UX Researcher -4 months Internship/Coop (Winter 2026) 

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher - Internship/Coop (Winter 2026)

Company: Intact FC

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Internship/Coop (Full-Time)

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: September 17, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conducting user research to inform product and design decisions within a leading insurance and financial services company.

• The UX Researcher will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and data analysts, to uncover user needs and pain points.

• Key responsibilities include planning, executing, and analyzing various user research methodologies to translate findings into actionable insights and user experience artifacts.

• The position offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a dynamic tech environment, contributing to digital solutions that impact millions of users.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "UX Researcher," the responsibilities and required skills clearly align with a user research focus within the broader UX discipline. The role is specifically an internship/coop, indicating an entry-level position aimed at students.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with UX/UI Designers, Product Managers, Data Analysts, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize key research opportunities and user pain points.

• Define the scope of research activities, meticulously plan, implement, and manage research projects, including customer and stakeholder interviews, usability testing, diary studies, surveys, competitive analysis, and workshops.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from multiple research sources to derive meaningful insights and translate these findings into actionable recommendations and innovative concepts for product and service improvements.

• Partner with experienced designers to create essential user experience artifacts such as customer journey maps, user personas, and service blueprints that accurately reflect the customer experience across Intact's diverse business sectors and brands.

• Champion and promote customer engagement and user-centricity throughout the organization, ensuring that user insights are integrated into the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to research execution and a strong focus on translating findings into tangible design outputs and organizational advocacy, which are critical for an intern role aiming to contribute meaningfully.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in usability testing and user-centered design principles and practices.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex research data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to conduct engaging user interviews, present findings effectively, and articulate compelling narratives.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team environment, contributing constructively and being receptive to feedback.

• A proactive and curious mindset, demonstrating eagerness to learn new tools and methodologies, and a commitment to refining research craft.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to dissect complex issues and propose effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience utilizing user research tools such as UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or similar platforms.

• Familiarity with design tools such as Sketch, Axure, Figma, InVision, or Adobe Illustrator is a plus.

• Experience with data analysis or statistical analysis techniques is an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of academic background and practical experience, emphasizing core research skills alongside soft skills crucial for collaboration and communication in a professional setting. The preference for specific tools indicates a need for candidates who can quickly adapt to the existing tech stack.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 robust UX research projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the research process from initiation to delivery.

• Each project should clearly articulate the research problem, the chosen methodology (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys), the participant recruitment strategy, and the execution process.

• Provide detailed analysis of research findings, including synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data, and present actionable recommendations that directly address the initial research objectives.

• Highlight the impact of your research on design decisions or product improvements, ideally with measurable outcomes or qualitative feedback on how the insights influenced the final product.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured research planning, including research proposals, study protocols, and interview scripts.

• Documentation illustrating the process of synthesizing research data, such as affinity diagrams, thematic analysis summaries, or spreadsheets detailing user feedback.

• Examples of how research findings were communicated to stakeholders, which could include presentation decks, reports, or interactive dashboards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, a portfolio should demonstrate foundational understanding and application of the UX research process. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to structure their work, articulate their thinking, and show how research leads to tangible improvements, even if the projects are academic or personal in nature.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is an internship/co-op position, compensation will be set at a competitive hourly rate for students pursuing a Master's degree in a relevant field in the Toronto area. Based on industry benchmarks for UX Researcher internships in Toronto, the estimated range is CAD $20 - $28 per hour.

Benefits:

• Financial Rewards Program: Recognition and potential rewards tied to performance and contribution.

• Employee Share Purchase Plan: Opportunity to invest in the company with a matching contribution.

• Flex Pension and Benefits Package: Comprehensive coverage including virtual healthcare, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Support for a hybrid work model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

• Extra Days Off: Option to purchase additional paid time off, promoting work-life balance.

• Annual Wellness Account: Financial support for health and wellness activities.

• Tools and Resources for Health: Access to resources supporting physical and mental health.

• Dynamic Workplace Learning Ecosystem: Opportunities for continuous learning through various platforms and programs.

• Inclusive Employee-led Networks: Engagement in employee resource groups for networking, development, and community building.

• Community Impact Program: Opportunities to contribute to community initiatives.

Working Hours:

• The role requires availability for approximately 35 hours per week. The specific daily schedule is flexible and will be arranged in coordination with the hiring team to align with project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical internship rates in the Toronto tech market for Master's level students. The benefits listed are those commonly offered by large, established companies like Intact FC and are tailored to attract and retain talent, especially for interns looking for a comprehensive experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services & Insurance. Intact FC operates within a highly regulated and competitive industry, emphasizing trust, reliability, and customer-centricity. The company's digital transformation efforts aim to leverage technology to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Company Size: Intact Financial Corporation is a large enterprise, employing over 3,000 Digital, Data, and Tech experts. This scale suggests a structured environment with opportunities for diverse projects and cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: Intact FC has a significant history, though the exact founding date of the corporation as it stands today is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, its long-standing presence in the market implies a stable and established organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will likely be part of a broader Digital, Data, or Product team, working closely with a dedicated UX/UI Design team, Product Managers, and Data Analysts.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager who oversees UX research or product design, with potential dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with Product Managers for specific project assignments.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods are central to this role, with an expectation to leverage both qualitative user feedback and quantitative data.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be employed to ensure research activities are efficient and impactful, aligning with product development timelines.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, particularly in research operations and data synthesis, to maximize the researcher's contribution.

Company Website: [Intact FC Careers Link - inferred from URL structure]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a mature industry, suggesting a culture that values stability and process, but also one that is actively investing in digital innovation. The "Digital, Data and Tech experts" mention highlights a commitment to technology and a modern approach to business.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, internship position designed for students pursuing a Master's degree. It provides foundational exposure to professional UX research practices within a large corporate structure.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager within the UX or Product Design team. They will work closely with Product Managers and Designers on specific projects, offering exposure to different leadership styles and project management approaches.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be developmental, their research findings will contribute to identifying user needs and informing design decisions, ultimately shaping the user experience of Intact FC's digital products and services. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop core UX research skills, including planning, execution, analysis, and reporting, through hands-on project work and mentorship. Exposure to various research methodologies will broaden the intern's toolkit.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the financial services and insurance sector, understanding its unique user needs and regulatory landscape. This provides valuable industry-specific knowledge.

• Professional Networking: Build connections with experienced UX professionals, product managers, and data analysts, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.

• Potential for Full-Time Roles: Successful interns may be considered for full-time positions upon graduation, offering a potential pathway into a career at Intact FC.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an internship, the primary growth is in skill acquisition and professional development. The value lies in the practical application of academic knowledge and exposure to real-world business challenges within a large, established organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Intact FC operates a hybrid work model. This means the role will involve a combination of working remotely and working from the office, likely at their Toronto location (700 University Avenue).

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Toronto, Ontario, specifically 700 University Avenue. This is a central business district location.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a collaborative environment where interns can engage directly with team members during in-office days, facilitating knowledge sharing and team cohesion.

• Access to relevant operations tools and technology will be provided, enabling the intern to perform research tasks effectively.

Work Schedule:

• The internship is structured for 35 hours per week, with a fixed duration from January 5 to April 24, 2026. The daily schedule will be flexible and determined in collaboration with the manager to ensure alignment with project needs and team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key aspect, offering a balance that is increasingly common. The emphasis on in-office days for collaboration suggests that team interaction and mentorship are prioritized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and university/college transcript.

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and resumes to assess qualifications and fit for the internship.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A primary interview, likely with the hiring manager and potentially a senior UX researcher or designer, to assess technical skills, research experience, and cultural fit. This may include behavioral questions and discussions about past projects.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of their work, detailing 1-2 key UX research projects. This is an opportunity to demonstrate their research process, analytical skills, and ability to derive actionable insights.

• Final Interview/Debrief: Potentially a final conversation with broader team members or leadership to confirm fit and discuss the internship experience.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or methodology. For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research methods used, your process, key findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Storytelling: Use a narrative approach to walk through your projects. Explain the context, your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Emphasize the "why" behind your decisions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visual examples of your work, such as research artifacts (personas, journey maps), survey questions, interview guides, or synthesized findings (affinity diagrams).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight the impact of your research. Even for academic projects, explain how your findings could lead to improvements or how they informed design decisions.

• Tailor to Intact: Briefly mention how your skills and interests align with Intact FC's mission and the specific requirements of the internship.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common UX research challenges, such as dealing with difficult stakeholders, managing research timelines, or synthesizing conflicting data.

• Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely and engagingly, as you may be asked to present a mock research scenario or discuss a past project in detail.

• Familiarize yourself with Intact FC's products and services to better understand the context of their user research needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing the candidate's foundational research skills, their ability to learn and adapt, and their potential to contribute within a professional team. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is crucial for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for remote usability testing and user feedback collection.

• Survey Tools: Proficiency with SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or Typeform for creating and distributing user surveys.

• Workshop & Synthesis Tools: Familiarity with digital whiteboarding tools such as Miro, Mural, or FigJam for collaborative brainstorming, affinity mapping, and journey mapping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Basic proficiency in data analysis tools may be beneficial, such as Excel or Google Sheets for organizing and analyzing survey data.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in creating clear and compelling presentations using tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote to share research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this UX research role, an understanding of how user research integrates with CRM data or product management workflows can be advantageous. Familiarity with tools like Salesforce or Jira might be a plus for understanding the broader product development ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools directly used in UX research. While advanced analytics or CRM skills are preferred assets, the core requirement is proficiency in research execution and data synthesis tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication and mutual support among diverse team members.

• Innovation & Learning: A proactive approach to embracing new technologies, methodologies, and learning opportunities to drive continuous improvement.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and communications, building trust with users and stakeholders.

• Efficiency: A drive to perform tasks effectively and optimize processes to deliver timely and impactful insights.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with an open and communicative style, encouraging regular feedback and knowledge sharing between designers, researchers, product managers, and analysts.

• Process review and continuous improvement are expected, with a culture that values constructive criticism as a means to enhance research quality and impact.

• Knowledge sharing is actively promoted through team meetings, internal documentation, and informal discussions, fostering a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Intact FC's stated values (implied through their employee promise and diversity statements) suggest a culture that is supportive, focused on growth, and values the contributions of each team member. The emphasis on "shaping the future" and "winning as a team" points to a forward-looking and collaborative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Demands: Managing multiple research projects simultaneously with varying deadlines and stakeholder expectations.

• Data Synthesis Complexity: Effectively synthesizing large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data to extract clear, actionable insights.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Communicating research findings persuasively to diverse stakeholders and driving adoption of user-centered recommendations.

• Adapting to a Large Organization: Navigating the processes and culture of a large corporation to effectively integrate research into product development workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in various UX research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and user experience design principles.

• Industry-Specific Learning: Gain insights into the unique user needs and challenges within the financial services and insurance sectors.

• Professional Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced UX researchers and product professionals, accelerating learning and career development.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within Intact FC, creating potential future career pathways.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interns will face challenges common to understanding and contributing to a large organization's product development cycle. The growth opportunities focus on building a strong foundation in professional UX research and gaining exposure to a major industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Process: Be prepared to walk through your research process for a past project, explaining your methodology, participant recruitment, data analysis, and how your findings influenced design or product decisions.

• Problem Solving: Expect questions about how you approach identifying user needs, defining research problems, and translating complex issues into actionable insights. Discuss a time you had to deal with ambiguity in research.

• Collaboration & Communication: Prepare examples of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams, received and provided constructive feedback, and communicated research findings to different audiences.

• Company Alignment: Research Intact FC's mission, values, and recent digital initiatives. Be ready to articulate why you are interested in their company and this specific internship.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Discuss your understanding of Intact FC's commitment to customer experience and digital innovation.

• How do you approach working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with remote and in-office team members?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narrative: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a clear story for each project, focusing on the problem, your approach, your findings, and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use slides with visuals (screenshots, personas, journey maps, synthesized data charts) to illustrate your points and make your presentation engaging.

• Key Takeaways: Clearly articulate the main learnings from each project and how they could be applied in a real-world business context.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your methodology, your decision-making process, and the limitations of your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating a structured approach to research, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in Intact FC and the financial services industry. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key to showcasing practical abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher internship:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring to include your resume and academic transcript.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 1-2 of your most relevant UX research projects to showcase in your portfolio. Tailor the presentation to highlight skills and methodologies most applicable to Intact FC's needs, such as user interviews, usability testing, and journey mapping within a corporate context.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your academic background, any prior internship or project experience in UX research, and lists key skills relevant to the job description, using keywords like "user research," "usability testing," and "data synthesis."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX research process, your problem-solving approach, and your collaborative experiences. Prepare answers for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Intact FC's services, their digital presence, and their stated values. Understanding their business context will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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