal before the January 31st, 2026 deadline.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases 2-3 strong UX/Product Design projects, detailing your process, deliverables, and any research insights. Tailor your project selection to highlight skills relevant to digital media and entertainment if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize academic achievements, relevant coursework, design tool proficiency (especially Figma), and any prior project or internship experience. Use keywords from the job description for ATS compatibility.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design thinking and process for your portfolio projects. Prepare examples of how you collaborate, handle feedback, and solve problems. Research Paramount's brands and recent product launches.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Paramount's mission, values, and the specific brands mentioned (Paramount+, Pluto TV, CBS Sports Digital). Understand their target audiences and the competitive landscape in the streaming and entertainment industry.

⚠️ 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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