Working Student / Intern Product Associate focused on UX/UI Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student / Intern Product Associate focused on UX/UI Design

Company: alago

Location: München, Brandenburg, Germany

Job Type: INTERN

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-04

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Intern/Working Student)

Remote Status: Hybrid (at least 2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a crucial role for a Working Student/Intern Product Associate to define and execute the visual identity and user experience for alago's AI-powered construction software.

• Responsibilities include hands-on UX/UI design, creating and maintaining a design system, and collaborating closely with engineering teams to bring designs to life.

• The role offers direct exposure to user research and feedback loops, enabling rapid iteration and impact on product development.

• Emphasis will be placed on translating complex user needs within the construction industry into intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title mentions "Product Associate," the core responsibilities and required skills clearly align with a UX/UI Design focus. This role is for an intern/working student, indicating a primary focus on learning and skill development under guidance, rather than independent product strategy. The "Operations" category is added to align with the user's request for operations-focused roles, interpreting UX/UI design as a critical component of product operations and GTM strategy through user adoption and satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Identity & Visual Design: Define and shape alago's visual identity, ensuring it stands out from traditional construction software and resonates with both experienced professionals and new users.

• Design System Development: Create, refine, and maintain a comprehensive design system in Figma, including reusable components, style guides, and best practices, ensuring consistency across the product.

• Prototyping & Feature Design: Design and prototype new features and user flows using tools like Figma, collaborating with product managers and engineers to develop detailed specifications for rapid development and shipping.

• User-Centric Iteration: Participate in user research activities, analyze user feedback from customer interviews and product interactions, and iterate on designs to improve user experience and address pain points.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, translating technical understanding into effective design solutions and contributing to product strategy discussions.

• Marketing & Collateral Design: Contribute to the design of landing pages, product animations, launch materials, and other brand collateral to support go-to-market efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description focuses heavily on design tasks. These responsibilities have been framed to highlight the "operations" aspect of design, such as creating a "design system" for consistency and efficiency, "prototyping" for rapid development cycles, and "user research" for product-market fit – all critical for GTM success and product operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Figma, including component creation, prototyping, auto layout, and systems thinking for robust design systems.

• German Language Proficiency: C1 level German fluency, essential for direct communication with German construction project managers and understanding user needs.

• Technical Aptitude: Sufficient technical understanding to collaborate effectively with engineers, comprehend web application architecture, and discuss implementation details.

• UX/UI Design Fundamentals: Strong grasp of user-centered design principles, usability best practices, and visual design aesthetics.

• Prototyping Skills: Ability to create interactive prototypes to demonstrate user flows and gather early feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced Figma features or related tools (e.g., Figma MCP, Cursor, Lovable).

• Prior exposure to B2B SaaS products or complex enterprise tools, understanding the nuances of business software design.

• Interest and foundational knowledge in animations for digital products (e.g., Rive, Lottie).

• A portfolio showcasing strong opinions on product design, attention to detail, and a passion for craft through side projects.

• Understanding of web application development processes and collaboration with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "experience level" has been inferred as 0-2 years based on the "Working Student / Intern" title and typical educational background requirements. "Technical enough to collaborate" implies a need for understanding development principles, not necessarily coding. C1 German is explicitly stated as a requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process-Oriented Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies that illustrate your end-to-end design process, from problem identification and user research to ideation, prototyping, and final design implementation.

• Figma System Demonstration: Include examples of how you have built and utilized design systems within Figma, highlighting component libraries, style guides, and their contribution to design consistency and efficiency.

• User Research Integration: Demonstrate how user feedback and research findings were incorporated into your design decisions, showing your ability to iterate based on real-world user input.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Clearly articulate a UX problem you encountered and solved, detailing your approach, the challenges faced, and the impact of your solution on user experience or business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to visually map out user flows and application workflows, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.

• Design System Documentation: Understanding of how to document design system guidelines and component usage to ensure consistent application by yourself and other stakeholders.

• Collaboration Protocols: Familiarity with processes for collaborating with engineers and product managers, including spec handoffs, design reviews, and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements for design roles, especially UX/UI, are heavily process-driven. This section emphasizes showcasing the design process, not just polished final outputs, which is critical for operations roles that value methodology and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• €17 - €20 per hour.

• Estimated Annual Equivalent (based on a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks/year): Approximately €35,360 - €41,600 gross per year.

• Note: This is a working student/intern position, and compensation is typically hourly. The provided range aligns with industry standards for student roles in Munich, considering the required C1 German fluency and Figma proficiency.

Benefits:

• Learn By Doing: Gain practical, hands-on experience by working on real product features for actual users, understanding the full product development lifecycle.

• Founder Mentorship: Receive direct guidance and mentorship from Ann (CPO) on product thinking and UX craftsmanship, accelerating professional development.

• Direct User Access: Opportunity to participate in customer interviews and observe user interactions with designs, fostering a deep understanding of user needs and behaviors.

• Rapid Impact & Iteration: Experience the satisfaction of seeing your work go live quickly, enabling swift feedback loops and iterative improvements.

• Vibrant Munich Office Culture: Enjoy a dynamic and collaborative work environment in a central Munich office, with the flexibility of hybrid work.

• EGYM Wellpass: Access to a wellness program providing options for physical and mental well-being, supporting inspiration and stress management.

• Growth Potential: Clear pathway to grow into a full-time design role after graduation, contingent on mutual fit and performance.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a typical working student schedule, implying flexible hours that can accommodate academic commitments, with a standard expectation of 40 hours per week. At least two days per week are required in the Munich office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. The annual equivalent is provided for context. Benefits are directly extracted and framed for operational impact and career growth. Working hours are inferred from "working student" and the mention of "flexible remote work for the rest" of the week, while also noting the in-office requirement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Technology (ConTech), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Company Size: Early-stage startup (Less than 50 employees, based on typical startup growth phases after a year and a seven-figure pre-seed round).

Founded: Approximately one year prior to the job posting (as stated in the description).

Team Structure:

• Lean & Agile: As an early-stage startup, expect a flat hierarchy and a highly collaborative environment.

• Cross-Functional: Close interaction with founders, product managers, and engineers is fundamental.

• Founder-Led: The CPO, Ann, plays a direct mentorship role, indicating a culture of active leadership involvement in team development.

• User-Focused: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving the needs of construction professionals, driving product decisions.

Methodology:

• Iterative Design & Development: A core principle is rapid prototyping, user feedback, and quick iteration to ship features.

• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated as "data-driven," the emphasis on user research and feedback implies a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Agile Principles: The rapid development cycle and focus on shipping fast suggest an agile or lean methodology.

• Brand Differentiation: A clear mission to create software that "doesn't suck" and is distinct from competitors highlights a focus on innovation and user experience as a competitive advantage.

Company Website: https://alago.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the description, focusing on its early-stage startup nature and its mission within the Construction Tech space. The "Methodology" section interprets the company's approach to product development and design based on the provided text.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level position for a Working Student/Intern, focused on foundational skill development in UX/UI design within a product operations context. It's a stepping stone for individuals looking to enter the tech industry, specifically in product development and design.

Reporting Structure:

• The intern will report directly to the CPO, Ann, who will provide mentorship on product thinking and UX craft.

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, design systems, prototyping, and user research methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in the Construction Tech (ConTech) and B2B SaaS sectors, understanding unique industry challenges and user needs.

• Career Advancement: Potential to transition into a full-time Product Designer or UX/UI Designer role upon graduation, with a clear understanding of the company's needs and culture.

• Product Strategy Input: Contribute to early-stage product decisions and brand definition, offering a unique perspective from a student's viewpoint.

• Mentorship: Benefit from direct guidance from experienced founders, accelerating learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the intern role within a broader career context, emphasizing the operational impact of design and the specific growth pathways available.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a vibrant, central Munich office presence.

Office Location(s): Central Munich, Germany. Specific address not provided, but the emphasis on a "vibrant Munich office culture" suggests a well-equipped and potentially collaborative workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for at least two days of the week, designed to foster collaboration, team building, and direct interaction with founders and colleagues.

• Modern Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, and potentially others for animation and prototyping, is a given. The company's focus on AI and modern software development implies a tech-forward environment.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The hybrid model encourages planned in-person interactions for key team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions, vital for effective design operations.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible work schedule, accommodating academic commitments, with a requirement to be present in the office for at least two days per week. Standard working hours are expected to align with a full-time intern role (approx. 40 hours/week) when not attending classes or studying.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "work environment" is described based on the hybrid model and the company's startup culture, emphasizing collaboration and access to tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Step 1: Story Submission: Submit your portfolio, focusing on demonstrating your design process and a specific UX problem you've solved. This is the initial screening to assess your foundational skills and problem-solving approach.

• Step 2: Intro Call (20 min): A brief introductory call to get acquainted with alago's vision and for you to learn more about the company and the role.

• Step 3: Design Challenge (90 min): A practical, timed exercise where you'll solve a real UX problem from alago's product. This assesses your thinking process, problem-solving skills under pressure, and ability to apply design principles.

• Step 4: Offer: A rapid decision-making process, with feedback provided within 24 hours, indicating an agile hiring approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your research methodology, design decisions (with rationale), iterations, and the final outcome or learnings. Use visuals effectively.

• Process is Key: Highlight your thought process, the tools and techniques you used, how you incorporated feedback, and what you learned. This is more important than just the final polished screens.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): Even for student projects, try to articulate the intended or actual impact of your design solutions (e.g., improved usability, clearer workflows).

• Tailor to alago: Briefly explain why you are interested in alago and specifically in designing for the construction industry. Mention your C1 German fluency if it's a strong asset for them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: Carefully read and understand the UX problem presented in the challenge. Ask clarifying questions if permitted.

• Think Aloud: During the 90-minute challenge, articulate your thought process as you work. Explain your assumptions, design choices, and trade-offs.

• Focus on Core UX: Prioritize user needs and core functionality. It's better to solve a key part of the problem well than to superficially address many aspects.

• Manage Time: Allocate time for understanding, ideation, sketching/wireframing, and detailing the solution. A clear structure is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is directly outlined. The tips are tailored to a UX/UI design role, emphasizing portfolio content and interview strategy for a design challenge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for all design activities, including UI design, component creation, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency is mandatory.

• Lovable / Cursor (Preferred): Experience with these or similar tools for rapid prototyping or feature development collaboration can be a bonus.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with how design impacts user onboarding and retention within a CRM context could be a plus if the candidate has prior B2B SaaS exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the design tools explicitly mentioned or implied by the role's responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value is to create software that is intuitive and useful for construction professionals, valuing their time and experience over outdated interfaces.

• Innovation & Differentiation: A drive to build something "different" and "not suck" signifies a culture that embraces creative solutions and challenges the status quo in the industry.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: Emphasis on "craft" and making things "look good everywhere" points to a value placed on high-quality design execution and attention to detail.

• Efficiency & Speed: The rapid iteration cycle and focus on shipping fast indicate a culture that values agility and efficient execution of product development.

• Collaboration & Directness: Working directly with founders and engineers suggests a culture of open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Teams: Expect close collaboration between design, product, and engineering, with regular communication and feedback loops.

• Iterative & Experimental: The culture likely supports trying new ideas, gathering feedback, and iterating quickly based on learnings.

• Direct Communication: Given the startup environment and the requirement for German fluency, direct and clear communication is likely valued.

• Founder Involvement: The CPO's active mentorship implies a culture where leadership is hands-on and invested in team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Values and collaboration style are inferred from the company's mission, stated benefits, and the nature of an early-stage startup.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging the Gap: Designing for a traditional industry (construction) that may have varying levels of tech adoption and different user expectations compared to typical tech-savvy users.

• Defining a New Brand: Establishing a unique visual identity for a new product in a crowded market where competitors may have established brand recognition.

• Balancing User Needs: Simultaneously catering to experienced project managers and younger "Azubis," requiring a design that is both powerful and accessible.

• Startup Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced, often unpredictable nature of an early-stage startup environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into UX/UI: Intensive practical experience in all facets of UX/UI design, from research and wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and prototyping.

• Design System Mastery: Hands-on experience in building and maintaining a scalable design system, a highly sought-after skill in the industry.

• ConTech & B2B SaaS Insights: Gaining specialized knowledge of the construction technology sector and B2B SaaS product dynamics.

• Product Strategy & CPO Mentorship: Learning product thinking and design strategy directly from a Chief Product Officer.

• Career Trajectory: A clear path to potentially secure a full-time role after graduation, offering significant career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the industry, company stage, and role specifics. Growth opportunities are framed to highlight skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing feature X. How did you approach user research and incorporate feedback?" Be prepared to showcase a specific case study from your portfolio.

• Problem Solving: "Describe a complex UX problem you encountered in a past project and how you solved it. What were the trade-offs?" Focus on your analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Design Systems: "Why are design systems important? How would you approach building one for alago, considering our user base and product goals?" Demonstrate your understanding of scalability and consistency.

• Industry Fit: "What interests you about designing for the construction industry? What do you see as the unique challenges and opportunities?" Show genuine interest and preparedness.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Vision: "How would you define alago's visual identity to make it stand out from competitors?" Be ready to offer initial thoughts based on your understanding of the company and industry.

• Collaboration Style: "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and product managers? What's your approach to giving and receiving feedback?"

• Growth Aspirations: "What do you hope to learn and achieve during this internship? How do you see this role fitting into your long-term career goals?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative – the problem, your journey, the solution, and the outcome. Make it engaging.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality visuals and clear typography.

• Process Emphasis: For each project, dedicate sections to your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases. Show your sketches, user flows, and iterations.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used (especially Figma) and how they facilitated your process.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a reasonable timeframe, focusing on the most impactful projects and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a UX/UI design role, focusing on process, problem-solving, and portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Working Student / Intern Product Associate (UX/UI Design) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UX/UI design processes, Figma proficiency, and problem-solving skills. Emphasize any experience or interest in B2B SaaS or complex enterprise tools.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your current enrollment in a relevant degree program and highlights any design-related projects, coursework, or internships. Explicitly mention your C1 German fluency.

• Prepare Your Story: Be ready to articulate your design process and a specific UX problem you've solved during your intro call and for your portfolio submission. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely.

• Company & Industry Research: Familiarize yourself with alago's mission, their product, and the challenges within the construction software industry. Understand why designing for this sector is unique and exciting.

⚠️ 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.