UX Research Internship - Summer 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Internship - Summer 2026
Company: Uline
Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI; Waukegan, IL; Glenview, IL; Milwaukee, WI (On-site)
Job Type: Full-Time Internship
Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Development
Date Posted: October 16, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level Internship (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a paid, full-time UX Research Internship designed for undergraduate students entering their Junior year, offering hands-on experience in enhancing a leading B2B website.
• Interns will conduct user research, translate findings into actionable insights, and contribute to customer-focused design decisions for critical business projects.
• The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, including business analysts and stakeholders, to execute UX research initiatives and support design workshops.
• Emphasis is placed on developing strong communication and presentation skills to effectively articulate research findings and advocate for user needs.
• This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain professional work experience within a stable, growing, and family-owned company recognized for its commitment to employee development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX Research, the description implies a strong connection to business objectives and website enhancement, suggesting the intern will contribute directly to product development and operational efficiency through user-centric insights. This is a crucial aspect for operations professionals to understand.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research for various business projects, which includes developing detailed test plans, creating compelling deliverables, and presenting key insights to stakeholders.
• Analyze research data and findings to champion and influence customer-focused design decisions across digital platforms.
• Assist in facilitating design workshops, gathering user feedback, brainstorming solutions, and documenting outcomes.
• Support stakeholder interviews to understand business requirements, user pain points, and project goals.
• Perform thorough competitor analysis to benchmark current industry standards and identify opportunities for differentiation and improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with business analysts and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of UX research projects and alignment with business objectives.
• Document research processes and findings in a clear, concise, and organized manner, suitable for wider team consumption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a structured approach to UX research, emphasizing planning, execution, analysis, and communication. For an operations-minded intern, this means understanding the impact of research on process improvement and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Human Factors, UX Design/Research, or a closely related field.
• Must be Junior-status college students at the time of the internship.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience through a portfolio showcasing UX Design or Research projects.
• Previous internship experience is beneficial but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Proficiency in planning and executing various user research techniques (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing).
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to derive actionable insights.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for articulating research plans, findings, and recommendations.
• Presentation Skills: Competency in delivering clear and impactful presentations to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and team members.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional partners.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying user needs and proposing solutions that align with business objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• UX Design Principles: Foundational understanding of UX design principles and best practices.
• Workshop Facilitation: Experience in planning and facilitating design thinking or user research workshops.
• Familiarity with B2B Environments: Understanding of the unique user and business needs in a Business-to-Business context.
• Proficiency in Research Tools: Experience with common UX research and analysis tools (e.g., survey platforms, usability testing software, analytics tools).
• Portfolio Development: Skill in creating a professional portfolio that effectively showcases UX research projects and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and strong communication/presentation skills is crucial. Operations candidates often excel in analytical and process-oriented tasks, and this role requires them to translate those analytical abilities into user-centric insights and effectively communicate them to drive business decisions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio is required and should effectively showcase your UX Design and/or UX Research experience.
• Demonstrate your ability to apply structured research methodologies to real-world problems.
• Include case studies that highlight your process from research planning through to insight generation and recommendation.
• Showcase your ability to analyze data and translate findings into concrete, user-focused design recommendations.
• Highlight any contributions to improving user workflows or enhancing user experience that led to measurable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Interns will be expected to document their research processes, including test plans, methodologies used, and data collection methods.
• Clearly articulate the steps taken to analyze findings and synthesize them into actionable insights.
• Document the impact of your research recommendations on design decisions and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations intern, this section is critical. The portfolio should not just display research activities but also demonstrate an understanding of process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and the impact of UX research on broader business operations and website efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• This is a paid internship. While a specific range is not provided, typical paid internships for university students in the Pleasant Prairie, WI area can range from $18 to $25 per hour, depending on the candidate's specific qualifications and the scope of the projects assigned. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for paid internships in the Midwest region for roles requiring specialized skills like UX research.

Benefits:

• Professional Work Experience: Gain practical, hands-on experience in UX Research within a leading B2B company.
• Dedicated Mentor: Receive guidance and support from an assigned mentor throughout the internship.
• Complementary Housing: On-site or nearby housing provided for out-of-town interns, reducing living expenses.
• Positive Work Environment: Experience a collaborative and supportive in-person work atmosphere.
• Competitive Pay: Earn a competitive hourly wage for the duration of the internship.
• Potential Full-Time Employment: Opportunity for full-time career advancement upon graduation based on performance.
• "Lunch and Learn" Sessions: Expand business and industry knowledge through educational sessions.
• Outings and Networking Events: Participate in social and professional events with other interns.
• On-Site Café: Access to meals prepared by executive chefs.
• First-Class Fitness Center: Utilize a well-equipped fitness facility with a sauna and walking trails.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time internship, typically involving 40 hours per week, consistent with standard business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provision of housing and the comprehensive on-site amenities are significant benefits that reduce the financial burden and enhance the overall intern experience. The "Lunch and Learn" sessions are valuable for operations professionals looking to broaden their business acumen.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Distribution (Shipping, Industrial, Packaging Materials). Uline is a major player in the B2B e-commerce space. Company Size: Over 9,000 employees across 14 locations, indicating a large, established organization with significant operational scale and complexity. Founded: Uline is a family-owned company, which often fosters a culture of long-term vision, stability, and direct impact.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Intern will likely be part of a broader Product Development, Digital, or Marketing team.
• The team structure is expected to be collaborative, with clear reporting lines to a UX Manager or Lead.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with business analysts, designers, developers, and product managers to integrate user insights into product roadmaps and website enhancements.

Methodology:

• Uline emphasizes a customer-focused approach, leveraging data and user feedback to drive business decisions.
• The company's growth and stability suggest a commitment to efficient processes, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Interns are expected to contribute to projects that have tangible business impact, aligning with an operations-centric mindset.

Company Website: https://www.uline.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Uline's position as a leading B2B distributor means their website is a critical operational tool. Understanding the business context and the importance of a seamless digital experience for their customers is key for an intern in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an Internship level, specifically designed for students on a path to careers in UX Research, Human Factors, or related fields. It's an entry point into professional operations within a product development context.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Research Intern will report to a designated mentor, likely a Senior UX Researcher or UX Manager.
• This mentor will provide guidance on projects, research methodologies, and professional development.

Operations Impact:

• The intern's work directly influences the usability and effectiveness of Uline's e-commerce platform, a core operational asset.
• By providing user insights, the intern contributes to improving customer satisfaction, increasing conversion rates, and streamlining the online purchasing process, all of which have direct operational and revenue implications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in user research methodologies, data analysis, and presentation skills.
• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the industrial distribution sector and B2B e-commerce.
• Networking: Build professional relationships with mentors, team members, and other interns.
• Career Pathway: Strong performance can lead to full-time opportunities upon graduation, potentially in UX Research, Product Management, or other operational roles within Uline.
• Mentorship: Benefit from structured mentorship designed to foster professional growth and career readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is an excellent stepping stone for individuals interested in the operational aspects of product development, particularly how user experience impacts business efficiency and customer engagement in a large-scale B2B environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, in-person work environment at Uline's Corporate Headquarters. Office Location(s): Pleasant Prairie, WI (primary), with potential for interaction or projects related to other nearby locations like Waukegan, IL, Glenview, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as positive and collaborative, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.
• Interns will have access to modern facilities, including an on-site café and a first-class fitness center.
• The role requires in-person interaction, facilitating direct communication and learning from colleagues and mentors.
• The company emphasizes a drug-free workplace and adheres to EEO/AA standards.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, aligning with standard business operations and facilitating consistent engagement with team members and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an in-person, collaborative environment is typical for internships where mentorship and hands-on learning are prioritized. This also means interns can observe and learn about the operational rhythms of a large corporate headquarters.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and portfolio through the Uline Careers portal.
• Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications and alignment with internship requirements.
• Interviews: Likely include one or more rounds of interviews, potentially including:
  • Behavioral/Situational Interviews: To assess soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
  • Technical/Portfolio Review: Discussing past projects, research methodologies, and insights from your portfolio. Expect to explain your process, decisions, and the impact of your work.
  • Stakeholder/Manager Interviews: To evaluate your ability to collaborate and contribute to team objectives.
• Offer Extension: Successful candidates will receive an offer for the Summer 2026 internship.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects that best demonstrate your skills and the required qualifications.
• Show Your Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methodologies used, your research process, key findings, and the impact/recommendations.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or highlight how your research led to specific improvements or business outcomes.
• Tailor to Uline: If possible, subtly highlight how your skills could benefit a B2B distributor like Uline.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common UX research challenges, such as recruiting participants, dealing with limited data, or presenting findings to non-researchers.
• Think about how your research skills can support operational efficiency and business goals in a B2B context.
• Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making for your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused candidate, emphasize how your analytical skills and structured approach to problem-solving, as demonstrated in your portfolio, can drive efficiency and improve user journeys, directly impacting business operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

While specific tools are not listed, a UX Research intern would typically gain exposure to or be expected to be familiar with:

Primary UX Research Tools:

• Survey Platforms: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for collecting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Usability Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze for remote and in-person testing.
• Prototyping Tools (for mockups/testing): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for creating testable prototypes.
• Collaboration Tools: Miro, Mural for remote whiteboarding and workshop facilitation.
• Data Analysis Software: Excel, Google Sheets for organizing and analyzing data; potentially basic statistical software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to understand user behavior on the website.
• Reporting Tools: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Tableau (basic understanding) for creating and presenting research reports and dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly used for research, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, though Uline may use a proprietary system) can inform research or how research findings impact CRM strategies is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations intern, familiarity with data analysis tools and the ability to connect user research insights to website performance metrics (like conversion rates or user flow efficiency) will be highly valued. Highlighting experience with data visualization and reporting tools will be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving the customer, which is paramount in a B2B distribution environment.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Uline's success is built on efficient operations, suggesting a value placed on streamlined processes and maximizing output.
• Quality: Commitment to providing high-quality products and services, which extends to the user experience of their digital platforms.
• Growth & Stability: As a growing, family-owned company, there's likely a culture that values long-term vision, stability, and employee development.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role explicitly mentions using data and findings to drive design, aligning with an operations-driven approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with various departments (e.g., IT, Marketing, Sales Support, Operations) to ensure user research aligns with broader business goals.
• Structured Communication: Given the scale, communication is likely professional and process-oriented, with clear documentation and reporting.
• Feedback Exchange: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to improve both projects and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-minded candidate, Uline's emphasis on efficiency, quality, and customer focus will resonate well. Demonstrating an understanding of how UX research contributes to these operational values will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Research to Action: A common challenge in UX research is ensuring that insights are effectively translated into actionable design changes that align with business constraints.
• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Interns may face the challenge of advocating for user needs while also considering technical feasibility, budget, and strategic business objectives.
• Working within a Large Organization: Navigating the processes and stakeholders in a large company can be challenging but offers significant learning opportunities.
• Adapting to B2B Context: Understanding the specific user journeys and needs of business customers, which can differ from B2C.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Research Techniques: Gain practical experience in a variety of UX research methods and learn how to apply them effectively.
• Developing Business Acumen: Understand how UX research contributes to the operational success and revenue generation of a major B2B distributor.
• Professional Skill Enhancement: Improve presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills through direct application.
• Career Exploration: Explore a career path in UX research or related fields within a large, established company.
• Networking: Build a professional network within Uline that can support future career endeavors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are excellent opportunities for an operations intern to leverage their analytical and problem-solving skills, focusing on how to optimize processes for delivering user insights and driving measurable business impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you used data to influence a decision." Prepare a specific example from your academic projects or previous experience, detailing the data, your analysis, the decision influenced, and the outcome. Focus on the process of data collection and interpretation.
• "How would you approach researching the user experience for a B2B e-commerce checkout process?" Think about user segments (e.g., procurement officers, warehouse staff), key pain points in B2B purchasing, and relevant research methods (e.g., task analysis, usability testing with specific scenarios).
• "Describe a challenging project and how you overcame it." Choose a project where you faced obstacles and demonstrate your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience. Highlight any process improvements you implemented.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Uline and the industrial distribution industry?" Research Uline's products, market position, and business model. Understand the importance of efficiency and customer service in this sector.
• "How do you think UX research contributes to the operational success of a company like Uline?" Connect UX insights to improved website usability, increased sales efficiency, reduced customer support load, and enhanced customer loyalty.
• "Describe your ideal team environment." Align your response with Uline's emphasis on collaboration, positivity, and a professional work environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the research questions, your methodology, key findings, and your recommendations.
• Highlight Your Process: Explain why you chose specific research methods and how your analysis led to your conclusions. This is where your operational mindset can shine.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Did your research lead to a proposed change that could improve conversion rates, reduce errors, or increase efficiency?
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, data interpretation, and how you handled any challenges.
• Practice Conciseness: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, emphasize the analytical rigor, process-oriented thinking, and data-driven approach you bring to UX research. Frame your portfolio projects around how they solve problems and create efficiencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Internship position:

• Submit your application through the Uline Careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any prior experience in research, analysis, or customer-focused initiatives. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare a strong portfolio that showcases your UX research skills. Focus on clarity, process, and demonstrated impact. Ensure it's easy to access and navigate.
• Research Uline thoroughly. Understand their business, products, and customer base. This will help you articulate your interest and how your skills align with their operational needs.
• Practice your interview responses for common behavioral and technical questions, and be ready to walk through your portfolio projects with confidence, emphasizing your analytical process and problem-solving abilities.

⚠️ 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.

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