Werkstudent UX/UI (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Werkstudent UX/UI (m/w/d)

Company: Axel Springer News Media National

Location: Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Teilzeit (Part-Time)

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Publishing Operations

Date Posted: February 09, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting the functional, conceptual, and visual design of a digital publishing platform, contributing to the evolution of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) for innovative digital products.

• You will collaborate closely with Product Owners to develop product visions and identify UX potential for iterative product development, acting as a crucial interface between product, editorial, and engineering teams.

• The position requires a proactive approach to driving consistent implementation of design concepts and user-centric solutions through strong communication and collaboration with development teams.

• This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring designer to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic media and technology environment, focusing on user experience strategy and execution within a large-scale publishing operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Werkstudent UX/UI," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and product development operations, specifically focusing on the user-facing aspects of digital products. The emphasis on product vision, iterative updates, and cross-functional collaboration places this role at the intersection of design and operational product management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the functional, conceptual, and visual design of the Axel Springer publishing platform, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience.

• Collaborate with Product Owners to develop and refine product visions, contributing innovative UX/UI solutions that align with business objectives and user needs.

• Identify and analyze UX potentials within existing products, planning and executing iterative updates to enhance user satisfaction and engagement.

• Serve as a key UX interface between product management, editorial teams, and engineering, facilitating clear communication and ensuring a holistic understanding of user requirements.

• Drive the consistent implementation of design concepts and user experience strategies by fostering close collaboration and providing clear guidance to development teams.

• Contribute to the creation of user journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs to visualize and communicate design solutions effectively.

• Participate in user research activities, usability testing, and feedback sessions to gather insights and validate design decisions.

• Maintain design consistency across all platform touchpoints, adhering to brand guidelines and established design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize active participation in the product development lifecycle, extending beyond pure design execution to include conceptualization, iteration planning, and cross-functional liaison, which are core to operational product and GTM functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in at least the 3rd semester of a design-related degree program (e.g., Communication Design, Graphic Design, Media Design, Visual Communication) or a related field.

Experience: First practical experience in UX/UI design, web design, or a related area, ideally gained through internships or previous student assistant roles.

Required Skills:

• Strong passion for and foundational knowledge of UX/UI design principles and best practices.

• Proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design creation.

• Familiarity with web design principles, current web technologies, and emerging design trends.

• Excellent analytical skills and a keen ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and user needs.

• A strong commitment to quality and attention to detail in all design outputs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.

• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS) to facilitate collaboration with engineering.

• Experience in the digital publishing or media industry.

• Portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on analytical skills, understanding product vision, and working with engineering teams indicates a need for a candidate who can not only design but also understand the operational implications and technical constraints of their designs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 well-documented UX/UI design projects that demonstrate your design process from concept to completion.

• Projects should highlight your ability to translate user needs and business requirements into effective and visually appealing designs.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Clearly articulate your role in each project, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, provide a brief overview of your design process, including:

  • User research and analysis methods used.
  • Conceptualization and ideation phases.
  • Prototyping and iteration cycles.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders (e.g., Product Owners, Developers).
  • Final design rationale and justification.

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach iterative design updates and continuous improvement of user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of design skills and the ability to execute within a structured product development process. The expectation is to see not just aesthetics but also a thoughtful, user-centered design methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a Werkstudent position (up to 20 hours/week during semesters, up to 40 hours/week during breaks), the compensation will be competitive for student roles in Berlin, Germany. While a specific range is not provided, typical rates for such roles in the German media and tech industry can range from €12-€18 per hour, depending on experience and specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Free Food: Complimentary breakfast snacks and lunch provided in company restaurants.

• Flexible Working Hours: Adaptable schedules to accommodate academic commitments.

• Mobile Work Options: Possibility for remote work, offering flexibility in your work location.

• Wellhub Membership: Access to a wide network of fitness studios, classes, and personal trainers.

• Diverse Discounts: Opportunities to save on various online shops.

• Learning Opportunities: Access to AI workshops and other certified courses to foster continuous learning and skill development.

• Modern Workspace: Enjoy working in a contemporary office environment on an exceptional campus with access to Berlin's coolest rooftop terrace.

Working Hours: Up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during university semester breaks, offering significant flexibility for students.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is typical for a German Werkstudent role, prioritizing practical experience and learning alongside academic pursuits. The benefits package is robust, highlighting Axel Springer's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Publishing, Media, Technology. Axel Springer is a leading digital publisher, investing in journalism and innovative technologies to shape the future of media.

Company Size: Axel Springer is a large, established media conglomerate with a significant global presence. This means access to extensive resources, established processes, and a broad network of professionals.

Founded: Axel Springer was founded in 1946. Its long history in media, coupled with its current focus on digital transformation, creates a unique environment that values both established journalistic principles and forward-thinking innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Axel Springer News Media National" division, likely part of a dedicated product development or design team.

• You will be working in an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with Product Owners, editorial staff, and engineering teams.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes creative exchange, openness, and responsibility, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• They are committed to the future of journalism as a business model and invest in cutting-edge technologies.

• The "five Essentials" are the core values guiding their work, promoting a culture of freedom and integrity.

• Product development likely follows agile methodologies, with iterative updates and a focus on continuous improvement.

Company Website: http://www.axelspringer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for Axel Springer offers the chance to be part of a major media transformation, influencing how news and content are delivered digitally. The emphasis on innovation within a traditional industry is a key characteristic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Werkstudent" (student assistant) position, designed for individuals early in their design or UX/UI career. It provides foundational experience in a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a manager within the UX/UI design or product development team, working closely with Product Owners and engineering leads.

Operations Impact: Although an entry-level role, your contributions to the design and user experience of the publishing platform will directly impact user engagement, content consumption, and ultimately, the success of Axel Springer's digital products. You will be part of the operational engine that delivers the user interface for their news media.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Figma, and learn about UX/UI design processes in a professional context.

• Industry Exposure: Immerse yourself in the digital publishing and media technology sector, understanding market trends and operational challenges.

• Networking: Build connections with professionals in design, product management, editorial, and engineering, which can be invaluable for future career steps.

• Learning & Development: Participate in AI workshops and certified courses offered by Axel Springer, enhancing your technical and design skills.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful performance in this role could open doors to further internships or entry-level positions within Axel Springer or the broader industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a learning and development opportunity within a large organization. Growth is expected through practical application, mentorship, and exposure to real-world product development challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces located on an "exceptional campus" in Berlin. This suggests a vibrant and well-equipped work environment conducive to creative and technical work.

Office Location(s): Axel-Springer-Straße 65, 10969 Berlin, Germany. This central Berlin location offers good accessibility and proximity to city amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working within an interdisciplinary team, fostering close interaction with Product Owners, editorial staff, and engineers.

• Tools and Technology: You will primarily use Figma, with potential exposure to other design, project management, and communication tools common in a tech-driven media company.

• Team Interaction: Expect regular team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative sessions to ensure alignment and drive product development forward.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing you to balance your studies with your work responsibilities effectively. The hybrid model also offers flexibility in where you perform your duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a modern campus, collaborative spaces, and flexible work arrangements points to a company culture that values employee experience and work-life integration, particularly important for student roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of your application, resume, and any submitted portfolio.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with a hiring manager or team lead to assess your background, motivation, and basic understanding of UX/UI principles. Be prepared to talk about your design interests and why you're drawn to Axel Springer.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: You will be asked to present your portfolio, discussing your process, design decisions, and problem-solving skills. This may include a small design exercise or case study related to UX/UI challenges in digital publishing.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members to evaluate collaboration style and cultural alignment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior stakeholder to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and fit the role's requirements.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, and the outcome or learnings.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Highlight your proficiency with Figma by demonstrating complex features, prototyping capabilities, or your approach to component libraries/design systems.

• Focus on User-Centricity: Emphasize how your designs address user needs and improve the user experience.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your past projects had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion), present those metrics.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with current trends in UX/UI design, especially within the digital media and publishing space.

• Review best practices for web design and user experience.

• Understand the core responsibilities and how they relate to designing for a publishing platform.

• Practice articulating your design process and decisions concisely and clearly, as if presenting to a team of Product Owners and Engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both your technical design skills and your ability to integrate into a collaborative, product-focused team. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the primary design tool mentioned. Proficiency is essential for wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity UI designs.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools like InVision or Adobe XD might be beneficial.

• Design Systems: Understanding and contributing to design systems is a valuable skill for maintaining consistency across a large platform.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior tracked by analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX/UI role, but awareness of how user data from CRMs or marketing automation platforms might inform design decisions could be a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma highlights a key technical requirement. While this is a design role, understanding the broader operational context of how designs are implemented and their impact on user behavior is beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Exchange and Openness: The team values new ideas and open discussion, encouraging you to share your perspectives and learn from others.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of your design work and contributing to the overall success of the product.

• Innovation: A drive to develop forward-thinking solutions and embrace new technologies in digital publishing.

• Quality: A commitment to high standards in design execution and user experience.

• Freedom and Integrity: Aligned with Axel Springer's core "Essentials," these values likely translate into a culture of trust and ethical practice.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Working closely with Product Owners, editorial teams, and engineers requires strong communication and the ability to translate design ideas across different functional areas.

• Iterative: The product development process likely involves continuous feedback loops and iterative design improvements.

• Goal-Oriented: A shared focus on delivering innovative and user-friendly digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to quality, which are essential for effective GTM and product operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Professional Commitments: Effectively managing time between studies and a part-time role is a common challenge for Werkstudent roles.

• Translating Vision into Design: Bridging the gap between high-level product visions and tangible, user-friendly design solutions.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Ensuring clear and effective communication with diverse teams (product, editorial, engineering) who may have different priorities and technical backgrounds.

• Adapting to Large-Scale Operations: Navigating the processes and workflows of a large media organization while contributing to product development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical UX/UI Application: Develop a robust portfolio and practical skills by working on real-world projects.

• Industry Insight: Gain firsthand experience in the dynamic digital media and publishing industry.

• Tool Proficiency: Master Figma and potentially other design and collaboration tools.

• Continuous Learning: Participate in AI workshops and other training programs offered by Axel Springer.

• Mentorship: Benefit from working alongside experienced professionals in design and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a structured environment to overcome common entry-level challenges while providing significant opportunities for skill acquisition and professional growth within a leading media company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a UX/UI project you're particularly proud of and why. What was your process?" (Focus on problem, solution, your role, and outcomes).

• "How do you approach designing for different user personas or segments?" (Demonstrate user-centric thinking).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or product managers. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills).

• "What are your thoughts on the current state of digital publishing UX/UI?" (Showcase industry awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Axel Springer and specifically in this UX/UI role?" (Connect your interests to the company's mission and the role's responsibilities).

• "What do you know about Axel Springer's digital publishing efforts?" (Research their products and recent news).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (your role/project goal), Problem Statement, User Research/Analysis, Design Process (sketches, wireframes, iterations), Final Design Solution, Outcomes/Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your designs. Ensure Figma prototypes are interactive and smooth.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Enthusiasm: Show passion for design and problem-solving.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions and be prepared to defend them with user-centric reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not only your design skills but also your understanding of product development processes, your ability to collaborate, and your enthusiasm for the media industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Werkstudent UX/UI position:

• Submit your Application: Navigate to the provided job link and submit your application through the SmartRecruiters portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any prior experience in UX/UI design, web design, or related fields. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX/UI Design," "Figma," "Product Vision," and "User Experience."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best UX/UI work, and clearly details your design process. Make sure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link on your resume or cover letter).

• Research Axel Springer: Understand the company's mission, its position in the digital publishing market, and its "five Essentials." This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for the role, your design philosophy, and your career aspirations during interviews.

⚠️ 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.