UX Research Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Intern

Company: World Vision Canada

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full Time Temporary (6-month contract)

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Strategy

Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Remote (Within Canada)

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on understanding and validating new youth/Gen-Z segments for World Vision Canada's Youth Strategy, driving awareness, trust, and engagement.

• The role involves supporting discovery research and rapid experimentation to test the desirability of youth-facing products, experiences, content, and engagement pathways.

• Key activities include planning and executing user research studies, recruiting participants, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and synthesizing findings into actionable insights for product and strategy decisions.

• The intern will collaborate with cross-functional partners in Market-Creating Innovation, Brand, and Creative to ensure youth experiences are resonating, engaging, and credible.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an intern, implying a focus on learning and development under guidance, rather than independent strategic leadership. The emphasis on "rapid experimentation" and "turning messy signals into decision-ready insights" highlights a lean, agile approach to product development and user understanding within the non-profit sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct market and secondary research, including segment scans, competitive analysis, and trend reviews to inform potential problem spaces for youth engagement.

• Refine Youth Personas and User Journeys based on ongoing research and evidence, linking insights to hypotheses and experiments.

• Support research across the product/experience lifecycle, utilizing methods such as discovery research, interviews, usability tests, surveys, card sorts, diary studies, fake-door tests, and concept tests.

• Assist in translating broad questions into testable hypotheses, defining assumptions and criteria for validation.

• Help create experimentation plans, design and run lightweight tests (e.g., interviews, surveys, rapid concept tests), and define success measures for hypotheses.

• Analyze qualitative data to identify themes, patterns, and key quotes, and quantitative data from surveys and basic statistical distributions.

• Synthesize research findings into clear outputs such as insight summaries, Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) statements, problem statements, and actionable recommendations for non-research audiences.

• Maintain organized research documentation, including notes, recordings (with consent), consent forms, recruiting logs, and contributions to a learnings repository.

• Recruit research participants who reflect diverse youth perspectives, ensuring inclusion and representation, while managing incentives, consent processes, and data privacy.

• Coordinate study scheduling, manage participant incentives, ensure informed consent, and adhere to privacy-safe data handling standards.

• Follow safeguarding protocols, ethical research practices, informed consent procedures, and data-handling standards, particularly when research involves minors or sensitive topics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to applied UX research, emphasizing the entire research process from planning and recruitment to analysis and reporting. The explicit mention of ethical research, safeguarding, and working with minors indicates a strong focus on responsible research practices within a non-profit context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of core UX research methods, including interviews, usability tests, and surveys.

• Understanding of basic statistics relevant to research, such as sampling, significance, confidence intervals, and bias.

• Ability to independently design a research study, write research protocols, create effective discussion guides, and select appropriate methods for specific questions and time constraints.

• Proven experience in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear insights, including findings, implications, and actionable recommendations for audiences without a research background.

• Familiarity with design tools such as Figma.

• Experience with at least one research toolset: survey platforms (e.g., Typeform, Qualtrics), testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting, Lookback), or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an aptitude for crisp storytelling supported by visuals.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing or multivariate testing and experiment design.

• Familiarity with collaborative tools like Miro or FigJam.

• Experience researching sensitive topics or working with youth-focused programs.

• Knowledge of methodologies such as Lean Startup, Design Thinking, or Agile delivery frameworks.

• Exposure to market research or segmentation analysis.

• Experience or interest in the non-profit sector or social impact work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-Haves" and "Nice-to-Haves" clearly differentiate essential qualifications from beneficial ones. The emphasis on Figma, combined with specific examples of survey, testing, and analytics tools, provides a clear picture of the technical proficiency expected. The inclusion of "safeguarding" and "ethical research" underscores the unique context of working with a non-profit organization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase research projects that demonstrate an understanding of the end-to-end UX research process, from problem definition to actionable insights.

• Include examples of study design, participant recruitment strategies, data collection methods, and synthesis of findings.

• Present clear evidence of how research insights directly informed product decisions, design iterations, or strategic recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Research plans that clearly outline objectives, methodologies, participant criteria, and timelines.

• Data analysis documentation demonstrating how qualitative themes and quantitative results were interpreted.

• Deliverables such as insight summaries, user personas, journey maps, or recommendation reports that are clear, concise, and actionable.

• Documentation of participant recruitment, consent, and data handling, adhering to ethical and privacy standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio requirement," the responsibilities and qualifications strongly imply the need for a portfolio that showcases practical application of UX research skills. Candidates should be prepared to present examples of their work that align with the described responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour (CAD)

Benefits:

• For Permanent Employees (Note: This is a temporary contract role, benefits may differ):

  • Health Spending Account
  • Up to 6% matched pension contributions
  • Parental leave top-up
  • Generous paid vacation
  • Sick days
  • Wellness days
  • Personal days
  • Office closed extra days before long weekends (6x/year)

• For Interns: While specific benefits for this 6-month contract are not detailed, the hourly wage is competitive for an internship role in the region.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided in CAD per hour, reflecting Ontario's pay transparency regulations. The listed benefits are for permanent employees, so interns should inquire directly about any specific benefits applicable to their contract. The "full-time" designation for a 6-month contract suggests a standard work week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / International Development / Humanitarian Aid

Company Size: World Vision Canada employs approximately 400 Canadians, positioning it as a significant national organization within the non-profit sector.

Founded: World Vision was founded in 1950, with World Vision Canada established in 1953, indicating a long-standing history and established presence in global development and humanitarian work.

Team Structure:

• The intern reports to the Youth Strategy & Innovation Program Manager.

• Collaboration will occur with cross-functional partners from Market-Creating Innovation, Brand, and Creative departments.

Methodology:

• Employs an Agile mindset, suggesting iterative development and flexible approaches.

• Focuses on user-centric design and data-driven decision-making through UX research.

• Prioritizes rapid experimentation and validation of new ideas.

• Operates with a strong emphasis on Christian faith, stewardship, and serving vulnerable populations.

Company Website: https://www.worldvision.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in Christian faith and a mission-driven approach to humanitarian aid and development. The mention of an "Agile mindset" indicates a modern approach to project execution within the non-profit space. The size of the Canadian operation suggests a well-resourced organization with opportunities for impactful work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for individuals early in their careers or students seeking practical experience in UX Research.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Youth Strategy & Innovation Program Manager, providing a clear line of supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The work directly influences the development of youth-facing strategies and experiences, aiming to increase long-term awareness, trust, and giving-readiness among Gen-Z for World Vision Canada's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience in a variety of UX research methodologies within a real-world context.

• Develop practical skills in study design, participant recruitment, data analysis, and insight synthesis.

• Learn to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for product and strategy teams.

• Understand how UX research contributes to organizational goals within a mission-driven non-profit.

• Potentially expand knowledge in areas like Lean Startup, Design Thinking, or Agile delivery.

• Build a professional network within the non-profit and UX research fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an internship, the primary growth opportunity lies in skill acquisition and practical application. The role provides exposure to a specific strategic initiative (Youth Strategy) and the unique environment of a large humanitarian organization, offering valuable experience for future roles in UX research or related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the primary location is Mississauga, the position is designated as "Remote (Within Canada)," indicating a virtual work environment.

Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (though the role is remote).

Workspace Context:

• The work will be conducted remotely, requiring a self-disciplined and organized approach.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through virtual channels (e.g., video conferencing, messaging platforms).

• Access to necessary digital tools and technology will be essential.

• The environment encourages an Agile mindset and cross-functional teamwork.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 6-month temporary contract. The specific daily schedule may offer some flexibility, but core working hours will likely align with standard business hours for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the internship implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and utilizing digital collaboration tools effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and resumes to assess qualifications against the "Must-Haves."

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and skills-based interview with the Youth Strategy & Innovation Program Manager or a member of the hiring team. This may include discussing past research experiences and hypothetical scenarios.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): Candidates might be asked to complete a small research-related task or present a case study from their academic or previous work. This would assess their ability to apply research methods and synthesize findings.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or stakeholders to assess cultural fit and alignment with World Vision's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your UX research skills, particularly those involving qualitative methods, data analysis, and delivering actionable insights.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methods used, key findings, and the impact of your research. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Highlight Data Synthesis: Emphasize how you translated raw data into meaningful insights and recommendations.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Mention the tools you used (Figma, survey tools, etc.) and how they aided your research process.

• Address Ethical Considerations: If applicable, briefly mention how you adhered to ethical guidelines and safeguarding principles.

• Tailor to Youth Focus: If possible, highlight any experience or interest in researching youth audiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UX research methodologies and their application.

• Practice articulating your research process and findings clearly and concisely.

• Research World Vision Canada's mission, values, and recent initiatives, particularly those related to youth engagement.

• Understand the challenges and opportunities of conducting research within a non-profit and potentially sensitive context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given it's an internship, the focus will be on potential and foundational skills. The interview process will likely assess foundational knowledge, learning agility, and alignment with the organization's mission and values, rather than extensive experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (required).

• Collaboration: Miro or FigJam (preferred).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Platforms: Typeform, Qualtrics (familiarity required).

• User Testing Platforms: UserTesting, Lookback (familiarity required).

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics (GA4), Amplitude (basic understanding preferred).

CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned as primary tools for this role, but general familiarity with digital platforms used in non-profits may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, alongside survey and testing tools, indicates the core technical requirements. Familiarity with these tools will be crucial for executing research tasks effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to the Poor: A core value driving the organization's mission and work.

• Christian Faith: Underpins the organization's ethos and approach.

• Stewardship: Emphasis on responsible management of resources and impact.

• People: Valuing individuals, both beneficiaries and staff.

• Partnership: Working collaboratively with various stakeholders.

• Responsiveness: Adapting to needs and changing environments.

• Ethical Research & Safeguarding: A non-negotiable aspect of working with vulnerable populations, especially minors.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing flexibility, iteration, and continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration with Market-Creating Innovation, Brand, and Creative teams.

• Emphasis on data-driven insights to inform collective decision-making.

• Likely involves virtual collaboration through meetings, shared documents, and communication platforms.

• A supportive environment for learning and development, typical of internships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on Christian values and commitment to the poor is central to World Vision's culture. The "Agile mindset" suggests a dynamic and adaptive work environment, balanced with the ethical considerations inherent in humanitarian work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Researching Sensitive Topics: Potentially dealing with sensitive issues related to poverty, child welfare, or humanitarian crises.

• Working with Minors: Adhering to strict safeguarding and ethical protocols when engaging with youth participants.

• Translating Research for Diverse Audiences: Effectively communicating complex research findings to non-research stakeholders.

• Rapid Experimentation Constraints: Balancing the need for speed with research rigor in a fast-paced environment.

• Remote Work Dynamics: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration in a virtual setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodology Mastery: Gaining practical experience across a range of UX research techniques.

• Insight Generation: Developing skills in synthesizing data into impactful, actionable insights.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding how UX research integrates with innovation, branding, and creative processes.

• Non-Profit Sector Insight: Learning about the unique operational and strategic considerations of a large humanitarian organization.

• Ethical Research Practice: Deepening understanding and application of safeguarding and ethical research principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in navigating ethical complexities and developing strong communication skills. The learning opportunities are substantial for an intern, offering a well-rounded introduction to UX research within a meaningful context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Understanding the Role: "How would you approach researching Gen-Z's engagement with non-profit organizations?" or "Describe a time you had to translate complex research findings into simple, actionable recommendations."

• Methodology Application: "If we wanted to test a new app concept for youth, what research methods would you suggest and why?" or "How would you design a usability test for a website aimed at young donors?"

• Problem Solving: "Imagine our initial concept testing reveals conflicting feedback. How would you proceed to gain clarity?" or "How would you recruit participants for a study on sensitive topics involving minors?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about World Vision Canada's mission and our Youth Strategy?"

• "How do you align with our core values, such as commitment to the poor or stewardship?"

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment, especially remotely."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your approach, the key insights, and the resulting actions or impact. Quantify impact where possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Be Concise: Practice presenting your work within a set timeframe, focusing on the most critical aspects.

• Highlight Learning Agility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt methods and learn from research experiences.

• Connect to the Role: Explain how your past projects and skills align with the requirements of this specific internship.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not only research skills but also an understanding of and alignment with World Vision's mission and values. The portfolio presentation should be tailored to demonstrate practical application and learning potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any prior internship or volunteer experience in UX research, data analysis, or working with youth. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "qualitative data," "quantitative data," "usability testing," and "Figma."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong examples of your research work that showcase your process from study design to actionable insights. Be ready to discuss these in detail during an interview.

• Research World Vision: Familiarize yourself with World Vision Canada's mission, values, and current initiatives, particularly those related to their Youth Strategy. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions about your research methodologies, problem-solving skills, and your motivation for seeking this internship at World Vision.

⚠️ 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.