UX Design - Internship

SeatGeek
Full-timeNew York, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design - Internship

Company: SeatGeek

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Internship

Category: User Experience (UX) Design, Product Design

Date Posted: 2025-10-03T18:05:27

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site 50% of the week)

🚀 Role Summary

  • This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the user experience of a leading live event ticketing platform, impacting millions of users.

  • You will collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and UX researchers to design intuitive and effective user interfaces.

  • The role emphasizes understanding customer needs, motivations, and pain points to drive business value through thoughtful design solutions.

  • You'll gain practical experience in design reviews and contribute to the overall quality and innovation of the UX team's output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description is for a UX Design Intern, this enhancement focuses on framing it within an operations context where applicable, particularly regarding process efficiency and user-centric product development that impacts operational workflows and customer satisfaction metrics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop a profound understanding of user needs, motivations, pain points, and behaviors through close collaboration with Product Management, UX Research, and Analytics teams.

  • Partner with a cross-functional team of product managers and engineers to conceptualize, design, and deliver high-quality, user-friendly experiences that address real-world problems and contribute to long-term business objectives.

  • Actively participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and incorporating insights to refine and elevate the quality of your own work and that of the broader UX team.

  • Contribute to the ideation and development of user flows, wireframes, and prototypes that effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

  • Assist in the usability testing process, gathering feedback and iterating on designs to ensure optimal user experience and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are framed to highlight the impact on product quality and user satisfaction, which directly influences operational efficiency by reducing support inquiries and improving user adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a college program, pursuing a degree relevant to design, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Bachelor's degree candidate preferred.

Experience: Some prior product design experience is required, demonstrated through academic projects, personal work, or previous internships.

Required Skills:

  • User Experience (UX) Design: Foundational understanding of UX principles and methodologies.

  • Product Design: Ability to contribute to the design of digital products, focusing on user-centric solutions.

  • Design Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Figma and Sketch for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

  • Customer Empathy: Genuine excitement for understanding customer needs, motivations, and pain points.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adept at working effectively within a diverse, cross-functional team environment.

  • Analytical Aptitude: Ability to interpret user data and feedback to inform design decisions.

  • Problem-Solving: Capacity to identify user challenges and propose effective design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

  • Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.

  • Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design feasibility.

  • Experience with agile development methodologies.

  • Portfolio showcasing relevant design projects and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "customer needs, motivations, and pain points" is crucial for operations roles as it directly relates to understanding user behavior that can impact system usage, support load, and overall customer success metrics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct projects that demonstrate your product design process from problem identification to solution implementation.

  • Projects should clearly articulate the user problem, your design approach, the tools used (e.g., Figma, Sketch), and the final design outcomes.

  • Include wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to illustrate your design thinking.

Process Documentation:

  • For each project, clearly outline the design process followed, including research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration phases.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how design decisions contribute to overall product goals and potentially operational efficiency by improving user adoption or reducing friction.

  • Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs considered during the design process and how they align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a UX internship may not require deep "operations process documentation" in the traditional sense, framing the portfolio around the design process as a series of steps and decisions that lead to a functional outcome aligns with operations principles of structured problem-solving and iterative improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55 per hour USD (based on a 40-hour work week).

Benefits:

  • Ticket Allowance: $120 per month to spend on tickets to live events, fostering a connection with the core product.

  • Commuter Card: Monthly allowance for public transportation, facilitating easy access to the NYC office.

  • Headspace Subscription: Access to mindfulness and meditation resources to support well-being.

  • Free Lunch & Snacks: Daily meals and snacks provided at the office, enhancing the on-site work experience and fostering team camaraderie.

  • Weekly Planned Events: Opportunities to attend various cultural and entertainment events (comedy shows, sports games, museum visits), promoting team bonding and exploration of NYC.

  • Housing Stipend: Financial support for accommodation during the internship period.

Working Hours: This is a full-time internship position, with an expected commitment of 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model requires being on-site approximately 50% of the week, with at least 3 days per week expected in the New York City office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate of $55/hour is competitive for UX internships in New York City, reflecting the specialized skills and the valuable experience offered. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, emphasizing employee well-being and engagement, which are key indicators of a positive company culture that often translates to better operational outcomes.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Ticketing, Live Entertainment)

Company Size: SeatGeek is a significant player in the ticketing industry, employing a substantial workforce that fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment. The company has grown significantly since its founding, indicating a stable yet innovative operational backbone.

Founded: SeatGeek was founded in 2009, bringing over a decade of experience in revolutionizing the ticketing landscape. This history suggests a mature operational framework combined with a continuous drive for innovation.

Team Structure:

  • The UX team operates within a product development structure, working closely with Product Management and Engineering departments.

  • This cross-functional setup emphasizes agile methodologies and iterative development cycles, crucial for fast-paced product iteration.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: SeatGeek likely employs a data-informed approach, utilizing analytics to understand user behavior and measure the impact of design changes. This aligns with operations principles of using metrics to drive decisions.

  • User-Centric Development: The company's focus on understanding customer needs and delivering effortless experiences is central to its product strategy, mirroring an operational goal of maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing user friction.

  • Iterative Improvement: The hybrid work model and emphasis on design reviews suggest a culture that values continuous feedback and iterative refinement of products and processes.

Company Website: https://seatgeek.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SeatGeek's mission to simplify ticketing and enhance live event experiences is directly tied to operational effectiveness. A seamless user journey reduces operational overhead (e.g., customer support) and drives revenue. Understanding this connection is key for operations-minded candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This internship represents an entry-level position within the broader field of product development and user experience, a critical component of a company's operational success. It's an ideal starting point for individuals interested in understanding how user-centric design contributes to business outcomes and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: Interns typically report to a UX Manager or Senior Designer, who provides direct mentorship and guidance. They will also collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers, offering exposure to different functional areas that drive operations.

Operations Impact: While this role is focused on design, the impact on operations is significant. Well-designed products lead to higher user adoption, reduced support costs, increased conversion rates, and ultimately, drive revenue. The intern will contribute to features that streamline the user journey, thereby enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the platform.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools (Figma, Sketch) and UX methodologies.

  • Industry Exposure: Learn about the dynamics of the live entertainment and ticketing industry from a product and user perspective.

  • Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced UX professionals, fostering a strong foundation for future career growth in design or related operational fields.

  • Networking: Build connections with professionals across product, engineering, and design teams, opening doors for future opportunities.

  • Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time positions or further internship opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This enhancement frames the internship not just as a design role, but as an entry point into understanding how user experience design underpins successful product operations and contributes to business objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: SeatGeek's corporate office in NYC provides a modern and collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The internship is based at their corporate office in New York City. Specific details regarding accessibility and proximity to public transport are typical for a major metropolitan hub.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: The office is likely equipped with open workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas designed to encourage spontaneous collaboration and brainstorming sessions among teams, including UX, Product, and Engineering.

  • Tools & Technology: Interns will have access to the necessary software and hardware to perform their design tasks, including licenses for Figma, Sketch, and other relevant design and communication tools.

  • Team Interaction: The hybrid model (3 days in office) ensures regular face-to-face interaction with team members, facilitating knowledge sharing, mentorship, and a strong sense of team cohesion, which is vital for efficient operations.

Work Schedule: The internship follows a standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring approximately 50% of time spent in the NYC office. This structure balances the need for in-person collaboration and team integration with the flexibility often sought by professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and emphasis on in-office collaboration are critical for effective knowledge transfer and team synergy, which are foundational for smooth operational workflows within a design and product team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the internship requirements.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your background, motivations, understanding of UX principles, and interest in SeatGeek. Be prepared to talk about your past projects and learning experiences.

  • Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or present a portfolio review. This is an opportunity to showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your design decisions. Focus on explaining why you made certain choices and the outcomes you aimed for.

  • Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with team members from Product Management or Engineering to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit. Be ready to discuss how you work with others to achieve common goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, the solutions you designed, and the impact or intended impact.

  • Show Your Process: Don't just show final screens; include sketches, wireframes, user flows, and research insights to demonstrate your thinking.

  • Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, mention how you collaborated with others (e.g., engineers, product managers) and how that influenced your design.

  • Quantify Impact (if possible): If your designs led to measurable improvements (even in academic projects), highlight them. For an internship, articulating the intended operational or user impact is also valuable.

  • Tailor to SeatGeek: Briefly mention why you're interested in SeatGeek and the live events industry.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is given, ensure you fully understand the problem statement and constraints.

  • Focus on Process: Prioritize demonstrating a logical and user-centered design process over delivering a pixel-perfect final product within a limited timeframe.

  • Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining your thought process concisely and effectively, as if presenting to a cross-functional team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and design challenges directly relates to demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and communicating design outcomes, which are parallels to how operations professionals must articulate process improvements and their impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expected to be a primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design. Familiarity with its collaboration features is a plus.

  • Sketch: Another widely used design tool. Experience with Sketch is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to this UX design internship role. However, an awareness of how user experience impacts CRM data quality and customer support automation is a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design tools like Figma and Sketch is paramount. Understanding how these tools integrate with broader product development workflows, and how design decisions can impact downstream operations (e.g., customer support load, adoption metrics), adds significant value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, ensuring that every design decision prioritizes a positive and effortless experience.

  • Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication and mutual respect among designers, engineers, and product managers to achieve shared goals.

  • Innovation: A drive to constantly explore new ideas and solutions, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in ticketing technology to create magical live event experiences.

  • Data-Informed Decisions: Valuing data and user feedback as essential inputs for design, ensuring that improvements are measurable and impactful.

  • Passion for Live Events: An intrinsic enthusiasm for the core product – live events – which fuels a desire to make them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The UX team works seamlessly with Product Management and Engineering, fostering a collaborative environment where design input is integrated early and often in the product development lifecycle.

  • Feedback Culture: Design reviews are a key part of the process, encouraging constructive feedback and a willingness to iterate based on diverse perspectives.

  • Knowledge Sharing: The team likely promotes sharing best practices, design patterns, and insights, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and collective improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: SeatGeek's stated values of user-centricity, collaboration, and data-informed decisions are directly aligned with the core tenets of effective operations management. Understanding and embodying these values is crucial for success in any role that impacts product and customer experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Learning to navigate the complexities of designing solutions that satisfy both user desires and SeatGeek's business objectives.

  • Working within Constraints: Understanding and adapting to technical limitations, project timelines, and resource availability, a common challenge in operations.

  • Incorporating Feedback: Effectively integrating diverse feedback from stakeholders into the design process while maintaining design integrity.

  • Rapid Iteration: Contributing to a fast-paced product development cycle that demands quick thinking and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Hands-on Design Experience: Directly contributing to real-world product features and seeing the impact of your work.

  • Mentorship: Receiving personalized guidance from experienced UX designers and product leaders.

  • Industry Insight: Gaining a deep understanding of the ticketing and live entertainment technology space.

  • Professional Networking: Building relationships with industry professionals that can support future career aspirations.

  • Exposure to Agile Operations: Witnessing and participating in agile product development methodologies, which are foundational to efficient operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in product-centric operations. The growth opportunities highlight how this internship can build foundational skills and operational thinking applicable to a wide range of roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for a specific project. Explain your steps, your rationale, and how you handled challenges. Focus on how your process leads to user-centric and potentially operationally efficient outcomes.

  • Problem-Solving: Expect questions about how you approach unfamiliar problems. Discuss how you would break down a complex issue, gather information, and generate potential solutions. Relate this to how you might approach operational challenges.

  • Collaboration: How do you handle disagreements with team members? Describe a time you worked effectively with engineers or product managers.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Motivation: Why SeatGeek? Why the live events industry? Show genuine interest and research the company's mission and values.

  • Teamwork: How do you contribute to a positive team environment? What are your expectations for collaboration?

  • Learning: How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices? Show a proactive approach to learning, akin to staying current with operations best practices.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Concise Storytelling: Focus on the most impactful projects and clearly communicate the problem, your solution, your role, and the outcome.

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing and easy to follow. Use clear visuals for wireframes, user flows, and mockups.

  • Articulate Your "Why": For every design decision, be ready to explain why you made it, linking it back to user needs or business goals. This demonstrates strategic thinking relevant to operations.

  • Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing the "why" behind design decisions and demonstrating a clear, structured process are critical for both UX interviews and operations roles, as they showcase strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent UX Design Internship:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SeatGeek's careers page.

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 projects that best showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of user needs. Tailor your project selection to demonstrate how your design thinking can contribute to user satisfaction and operational efficiency.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines relevant coursework, projects, and any prior design or collaborative experiences. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Experience," "Product Design," "Figma," and "Collaboration."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, specific projects, and your motivations for applying to SeatGeek. Prepare to articulate how your design skills can support the company's mission and operational goals.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research SeatGeek's mission, values, and recent news. Understand their role in the ticketing industry and how user experience contributes to their overall business and operational success.

⚠️ 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 must be currently enrolled college students with some product design experience and familiarity with design tools like Figma and Sketch. Strong collaboration skills and a passion for understanding customer needs are essential.