UX Design Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Intern

Company: M J Brunner Inc

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Internship (For Credit)

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: April 01, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the integration and documentation of AI tools to enhance UX design workflows and operational efficiency.

• Provide critical UX/UI support for active client projects, contributing to wireframing, design system updates, and presentation preparation.

• Maintain and organize Figma files and design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and seamless cross-team collaboration.

• Assist with the upkeep of marketing assets, including websites and presentations, reflecting the company's brand and GTM strategy.

• This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, integrated marketing communications agency, focusing on the intersection of design, technology, and client success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Design Intern," the responsibilities clearly indicate a need for operational support within the design function, particularly concerning process organization, system maintenance (Figma, design systems), and the integration of new technologies like AI. This positions the role within the broader scope of "Design Operations" or "GTM Operations Support," emphasizing the operational aspects of design execution and enablement. The "for-credit" nature and part-time hours (20-30/week) are key differentiators for internship roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• AI Workflow Integration: Research, test, and document AI tools and processes to identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation within UX design tasks, contributing to a more data-informed and automated design operation.

• Client Project Support: Provide direct UX/UI assistance on client projects, which may involve creating wireframes, updating design system components, preparing presentation materials, and ensuring design deliverables align with client objectives and GTM strategies.

• Design System & Figma Maintenance: Systematically organize and maintain Figma files, component libraries, and design systems to ensure version control, consistency, scalability, and ease of access for all design and development teams. This includes managing asset libraries and establishing best practices for file organization.

• Marketing Asset Upkeep: Contribute to the maintenance and updates of marketing collateral, including the company website and client-facing decks, ensuring brand consistency and effective communication of value propositions.

• Process Documentation: Assist in documenting new and existing design processes, workflows, and best practices to support onboarding, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement initiatives within the design and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical design execution and operational support. The emphasis on "documenting AI tools," "design system organization/updates," and "Figma maintenance" points to a need for someone with an eye for process and system efficiency, moving beyond purely creative tasks to support the operational backbone of the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience, preferably through academic projects, personal portfolios, or previous internships, demonstrating foundational design principles and an interest in operational efficiency.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Figma Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, component creation, and collaborative design file management.

• Design System Understanding: Familiarity with the principles of design systems, component-based design, and the importance of maintaining consistent design assets.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Ability to create clear and effective wireframes and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Research & Documentation: Aptitude for researching new tools and processes, and for clearly documenting findings, workflows, and best practices.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to meticulously organize digital files, maintain structure, and manage multiple tasks concurrently.

Preferred Skills:

• AI Tool Familiarity: Exposure to or interest in exploring AI tools for design, content generation, or workflow automation.

• Presentation Skills: Experience in preparing and presenting design concepts or project updates, even in an academic setting.

• Client Interaction Exposure: Any prior experience or understanding of client communication and project-based work.

• Basic Understanding of GTM: Familiarity with marketing communications or go-to-market strategies is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "advanced Figma skills" requirement is critical and directly translates to operational proficiency within the design tool. The emphasis on "researching, testing, and documenting AI tools" points to a need for an operations-minded intern who can help streamline future workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Figma File Organization Example: Showcase a well-organized Figma file, demonstrating clear structure, component usage, and attention to detail in asset management.

• Wireframing & User Flow Documentation: Include examples of wireframes and user flows that clearly articulate design decisions and user journeys, with accompanying annotations explaining the rationale.

• Design System Contribution (if applicable): If you have contributed to or created a design system, provide examples of components and their usage, highlighting consistency and scalability.

• Process Documentation Example: Present a sample of how you've documented a process, tool, or workflow, showcasing clarity, conciseness, and actionable insights.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate an understanding of how to map out user journeys and design workflows.

• System Implementation: Show an ability to work within established systems (like Figma) and contribute to their organization and maintenance.

• Measurement & Analysis: While not a primary focus for an intern, any examples of how you've evaluated the effectiveness of a design or process, even informally, would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational skills and an aptitude for organization and process. The key is to show how they approach tasks and manage their digital assets, rather than necessarily a history of complex GTM operations. Highlighting Figma organization and process documentation examples is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: This is an unpaid, for-credit internship opportunity.

Benefits:

• Academic Credit: Opportunity to earn academic credit through your program of study upon successful completion of the internship.

• Mentorship: Paired with a dedicated mentor for guidance, skill development, and industry insights throughout the program.

• Hands-on Experience: Gain practical, real-world experience on internal and client projects within an integrated marketing communications agency.

• Skill Development: Opportunity to significantly enhance skills in UX design, Figma, design systems, and emerging AI technologies.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to a professional agency environment and potential for future career connections.

• Flexible Work Policy: Benefit from a hybrid work environment, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Working Hours: Approximately 20-30 hours per week, with flexible start and end dates within the June-August timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a for-credit internship, traditional salary and benefits are not applicable. The focus shifts to the intrinsic value: academic credit, mentorship, and practical experience. The "Flexible Work Policy" is a significant perk for interns seeking work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Integrated Marketing Communications / Advertising Agency

Company Size: Approximately 50-200 employees (based on typical agency structures and LinkedIn data for similar firms). This size allows for both structured processes and close-knit team collaboration.

Founded: M J Brunner Inc. was founded in 1989, indicating a long-standing presence and established methodologies within the marketing communications industry.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: Likely composed of senior designers, art directors, UI/UX specialists, and potentially junior designers or interns.

• Operations Support: While not explicitly stated, there will be operational functions supporting the design team, such as project management, IT, and administrative roles that ensure smooth project execution.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Designers will collaborate extensively with account managers, strategists, copywriters, developers, and other agency departments to deliver integrated campaigns.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: The emphasis on "business impact" suggests a data-driven approach to marketing and design, where creative work is tied to measurable outcomes.

• Agile/Iterative Processes: Agency environments often utilize agile or iterative methodologies for project management and design execution to adapt to client feedback and market changes.

• Continuous Improvement: The mention of "continuous improvement" and exploration of "AI to enhance the way we work" points to a culture that embraces learning and optimization.

Company Website: brunnerworks.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding date and industry position it as an established player, likely with well-defined processes. The core values (Perseverance, Integrity, Tenacity, Curiosity, Heart) offer insight into the expected work ethic and team dynamics. The "good people creating good work" slogan emphasizes a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed for students to gain foundational experience. It's a stepping stone, not a long-term operational management position.

Reporting Structure: Interns typically report to a designated mentor, who may be a Senior UX Designer, Design Lead, or a Manager within the creative department. The mentor provides direct supervision and guidance.

Operations Impact: While the intern's direct impact on core GTM operations will be limited, their contribution to organizing design systems, documenting AI workflows, and supporting client projects indirectly enhances the operational efficiency and output quality of the design team, which is a crucial component of the overall GTM strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, Figma mastery, and potentially gain initial exposure to AI applications in design.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about agency operations, client management, and the end-to-end process of creating marketing campaigns.

• Mentorship & Networking: Build relationships with experienced professionals who can provide career advice and potential future opportunities.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future paid internships or entry-level positions within Brunner.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is primarily about learning and skill acquisition. Growth is defined by mastering the internship responsibilities and gaining exposure to professional agency operations, rather than immediate career advancement into a senior operations role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, offering flexibility to work from home or in the office. This suggests a modern approach to workplace culture, balancing individual focus with collaborative needs.

Office Location(s): 11 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. This is a downtown Pittsburgh location, often associated with professional services firms.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and potentially hot-desking options to facilitate team interaction and client meetings.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office equipment, reliable internet, and potentially company-provided hardware or software licenses for design tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with designers, account teams, and other agency professionals, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Flexible schedule of 20-30 hours per week, with the possibility of occasional in-office presence required for client or agency-wide meetings. This flexibility is designed to accommodate academic commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid policy is a significant aspect of the work environment, catering to the needs of students and promoting work-life balance. The physical office location in Pittsburgh suggests a professional urban setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and Figma proficiency.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing Figma organization, wireframing examples, and any process documentation. This is a key evaluation point.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a small design exercise or a discussion about how they would approach a specific design problem or process improvement task.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with a mentor or team lead to assess curiosity, collaboration style, and alignment with company values (Perseverance, Integrity, Tenacity, Curiosity, Heart).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Figma Organization: Clearly demonstrate your file structure, component usage, and naming conventions in Figma. Show how you keep things tidy and scalable.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, walk through your thought process. Why did you make certain design decisions? How did you approach wireframing?

• Showcase Documentation: If you have examples of documenting a process or workflow, present them to highlight your operational mindset and ability to create clear instructions.

• Be Ready for AI Discussion: Be prepared to talk about your curiosity regarding AI in design and how you might explore or document its potential uses.

• Focus on Learning: Emphasize your eagerness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the team's success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Figma Familiarity: Be ready to answer questions about specific Figma features or workflows.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach organizing a messy set of design files or how you might test a new AI tool for design.

• Communication: Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, as you would in a client or team presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review for an intern is heavily weighted towards demonstrating organizational skills and tool proficiency (Figma), as well as a proactive, curious attitude towards new technologies like AI, rather than extensive operational experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design system management. Advanced proficiency is a must.

• AI Tools (Exploratory): The internship involves researching and documenting AI tools relevant to UX design and workflow enhancement (e.g., AI-powered design assistants, content generators, research analysis tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly involved, but understanding how design integrates with marketing automation or CRM platforms can be beneficial context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the core technical requirement. The AI aspect is exploratory, requiring research and documentation skills rather than deep technical implementation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A strong drive to learn, explore new tools (like AI), and understand how things work.

• Perseverance & Tenacity: The ability to tackle challenges, work through complex organization tasks, and see projects through to completion.

• Integrity: Honesty and ethical conduct in all work, especially when dealing with client projects and internal processes.

• Heart: A collaborative, empathetic approach to teamwork and client relationships.

• Efficiency: A focus on creating "good work" that achieves "business impact," implying an appreciation for efficient processes and effective design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid & Cross-functional: Comfortable working both remotely and in the office, and collaborating effectively with diverse teams (account, strategy, development, copy).

• Mentorship-Driven: Open to guidance from mentors and actively participating in learning opportunities.

• Feedback-Oriented: Willing to give and receive constructive feedback to improve design and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values directly inform the expected behavior and mindset for interns. Curiosity and a willingness to learn about new operational tools (AI) are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Internship Demands: Managing workload and deadlines for both coursework and internship responsibilities.

• Navigating Agency Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment of an integrated marketing agency.

• Learning New Tools/Processes Quickly: Rapidly acquiring proficiency in Figma and understanding how to document new AI tools and their potential operational impact.

• Contributing Meaningfully as an Intern: Finding ways to add value and make tangible contributions despite being in a learning role.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Skills: Intensive hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and methodologies.

• Operational Process Exposure: Learning about design system management, file organization, and the operational aspects of design workflow.

• AI Exploration: Gaining insights into how emerging technologies can be integrated into creative operations.

• Agency Environment Immersion: Understanding the dynamics of client service, cross-functional teamwork, and agency culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for internships and highlight the need for strong time management and adaptability. The growth opportunities are focused on gaining practical skills and industry exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach organizing a large Figma file or design system to ensure scalability and collaboration?" (Focus on your methodology, naming conventions, component strategy).

• "Describe your process for researching and documenting a new tool or technology, like an AI design assistant." (Highlight your research steps, documentation format, and what you'd look for).

• "If you were tasked with updating a design system with new components, what steps would you take?" (Emphasize consistency, documentation, and testing).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Brunner and our approach to integrated marketing communications?" (Research the company's work, clients, and values).

• "How do you embody our core values like Curiosity, Tenacity, or Heart in your academic or project work?" (Prepare specific examples).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Start with an overview of your background, then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• For Each Project:

  • Problem: What was the objective?
  • Your Role: What specifically did you do?
  • Process: How did you approach it (wireframing, research, iterations)?
  • Tools: Highlight your Figma skills and any other relevant software.
  • Outcome/Learning: What was the result, and what did you learn?

• Emphasize Organization: When showing Figma files, point out your organizational strategies.

• Discuss AI Curiosity: Be ready to talk about your interest in AI tools and how you might approach exploring them for the internship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical Figma skills, organizational aptitude, a proactive learning attitude, and a clear understanding of how design contributes to broader marketing operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Paylocity portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your advanced Figma skills, well-organized file examples, and any instances of process documentation. Ensure it clearly showcases your ability to manage digital assets systematically.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight relevant academic projects, any prior internship experience, and specifically mention your proficiency in Figma and any exposure to or interest in AI tools. Use keywords like "Figma," "Wireframing," "Design Systems," "Process Documentation," and "AI."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clearly articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and organizational methods. Prepare to discuss your interest in AI and how you approach learning new operational tools.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Brunner's agency work, client portfolio, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.