UX Research Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Intern Company: Aspida Financial Services LLC Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States Job Type: INTERN Category: User Experience Research / Product Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-26T00:39:31 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on applying user research methodologies to inform product design and development within a financial services technology context.
• The role involves hands-on experience with user interviews, surveys, and usability testing to uncover user needs and inform design decisions.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams including designers, product managers, and engineers is a core aspect of this position.
• The intern will contribute to the documentation of research findings, plans, and reports, enhancing the overall product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an "Intern" position, indicating a focus on learning and development within a structured program. The emphasis on "tech-driven," "nimble insurance carrier," and "digital platform" suggests a modern, agile GTM environment where UX research directly influences product strategy and customer experience. The operations aspect comes from the systematic application of research to improve product development processes and ensure user-centricity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of user research activities, including the development of interview scripts, survey questionnaires, and usability test protocols.
• Conduct user interviews, facilitate surveys, and moderate usability testing sessions to gather qualitative and quantitative data on user behavior and preferences.
• Analyze research data to identify key user insights, pain points, and opportunities for product improvement, translating raw findings into actionable recommendations.
• Support the creation of research documentation, including detailed research plans, session notes, participant recruitment materials, and comprehensive research reports.
• Collaborate effectively with UX/UI designers, product managers, and software engineers to ensure research findings are understood and integrated into the product design and development process.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX research processes and best practices within the team.
• Assist in synthesizing competitive analysis and market research to provide broader context for user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the practical application of research skills within a product development lifecycle, emphasizing data gathering, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, all crucial for efficient GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in User Experience Design, User Interaction Design, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a similar relevant field. Experience: Entry-level with 0-2 years of experience, ideally through academic projects, prior internships, or personal work demonstrating an understanding of user research principles.

Required Skills:

• Genuine passion for understanding user behavior, motivations, and interaction with technology.
• Strong foundational knowledge of user research methodologies such as user interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings clearly and concisely.
• Solid organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and documentation effectively.
• Familiarity with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for design-related tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with quantitative data analysis tools or techniques.
• Familiarity with A/B testing principles and their application in product development.
• Understanding of agile development methodologies and how UX research integrates into them.
• Experience with other relevant UX research tools (e.g., survey platforms like SurveyMonkey, user testing platforms like UserTesting.com).
• Basic understanding of the financial services or insurance industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are directly pulled from the input, with an emphasis on the core competencies for a UX Research intern. "Preferred Skills" are inferred based on the context of a tech-driven financial services company and common industry practices to provide a more comprehensive view of what would make a candidate stand out.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A well-organized portfolio showcasing academic projects, personal work, or prior internship experiences that demonstrate UX research capabilities.
• Case studies detailing the research process, from problem definition and methodology selection to data analysis and actionable insights.
• Examples of research deliverables such as interview guides, survey instruments, usability test plans, and research reports.
• Evidence of collaboration with designers or product teams, if applicable, showing how research influenced design decisions.
• Clear articulation of the problem, the research approach taken, the findings, and the impact of the research.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to assist in documenting research plans, ensuring clarity on objectives, methodology, participant criteria, and timelines.
• Support in recording and transcribing user interviews and usability testing sessions.
• Contribution to the preparation of research reports that clearly outline methodology, findings, and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Familiarity with maintaining organized records of research data and artifacts for easy retrieval and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit request for a portfolio, this section details what Aspida likely expects, focusing on process, deliverables, and the demonstration of research impact, which is critical for evaluating an intern's potential and understanding of research operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As an intern position, compensation will be hourly. Based on industry standards for UX Research Interns in the Durham, NC area, a competitive hourly wage is expected. While specific figures are not provided, typical ranges for internships in this field and region can fall between $18 - $25 per hour, depending on academic standing and demonstrated skills.

Benefits:

• Paid hourly compensation.
• Full-time hours for the 9-week summer program, providing an immersive experience.
• Opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in UX research within the financial services industry.
• Exposure to a fast-paced, tech-driven insurance carrier environment.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced UX researchers and product development professionals.
• Networking opportunities within Aspida and with its partners.

Working Hours: The internship will consist of full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, for a duration of 9 weeks during the summer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical intern compensation for UX Research roles in the specified region (Durham, NC) and the "full-time hours" and "9-week summer program" details. Benefits are inferred based on standard internship offerings and the company's description. The working hours are explicitly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically Annuities and Life Insurance), with a strong emphasis on Technology and Fintech. Aspida aims to disrupt traditional insurance with data-driven solutions and an elegant digital platform. Company Size: Aspida is backed by Ares Management Corporation, suggesting a well-funded and growing organization. While the exact employee count for Aspida itself isn't specified, its backing implies significant resources and a professional, structured environment. Founded: Aspida was founded with a vision to provide modern retirement solutions, leveraging technology. Its partnership with Ares Management Corporation is a key aspect of its operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Intern will likely be part of a Product Development or Design team, working closely with UX/UI Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers.
• This team operates within a broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operations framework that prioritizes efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and a customer-centric approach.
• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, bridging the gap between user needs and product execution.

Methodology:

• Aspida emphasizes a "Get $#!+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun" ethos, indicating a culture of proactivity, innovation, and positive energy.
• The company is dedicated to developing data-driven tech solutions and providing amazing customer experiences.
• Research findings are intended to directly inform design decisions and ensure solutions are grounded in real user insights.

Company Website: http://www.aspida.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and methodology are synthesized from the provided description, highlighting the blend of financial services expertise with a modern, tech-forward, and energetic approach. The team structure is inferred based on the role and typical tech company organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for individuals in their Junior or Senior year of university, providing foundational experience in UX Research. Reporting Structure: The UX Research Intern will report to a Senior UX Researcher, UX Lead, or Product Manager responsible for user research initiatives. They will work within a product team that includes designers and engineers. Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is developmental, their work contributes to the operational efficiency of the product development process by providing crucial user insights. These insights help prevent costly design flaws, ensure product-market fit, and ultimately support Aspida's mission of delivering secure and stable retirement solutions with speed and precision.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding and practical application of various UX research methods, data analysis, and reporting.
• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced fintech and insurance industry, understanding its unique user needs and regulatory landscape.
• Professional Networking: Build connections with professionals in UX, product management, engineering, and leadership at Aspida.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop robust case studies and deliverables that can significantly enhance future job applications.
• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time roles or extended internships, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the internship as a crucial stepping stone, emphasizing the role of UX research within broader GTM and product operations, and outlining clear growth paths for an intern.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Aspida operates as a tech-driven company with a physical presence. The internship is described as "On-site," suggesting a traditional office environment. Office Location(s): The primary office location is in Durham, North Carolina (2327 Englert Dr, Durham, NC 27713-4446). This area is part of the Research Triangle Park (RTP) region, a hub for technology and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• The intern will work in a professional office setting, likely with access to modern office amenities and collaborative spaces.
• They will be provided with the necessary tools and technology, including access to Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, supporting their research and design activities.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with their immediate team (designers, product managers, engineers) and potentially other departments will be available, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The internship is structured around full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) for a 9-week period, likely during the summer months. This schedule is designed to provide an intensive, immersive experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Details on the work environment are derived from the "On-site" designation and the location provided, with inferences made about the typical office setup for a growing tech company in a known innovation hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio link to assess qualifications and alignment with internship requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on understanding the candidate's passion for UX, foundational knowledge, communication skills, and organizational abilities. This may include behavioral questions.
• Team/Technical Interview: Interaction with potential team members (e.g., UX designers, product managers) to evaluate collaboration potential and deeper understanding of UX research concepts. This might involve a portfolio review and discussion of specific projects.
• Case Study/Exercise (Potential): Candidates may be asked to complete a small research-related task or discuss how they would approach a hypothetical user research problem.
• Final Decision: Offer extended based on overall assessment of skills, potential, cultural fit, and alignment with the program’s goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity is Key: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the problem you were trying to solve, your role, the research methods used, your findings, and the impact or recommendations.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, diagrams, and concise summaries to illustrate your process and findings. Include examples of your deliverables (e.g., interview scripts, affinity maps, reports).
• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, showcase instances where your research insights influenced design or product decisions, even if it was in an academic setting.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects or skills that are most relevant to UX research within a product development context, especially any that touch on data analysis or user insights.
• Provide Context: Briefly explain the background of each project, including the goals and constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your favorite UX research methods and why.
• Think about how you would approach understanding a new user group or a complex problem space.
• Review common usability heuristics and how you would identify potential issues.
• Familiarize yourself with Aspida's company mission and products to demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, inferring the likely interview stages and emphasizing the critical role of the portfolio in a UX Research internship application, aligning with industry best practices for evaluating junior talent.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for design collaboration and potentially for creating wireframes or mockups based on research. Candidates are expected to be familiar with it.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Useful for visual design tasks, creating presentation materials, or editing assets related to research findings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms): Likely used for creating and distributing surveys to gather quantitative and qualitative data.
• Data Analysis Tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, potentially basic statistical software): For organizing, cleaning, and analyzing collected survey and testing data.
• Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote): Crucial for documenting and presenting research findings to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX Research, understanding how user feedback and insights might be fed into CRM or product management systems (like Jira) to drive feature development and process improvements is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools are explicitly mentioned in the job description (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and supplemented with common tools used in UX research and product development operations for a comprehensive overview.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Get $#!+ Done: A core value emphasizing proactivity, efficiency, and a results-oriented mindset in research execution and insight delivery.
• Do It with Moxie: Encourages innovation, problem-solving with creativity, and a confident approach to tackling research challenges and advocating for user needs.
• Have Fun: Promotes a positive and engaging work environment, fostering team cohesion and making the process of discovery enjoyable.
• Customer-Centricity: Aspida's focus on protecting client dreams and providing secure retirement solutions implies a deep-seated value of understanding and serving customer needs.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The emphasis on being "tech-driven" and developing "data-driven tech solutions" highlights the importance of using research data to inform strategy and operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with designers, product managers, and engineers, necessitating effective communication and teamwork across disciplines.
• Insight Sharing: A culture where research findings are actively shared and discussed to ensure they translate into tangible product improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed, both for refining research approaches and for enhancing product design based on user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("Get $#!+ Done," "Do It with Moxie," "Have Fun") are directly integrated, alongside inferred values related to customer focus and data-driven operations, to provide a holistic view of the expected team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Raw Data into Actionable Insights: A common challenge in UX research is synthesizing vast amounts of qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations that stakeholders can easily understand and implement.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Interns will learn to navigate the complexities of advocating for user needs while understanding product roadmaps, technical limitations, and business objectives.
• Adapting Research Methods: Learning to select and adapt appropriate research methods based on project goals, timelines, and available resources is a key development area.
• Working in a Fast-Paced Environment: The "nimble insurance carrier" and "Get $#!+ Done" culture means adapting to potentially rapid iteration cycles and evolving project priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Mastery: Hands-on practice with a range of UX research techniques, from foundational methods to more advanced approaches.
• Industry Insight: Gaining exposure to the specific user needs and challenges within the financial services and annuity/life insurance sectors.
• Technical Skill Enhancement: Becoming proficient with industry-standard tools like Figma and potentially others used for data analysis and reporting.
• Professional Acumen: Developing essential soft skills such as stakeholder communication, presentation delivery, and teamwork in a corporate setting.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced professionals, which can be invaluable for career direction and skill refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed as learning opportunities, common in internships, and tied to the operational aspects of research and product development. Growth opportunities are detailed to highlight the value proposition of the internship for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Methodology: "Describe a UX research project you worked on (academic or personal). What was the problem, what methods did you use, what did you find, and what were the key takeaways?" (Prepare a concise case study focusing on your process and insights).
• Tool Proficiency: "How have you used Figma in your design or research process? Can you walk us through a specific feature or workflow you utilized?" (Be ready to discuss specific use cases).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine we want to understand why users abandon their annuity application process online. What steps would you take to research this problem?" (Think about user journey mapping, potential pain points, and appropriate research methods).
• Collaboration: "How do you ensure your research findings are understood and acted upon by designers and product managers?" (Focus on clear communication, documentation, and presenting actionable insights).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX research at Aspida, specifically within the financial services industry?" (Research Aspida's mission, products, and values. Connect your passion for UX to their goals).
• "Our company culture emphasizes 'Get $#!+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun.' How do you embody these values in your work or academic projects?" (Provide specific examples of your proactivity, innovative thinking, and positive attitude).
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your work?" (Showcase your openness to learning and improvement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly state the project's objective and the problem you aimed to solve.
• Detail Your Role and Process: Explain your specific contributions and the research methods you employed, justifying your choices.
• Showcase Key Findings: Present your most significant insights with supporting evidence (e.g., quotes, data points, user flows).
• Articulate Recommendations: Explain how your findings translate into actionable recommendations for design or product improvement.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even in academic projects, highlight the potential impact or how your work could lead to better user experiences or business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess core UX research competencies, cultural fit with Aspida's unique values, and the ability to present a compelling portfolio, providing candidates with concrete preparation strategies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.
• Customize Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any prior internship experience that demonstrates your understanding of UX research methodologies, data analysis, and communication skills. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily navigable, and clearly showcases your UX research process, deliverables, and insights. Include a link prominently on your resume and in the application.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your passion for UX research, your understanding of user-centered design principles, and how you can contribute to Aspida's goals. Practice discussing your portfolio projects concisely.
• Research Aspida: Understand Aspida's business (annuities, life insurance), its mission, its tech-driven approach, and its core values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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.