UX Researcher Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher Intern

Company: Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)

Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Operations Support

Date Posted: May 7, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Requires residence within driving distance of Los Angeles or Costa Mesa, CA)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the UX Research team in understanding user needs and behaviors to inform product development for Travel, Insurance, and Membership experiences.

• Contribute to data-driven decision-making by assisting with A/B testing, user testing, and analysis of user flows across web and mobile platforms.

• Develop practical skills in UX research methodologies, including concept flow design, interactive prototyping, and usability testing plan creation.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Owners/Managers, UX Leads, and Engineering, to promote best practices and drive UX initiatives.

• Gain exposure to enterprise-level product development and stakeholder management within a large, established organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is an internship, the responsibilities outlined suggest a need for foundational understanding of operations within a product development lifecycle. The emphasis on A/B testing, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration points to an operational support function that underpins product strategy and execution. The "hybrid" nature also implies an operational requirement for in-person collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of user research studies, including surveys, interviews, and usability tests, to gather actionable insights.

• Collaborate with UX Leads and Product Managers to identify product opportunities and translate user feedback into design recommendations.

• Support the design and facilitation of workshops aimed at scoping initiatives, identifying opportunities, and generating potential solutions.

• Contribute to the development of Information Architecture (IA) and assist in crafting a cohesive user experience design strategy.

• Aid in the creation of interactive prototypes and concept flows using tools like Figma or Sketch for user validation.

• Help drive results and insights through the application of A/B testing methodologies and analysis.

• Participate in working sessions with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on UX goals and product vision.

• Conduct Quality Assurance (QA) with engineering teams to ensure implemented designs meet user experience standards.

• Promote UX design efforts, mindset, and methods through presentations and clear communication to stakeholders.

• Partner with team members in user experience to promote best practices within the broader user experience program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of research execution and strategic input. The intern is expected to not only assist but also contribute to defining vision, strategy, and design. This indicates a need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, common in operations roles focused on process improvement and data interpretation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Cognitive Science, Design, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience delivering successful research artifacts for either web, mobile, and/or software applications.

• Experience using data to influence UX design through methods such as:

  • Data analytics
  • A/B testing
  • User testing
  • Heat mapping analysis

• Experience constructing wireframes and interactive prototypes using tools such as Sketch or Figma.

• Experience conducting user research and usability testing is preferred.

• Experience in requirements discovery, solution conceptualization, cross-functional collaboration, prioritization, influencing decision-making, and user advocacy in an enterprise environment.

Required Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of UX research methodologies and principles.

• Familiarity with data analytics and its application in informing design decisions.

• Proficiency in prototyping tools such as Sketch or Figma.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research and insights.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using Adobe Target for A/B testing and/or personalization.

• Familiarity with data science concepts or tools.

• Experience with workshop facilitation for idea generation and problem-solving.

• Understanding of Information Architecture (IA) principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "enterprise environment" requirement and the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and influencing decision-making are key indicators of the operational maturity expected, even from an intern. This role requires someone who can navigate complex organizational structures and contribute to strategic operational processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio (or samples) showcasing project experience collaborating with mock business stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

• Examples of defined experiences, detailing the process followed from discovery to delivery.

• Demonstrations of research artifacts, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and A/B testing outcomes.

• Evidence of how data and user insights were leveraged to influence design decisions and drive product improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've documented user flows, research findings, and design iterations.

• Case studies illustrating your process for requirements discovery and solution conceptualization.

• Demonstrations of how you've advocated for users within a collaborative product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating potential and understanding of operational processes. It should highlight their ability to follow structured methodologies, document their work, and articulate the impact of their contributions, even on smaller-scale projects. The emphasis on process and collaboration mirrors operational needs for clear documentation and teamwork.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30 per hour.

Benefits:

• Practical, hands-on experience in UX research within a large, established organization.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects for Travel, Insurance, and Membership products.

• Mentorship from experienced UX Leads and cross-functional professionals.

• Exposure to a hybrid work environment, fostering collaboration and flexibility.

• Networking opportunities within AAA's extensive network.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, with an expected workload of approximately 40 hours per week during the internship period.

• Hybrid work arrangement requires the intern to reside within driving distance of Los Angeles or Costa Mesa, CA, for in-office meetings and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $30/hour is competitive for a UX Research Intern role in the Southern California market, reflecting the value placed on specialized skills. The benefits are framed around learning and development, typical for internships, but the hybrid requirement adds an operational consideration for the intern regarding their work location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance, Automotive Services, Travel, Membership Services. Auto Club Enterprises operates as a large regional affiliate of AAA, providing a wide range of services to its members.

Company Size: Large (Nearly 17,000 employees across 24 states, serving over 18 million members). This scale implies a structured operational environment with established processes and cross-functional teams.

Founded: Since 1900. The long history signifies stability, a strong member base, and a deep understanding of its market, influencing its operational priorities around member retention and service excellence.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely operates within a Product or Technology division, working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing.

• The intern will report to a UX Lead, who in turn likely reports to a Director or VP of Product/UX.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core operational principle, evidenced by the emphasis on A/B testing and user analytics.

• A focus on member experience and service excellence is paramount, driving the need for robust UX research.

• Agile or hybrid development methodologies are likely employed, requiring iterative design, testing, and collaboration.

Company Website: https://careers.ace.aaa.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's extensive history and large employee base suggest a well-defined operational structure. For an intern, understanding this structure is key to navigating communication channels and understanding how UX research fits into the broader business operations, particularly in service delivery and member engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Intern. This role is designed for individuals seeking foundational experience in user experience research and its application within a corporate setting.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a UX Lead, who will provide guidance and oversee their work. This direct reporting line is typical for internships, offering focused mentorship.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be on specific research tasks and insights, their contributions will indirectly influence product strategy and operational efficiency by providing data that guides development decisions, potentially leading to improved member satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding and practical application of UX research methodologies, prototyping tools, and data analysis techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the insurance, automotive, and travel industries, understanding their unique user needs and operational challenges.

• Networking: Build connections with professionals in UX, Product Management, and other departments, which can be invaluable for future career prospects.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time opportunities within Auto Club Enterprises, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused individual, this internship provides insight into how UX research acts as a critical operational component, ensuring products and services are user-centric and efficient. The growth opportunities are framed around developing operational skills within a product development context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This means the role requires regular in-office presence for collaboration and meetings, alongside remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Costa Mesa, California, and Los Angeles, California. Interns must reside within driving distance of one of these locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a workspace designed for both independent work and team interaction, with meeting rooms and common areas for collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, as well as specialized UX research and design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, potentially analytics platforms).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with UX researchers, designers, product managers, and engineers through scheduled meetings, working sessions, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, with an anticipated 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules can likely be discussed with the hiring manager to accommodate academic commitments where feasible, within the context of business operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is an important operational consideration. It requires the intern to manage their time effectively between remote and in-office work, ensuring they are present for crucial collaborative sessions and team meetings, demonstrating organizational and time-management skills vital in operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for relevant experience and skills.

• Screening Interview: A brief conversation, likely with an HR representative or UX Lead, to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical/Skills Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on UX research methodologies, A/B testing experience, prototyping skills, and problem-solving abilities. This may include a portfolio review.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, showcasing past projects, their process, and the impact of their work. This is a critical step for UX roles.

• Cross-functional/Manager Interview: Meeting with potential team members or a hiring manager to evaluate collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and alignment with team/company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 strong projects that best demonstrate your skills in UX research, A/B testing, prototyping, and data-driven design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the insights you gained, and the impact of your work (quantifiable results are ideal).

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with stakeholders, product managers, and engineers, showcasing your ability to integrate feedback and influence decisions.

• Showcase Process: Detail your research methodologies, user testing plans, and how you used data (analytics, A/B tests) to inform your design iterations.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical UX research scenarios or problem-solving challenges related to travel, insurance, or membership services.

• Think about how you would approach designing a new feature or improving an existing one, using a user-centered and data-driven approach.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio and presentation is paramount. For an operations-minded candidate, this means structuring the portfolio to demonstrate not just creativity but also a systematic, data-informed process, mirroring the rigor expected in operational roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Sketch, Figma (required).

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, UserTesting.com, Lookback) is beneficial.

• Analytics & Reporting: Experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is preferred.

• A/B Testing & Personalization: Adobe Target (preferred), or other A/B testing platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary tools for this role, an understanding of how UX impacts CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and marketing automation platforms is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Sketch, Figma, and Adobe Target indicates the core technology stack. Proficiency in these tools, or similar ones, is essential. For operations professionals, understanding how these UX tools integrate with broader business systems (like CRM or analytics platforms) can be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of AAA members, driving all product and service decisions.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data, analytics, and research to inform strategic decisions and foster continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional member experiences.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work, from research execution to final product delivery.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding AAA's long-standing reputation through ethical practices and reliable service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and other teams to ensure a unified approach to member experience.

• Feedback Culture: Open to constructive feedback and actively providing it to foster growth and refine processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research findings, best practices, and insights to benefit the entire team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on member-centricity and data-driven innovation aligns with core operational tenets of efficiency and customer satisfaction. Understanding these values helps candidates tailor their responses to demonstrate how they embody these principles in their work and approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Needs with Business Goals: Learning to prioritize research efforts that yield the most significant impact for both user satisfaction and business objectives.

• Synthesizing Diverse Feedback: Effectively consolidating input from various stakeholders and user groups into actionable design recommendations.

• Navigating Enterprise Processes: Understanding and working within the established operational frameworks of a large organization.

• Demonstrating ROI for UX: Articulating the tangible business value of UX research and design, particularly for initiatives with less direct, immediate returns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX Leads and researchers.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to focus on specific areas of UX research, such as qualitative methods, quantitative analysis, or prototyping.

• Industry Insights: Gaining a deep understanding of the unique operational landscape of the automotive, insurance, and travel sectors.

• Career Pathway Exploration: Exposure to various roles within UX and product development, helping to shape future career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operations, requiring strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for skill enhancement and career progression within a structured operational environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data to influence a design decision. What was the data, what was your recommendation, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on A/B testing, user analytics, or usability testing results).

• "How would you approach researching user needs for a new feature aimed at improving member retention for AAA?" (Emphasize methodology, user segmentation, and data collection strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX Research at Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)?" (Connect your interests to the company's mission, industry, and member focus).

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as Product Managers and Engineers?" (Highlight your communication, empathy, and ability to integrate feedback).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio and the types of projects included. For each project, present a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

• Data Emphasis: When discussing projects, highlight the data points (user feedback, A/B test results, analytics) that informed your decisions and the measurable outcomes achieved.

• Process Clarity: Clearly explain your research methods, design iterations, and how you navigated challenges.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; practice your presentation to ensure it's impactful and within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these questions involves framing your experience through an operational lens—emphasizing process, data, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating an understanding of how UX research contributes to the company's operational success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Auto Club Enterprises careers website.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any prior experience in research, data analysis, or design tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "A/B Testing," "Prototyping," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or PDF), and showcases projects that demonstrate your skills in research methodology, data utilization, and design thinking. Be ready to walk through your process and impact.

• Research AAA: Familiarize yourself with AAA's services (travel, insurance, membership), their mission, and their brand. Understand how UX research contributes to their member-centric business model.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions, focusing on your strengths, experiences, and how they align with the role and company culture. Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving and collaboration.

⚠️ 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.