UX Design / Visual Theming Internship

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design / Visual Theming Internship

Company: Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)

Location: Nashville, TN or Fully Remote

Job Type: Internship, Temporary

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Eligible

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on supporting the visual design and early stages of design system development for BMI's digital products.

• The role involves hands-on experience in defining and iterating on visual themes, including color, typography, and component styling.

• Interns will contribute to organizing and documenting design system foundations within Figma, promoting consistency across digital platforms.

• The position offers exposure to brand guidelines and their application in differentiating user experiences for various user types, such as Affiliates and Licensees.

• Collaboration with the UX team and Brand/Corporate Communications is key to developing visual concepts and refining design patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "UX Design / Visual Theming Internship," given the responsibilities involving design systems, component styling, and product user experiences, this role is best categorized under User Experience (UX) Design with a strong emphasis on Visual Design and foundational Design Systems work within the broader digital product development lifecycle. The "Operations" context here refers to the operationalization of design principles and systems within a tech department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support visual design exploration for diverse digital product experiences, catering to specific user segments like Affiliate and Licensee types.

• Develop and refine visual themes by iterating on core design elements including color palettes, typography hierarchies, layout structures, and component styling.

• Assist in the systematic organization and documentation of initial design system foundations, leveraging tools like Figma for shared libraries and component management.

• Apply and interpret established brand guidelines, while also exploring innovative ways to visually distinguish and enhance specific product interfaces.

• Actively participate in design review sessions, providing and incorporating feedback constructively to improve the overall design quality and user experience.

• Collaborate closely with the User Experience team and the Brand/Corporate Communications department to conceptualize visual themes, standardize design patterns, and contribute to comprehensive design libraries utilized across multiple BMI products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a practical, hands-on approach to visual design and design system contribution. The emphasis on "supporting," "assist with," and "apply brand guidelines" indicates an intern-level role where foundational learning and contribution are paramount, rather than leading strategic initiatives. The collaboration aspect underscores the importance of teamwork and communication in a design operations context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.

• Fields of study should include User Experience Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Digital Media, Product Design, or a closely related discipline.

• Must be eligible to return to the academic program in Fall 2026.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundational understanding of visual design principles, including effective use of color theory, typography, and layout composition.

• Demonstrated proficiency with design software such as Figma, or comparable industry-standard tools.

• Ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively, and to receptively incorporate constructive feedback.

• Meticulous attention to detail, with a strong commitment to maintaining design consistency across various interfaces and products.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior exposure to or understanding of design system frameworks and their operational application.

• Familiarity with brand guideline documentation and application in digital contexts.

• Experience or interest in user research and usability testing methodologies.

• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS) to better inform design decisions.

• Portfolio showcasing visual design projects, UI mockups, or design system contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of academic background, practical design skills, and a strong aptitude for learning and collaboration. The requirement to return to school in Fall 2026 is a critical eligibility criterion for this internship role, distinguishing it from full-time positions. The GPA requirement signifies a focus on academic excellence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that effectively showcases visual design capabilities, including examples of color palettes, typography systems, and layout applications.

• Demonstrations of UI elements, component styling, and themed interface designs that highlight an understanding of aesthetic coherence.

• Samples of work that illustrate the application of brand guidelines and the ability to maintain visual consistency across different design contexts.

• Any projects involving early-stage design system contributions or documentation are highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• While not expected to create formal process documentation, the intern should be able to describe their design workflow and how they approach tasks.

• Ability to follow and contribute to defined design processes within the UX team, such as design reviews and feedback loops.

• Understanding of how design systems streamline the product development process and ensure operational efficiency in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio requirements are focused on demonstrating potential and foundational skills rather than extensive experience. The emphasis is on visual execution, understanding of design principles, and the ability to work within established frameworks, including nascent design systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in a professional User Experience Design department.

• Opportunity to contribute to real-world digital products and design systems.

• Mentorship from senior UX designers and leadership.

• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration with Brand/Corporate Communications and Tech teams.

• Networking opportunities within the music industry's leading rights management organization.

Working Hours:

• The internship is scheduled for Summer 2026, from June 1 to July 30, 2026.

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered for remote work arrangements, but consistent availability during core business hours is required for collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on typical UX/Visual Design internship compensation in the Nashville area and for remote US-based roles for the Summer 2026 timeframe. Benefits focus on the learning and development aspects inherent to an internship.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Music Rights Management and Licensing. BMI is a leading music rights organization that represents hundreds of thousands of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Its role involves licensing musical works and collecting royalties for its affiliates, making it a critical player in the music industry's ecosystem.

Company Size: Broadcast Music, Inc. is a large organization, typically employing over 1,000 individuals. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for specialized roles within departments like Technology and User Experience.

Founded: BMI was founded in 1939. This long history indicates a stable, established company with deep roots in its industry, likely possessing a blend of traditional business practices and evolving technological adoption.

Team Structure:

• The User Experience Design team is part of the broader Technology department at BMI.

• The intern will report to the Sr. Director, User Experience Design, indicating a direct line to leadership within the UX function.

Methodology:

• The UX team at BMI likely employs user-centered design methodologies, focusing on understanding the needs of their diverse user base (Affiliates, Licensees, internal stakeholders).

• Emphasis is placed on creating intuitive and efficient digital experiences that align with BMI's mission and brand.

• The development of design systems is a key operational strategy to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across a portfolio of digital products.

Company Website: https://bmi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: BMI's position in the music industry provides a unique context for its digital products. The UX team operates within a large, established organization, meaning design processes will be professionalized and integrated with broader business objectives. The focus on design systems is crucial for managing a diverse range of digital touchpoints.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, internship role designed for individuals early in their design career. It provides foundational exposure to professional UX and visual design practices within a corporate environment.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Sr. Director, User Experience Design. This provides a clear reporting line and direct access to senior leadership within the UX discipline.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is typically focused on specific project contributions, their work on visual themes and design system elements directly influences the consistency, usability, and aesthetic appeal of BMI's digital products. This contributes to a more professional and user-friendly interface for BMI's affiliates and licensees, indirectly supporting operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in visual design, UI theming, Figma, and the principles of design systems. Opportunities to observe and learn advanced design techniques from senior team members.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience within the music industry, understanding its unique operational and technological landscape.

• Networking: Build professional connections within BMI's Tech and Brand departments, potentially opening doors for future career opportunities.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop tangible project experience and portfolio pieces that can significantly boost future job applications in UX/UI design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis for an internship is centered on educational and developmental outcomes. The role is structured to provide significant learning opportunities and practical application of design skills, preparing the intern for future roles in design operations and product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: BMI operates with both physical office locations and a remote work option. For this internship, candidates can be based in Nashville, TN, or work remotely. This hybrid approach offers flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Nashville, TN. This city is a hub for the music industry, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• The UX team likely fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging idea-sharing and teamwork, especially during design reviews and system development.

• Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma will be provided, enabling effective creative work.

• Opportunities to interact with senior designers and potentially other interns offer a supportive learning atmosphere.

• The work involves digital product design, requiring focus and attention to detail, balanced with collaborative sessions.

Work Schedule: The internship has a defined period (June 1 – July 30, 2026) with expected full-time hours (approx. 40/week). While remote work is an option, maintaining consistent availability during core business hours is crucial for seamless team integration and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The option for remote work broadens the candidate pool and offers flexibility, which can be a significant draw for interns. The emphasis on collaboration within the team context is important for interns to learn and integrate effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, including resume, GPA, and academic program details, to confirm eligibility.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work. This is a critical step to assess visual design skills and potential.

• Interview(s): One or more interviews, potentially including a conversation with the Sr. Director of UX Design and other members of the UX team. These interviews will assess design fundamentals, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): Some internships may include a small design exercise or case study to evaluate practical application of skills, though this is less common for shorter internships.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with visual design, UI theming, and any design system related work.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly explain the problem you were trying to solve, your role, your design process, the tools you used (especially Figma), and the outcome or learnings.

• Highlight Visuals: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals for color palettes, typography, and UI elements.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your iteration process – sketches, wireframes, mood boards, and how you arrived at the final visual design.

• Quantify (If Possible): Even for academic projects, if there were any metrics or user feedback, include it to show impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize with Figma: Practice using Figma's core features, including components, styles, auto layout, and prototyping.

• Review Design Fundamentals: Brush up on color theory, typography best practices, and layout principles.

• Understand Design Systems: Research basic design system concepts, such as atomic design, component libraries, and style guides.

• Prepare to Discuss Your Work: Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects in detail, explaining your design decisions and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for an internship heavily relies on the candidate's portfolio to demonstrate their potential and existing skill set. The focus will be on foundational design abilities and enthusiasm for learning.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This will be the primary design tool used for visual theming, UI design, component creation, and design system documentation. Proficiency is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Useful for asset creation, image editing, and potentially more advanced graphic design tasks. Familiarity is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is critical. Proficiency in this tool is a direct requirement for success in this internship, as it's central to the visual design and design system work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of BMI's diverse user base through thoughtful design.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and constructive feedback exchange within the UX team and with cross-functional partners.

• Consistency & Scalability: A dedication to building a robust design system that ensures a cohesive and scalable user experience across all digital products.

• Innovation & Learning: A culture that encourages exploration of new design ideas and continuous learning, especially in the rapidly evolving field of UX and design systems.

• Brand Integrity: Respect for and skillful application of BMI's established brand identity while creatively enhancing user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• The UX team likely operates with a highly collaborative approach, utilizing design reviews, workshops, and shared digital workspaces (like Figma) to foster shared understanding and collective problem-solving.

• Cross-functional collaboration with Brand/Corporate Communications is expected for brand alignment, and with the broader Tech team for implementation considerations.

• A culture of constructive critique and mutual support is probable, enabling designers to grow and refine their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values practical application of design principles, collaborative problem-solving, and adherence to organizational standards (brand and design system), all within a professional and supportive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Product Differentiation: Learning to apply BMI's core brand guidelines effectively while also creating visually distinct themes for different product experiences.

• Early-Stage Design System Contribution: Working with foundational elements of a design system that may still be evolving, requiring adaptability and clear documentation.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating design ideas and rationale to non-design stakeholders, such as those in Brand/Corp Comm or Tech.

• Remote Collaboration: If working remotely, maintaining strong communication and collaboration with the team to ensure seamless integration and project progress.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Deep Dive: In-depth understanding of how design systems are built, maintained, and operationalized within a corporate tech environment.

• Visual Design Mastery: Opportunities to refine skills in color theory, typography, layout, and component design under expert guidance.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the unique operational challenges and digital needs of a major music rights organization.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships with experienced professionals in UX, design, and the music industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for learning and skill development, typical for an internship. The growth opportunities are tied to acquiring practical, in-demand design skills and industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design to fit specific brand guidelines." (Focus on your process, how you balanced constraints, and your understanding of brand integrity.)

• "How do you approach organizing design assets or components in a tool like Figma?" (Highlight your organizational skills, understanding of file structure, and potential knowledge of component libraries.)

• "Walk me through a visual design project from your portfolio. What was your process, your role, and what did you learn?" (Be prepared to detail your creative journey, decision-making, and reflections.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BMI and our role in the music industry?" (Show you've researched BMI and understand its business context.)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize your ability to be receptive, learn, and iterate.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of your portfolio and then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• Project Deep Dive: For each project, explain the objective, your specific role and contributions, your design process (from ideation to execution), the tools used (especially Figma), and the outcomes or key learnings.

• Visual Emphasis: Use clear, high-quality visuals. Be prepared to zoom in on specific elements like color palettes, typography choices, or UI components.

• Highlight Theming: Specifically discuss projects where you explored different visual themes or applied style guides.

• Design System Connection: If you have any experience or understanding related to design systems, clearly articulate it. Discuss how your work could contribute to or benefit from a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing foundational design skills, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of how design contributes to broader organizational goals like brand consistency and operational efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design / Visual Theming Internship:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features visual design projects, UI mockups, color/typography explorations, and any examples demonstrating an understanding of style guides or component styling. Tailor it to highlight skills relevant to visual theming and design system foundations.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your academic program, GPA, any relevant design coursework, and proficiency in design tools like Figma. Highlight any projects that showcase attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, decision-making, and learnings. Be ready to articulate your interest in visual design, design systems, and BMI's mission.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with BMI's work in the music industry, its mission, and its digital presence. Understand how visual design and UX contribute to their overall business objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions for an internship role. While every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive overview, candidates should verify specific details, compensation, and application requirements directly with Broadcast Music, Inc. or through their official application portal.