UX/UI Design Intern (Local Hero)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Intern (Summer 2026)

Company: Local Hero Holdings Company

Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Intern - Full Time

Category: Product Development / Design Operations

Date Posted: February 18, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-level / 0-2 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Gain hands-on experience in UX/UI design by contributing to real product features and improvements.

• Collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive interfaces.

• Develop practical skills in prototyping, usability testing, and design system maintenance within a professional product development environment.

• Contribute to key product initiatives, specifically focusing on enhancing the Leads & Calls features.

• Build a portfolio of tangible, real-world UX/UI design work for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an internship position for Summer 2026, targeting individuals pursuing degrees in design-related fields. The primary focus is on practical application of UX/UI design principles to enhance existing product features and contribute to new releases, emphasizing a collaborative and hands-on learning experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and prototype UI/UX improvements for Local Hero’s Leads & Calls features, utilizing modern design tools.

• Collaborate with engineering and product management teams to effectively translate product requirements into usable and impactful interfaces.

• Participate actively in sprint planning sessions, design reviews, and sprint demos to understand the full product development lifecycle.

• Conduct usability testing on designs and iterate based on user feedback and performance data.

• Support broader cross-team UI/UX initiatives, including documentation and updates to the company’s design system.

• Attend cross-departmental meetings to gain exposure to real-world product development workflows and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach where the intern will actively assist and support existing teams, indicating a strong learning and mentorship component. The primary project involves leading UI/UX design and prototyping for specific feature releases, which is a significant responsibility for an intern.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in UX/UI Design, Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Entry-level experience with foundational UX/UI design principles and practices.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience creating wireframes, user flows, and UI mockups.

• Proficiency in building interactive prototypes using design software.

• Strong attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to create clean, user-friendly, and effective interfaces.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear progress reporting and collaborative discussions.

• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and incorporate stakeholder feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Figma or similar industry-standard UI design and prototyping tools.

• Familiarity with designing for web-based platforms or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products.

• Basic understanding of usability testing practices and foundational UX research methodologies.

• Knowledge of design systems and the principles of reusable UI components.

• A portfolio showcasing design work, including class projects.

• A strong interest in understanding how UX/UI design influences business outcomes and product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are foundational for any design intern, while "Preferred Skills" indicate areas where candidates can stand out. The emphasis on Figma, SaaS experience, and understanding business impact suggests the company values practical, outcome-oriented design thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of wireframes, user flows, and UI mockups demonstrating a clear design process.

• Examples of interactive prototypes that illustrate user journeys and key feature interactions.

• Documentation of design decisions, including rationale and consideration of user needs and business goals.

• Case studies of class or personal projects that highlight problem-solving and design iteration.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design concepts were translated into actionable specifications for development.

• Documentation of user testing findings and subsequent design iterations.

• Any contributions to design system documentation or component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern role, the portfolio expectations are geared towards demonstrating foundational skills and a clear understanding of the design process rather than extensive professional project experience. Class projects are explicitly mentioned as acceptable, focusing on the quality of the process and presentation of work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid internship opportunity for Summer 2026.

• Hands-on experience working on real product features that ship to users.

• Exposure to professional product development workflows across design, product, and engineering.

• Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with various teams.

• Building a tangible portfolio of real-world UX/UI design work.

• Development of strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder presentation skills.

Working Hours: Full-time, 5 days per week, approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an entry-level design internship in the Boulder, Colorado area. While specific benefits beyond compensation are not detailed, the emphasis on learning, mentorship, and real-world project contribution represents significant value for an intern.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Software (specifically within the product development sector, with a focus on advertiser and publisher workflows for "Leads & Calls" features).

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but it is a "Holdings Company" suggesting a potentially larger structure. The internship program implies a commitment to developing talent.

Founded: Company founding date is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The intern will be part of the Product Development department.

• Collaboration will occur with engineering, product management, and potentially other design teams (e.g., Ad Subs).

Methodology:

• Agile methodologies are implied through participation in "sprint planning" and "sprint demos."

• A strong emphasis on user-centered design is evident through "usability testing" and "iterating on designs based on feedback."

• Collaborative design reviews and cross-functional alignment are key components.

Company Website: https://localhero.bamboohr.com/careers/82 (Application Link)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a culture of inclusivity ("COME AS YOU ARE") and values talent and potential above all else. The internship program is positioned as high-impact and immersive, suggesting an environment where interns are treated as valuable contributors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship role, representing an early-stage career opportunity within the broader field of Product Development and UX/UI Design. It is designed for individuals at the beginning of their professional journey.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or lead within the Product Development department, likely a Senior UX/UI Designer or Product Manager, who will provide guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: While the intern's direct impact is on specific features (Leads & Calls), their work contributes to the overall user experience and product performance. This role provides exposure to how UX/UI design decisions directly influence user engagement, feature adoption, and ultimately, business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, prototyping, and usability testing using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with real-world project examples that can be leveraged for future full-time opportunities.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable insight into the professional product development lifecycle, including agile methodologies, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management.

• Networking: Build professional connections within the tech industry in the Boulder area.

• Future Opportunities: Potential for conversion to a full-time role or strong recommendations for future employment based on performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is framed as a significant stepping stone. The growth opportunities are primarily focused on practical skill acquisition, portfolio building, and understanding professional workflows, which are critical for launching a career in UX/UI design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at their Boulder, CO office. This suggests a traditional office setting designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Boulder, Colorado. Candidates must have reliable transportation to this location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves close collaboration with engineering, product, and potentially other design teams, implying an open and interactive workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools (like Figma) and other relevant software used in product development.

• Learning Opportunities: Direct interaction with experienced professionals who will provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 5 days per week, aligning with typical business hours for product development teams, likely involving participation in daily stand-ups and sprint ceremonies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Boulder, CO, is a key detail for candidates. The description emphasizes an environment where interns are active participants, fostering a hands-on and collaborative workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, including resume and portfolio.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or portfolio review session to assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and design thinking.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions focusing on collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and how candidates handle feedback.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Discussions with potential mentors or team members to evaluate cultural fit and team dynamics.

• Final Round: Possibly an interview with a senior leader or hiring manager.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 2-3 strong projects that best showcase your UX/UI skills and design process relevant to the internship responsibilities (e.g., feature improvement, prototyping).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), your solutions, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes. Explain your design decisions and how you incorporated feedback.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for class projects, try to articulate the potential impact or intended outcome of your designs.

• Keep it Concise: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and highlights your most relevant work efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: If a design challenge is given, thoroughly understand the prompt and constraints.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thinking process, not just the final deliverable.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Presentation Skills: Be prepared to articulate your design choices and respond to questions clearly and confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges indicates a practical assessment of skills. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the why and how behind their design decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a preferred tool for UI design and prototyping. This is a critical skill to highlight.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in any interactive prototyping software is valuable.

• Design Software: Experience with general graphic design or UI design tools beyond Figma is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this design internship role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the standout tool requirement. Candidates with strong Figma skills and experience will have a significant advantage. Demonstrating an understanding of how design tools integrate into a broader product development workflow is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (product, engineering).

• User-Centricity: Dedication to improving user experience through design and testing.

• Continuous Improvement: Iterative design approach based on feedback and data.

• Inclusivity & Respect: "COME AS YOU ARE" motto highlights a commitment to diversity and a welcoming environment.

• Learning & Growth: Valuing talent, skills, and potential, with a focus on developing future professionals.

Collaboration Style:

• Interns are expected to be active participants, not just observers.

• Open communication and asking questions are encouraged.

• Design reviews and sprint demos facilitate cross-team communication and alignment.

• Feedback exchange is integral to the iterative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states a culture where interns are valued contributors. This suggests an environment that is supportive, encouraging of questions, and focused on mutual learning and contribution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Theory and Practice: Translating academic knowledge of UX/UI design into practical, real-world product solutions.

• Navigating Cross-Functional Dynamics: Effectively communicating and collaborating with engineering and product teams who may have different priorities or perspectives.

• Incorporating Feedback: Managing and synthesizing feedback from multiple stakeholders to refine designs.

• Meeting Deadlines: Contributing to feature releases within sprint cycles requires efficient time management and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Project Experience: Directly contributing to product features that will be released to users.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced UX/UI designers and product managers.

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific design tools (Figma) and methodologies (usability testing, prototyping).

• Professional Networking: Building connections within the tech industry in Boulder.

• Portfolio Development: Creating tangible assets for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an intern role and are framed as opportunities for significant learning and skill development, aligning with the company's goal of nurturing emerging talent.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?" (Prepare to detail wireframing, user flows, prototyping, and iteration.)

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to work with others on a design project. How did you handle disagreements or feedback?" (Focus on communication and teamwork.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you need to redesign [a common user flow]. What steps would you take?" (Demonstrate your thinking process, not just a final solution.)

• Tool Proficiency: "How have you used Figma (or similar tools) to create [specific design element, e.g., a component, a prototype]?" (Be ready to discuss specific features and workflows.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Local Hero and this specific internship?" (Research the company's mission and products, and connect it to your career goals.)

• "How do you approach receiving constructive criticism on your designs?" (Emphasize receptiveness and a growth mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, with clear introductions for each piece.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly state your contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Emphasize Process: Don't just show final mockups; explain the journey—from understanding the problem to testing solutions. Use visuals like sketches, wireframes, and user flows.

• Showcase Figma Skills: If possible, demonstrate interactive prototypes created in Figma directly or through screen recordings.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and what you learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid understanding of UX/UI principles, a practical design process, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in the company and the role. The portfolio is the primary evidence of capability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Design Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://localhero.bamboohr.com/careers/82

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any design software experience (especially Figma), aligning keywords with the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest design projects that best demonstrate your wireframing, prototyping, and UI design skills. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance).

• Prepare Your Story: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes clearly and concisely, as you will likely be asked to present your work.

• Research Local Hero: Understand the company's mission, products (especially Leads & Calls features), and culture to articulate your interest effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description is based on the provided information and industry standards for UX/UI internships. Specific details about the interview process or company culture should always be confirmed directly with the hiring team at Local Hero Holdings Company.