Working Student (w/m/d) - UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student (w/m/d) - UX Design Company: IONOS DE Location: Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany Job Type: Part-Time Category: UX Design / Digital Product Development Date Posted: 2025-08-20 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on contributing to the design and implementation of user-centered design solutions for IONOS's digital products and platforms, with a specific emphasis on leveraging AI-driven tools for analysis and optimization.
• The working student will collaborate closely with the UX Research team, analyzing usability tests and user feedback to drive continuous improvement in user experience across various digital touchpoints.
• A key aspect of this position involves supporting the development of prototypes and wireframes, ensuring design consistency and effective user journeys throughout the product lifecycle.
• The role requires a proactive approach to understanding and improving UX processes, particularly through the application of Artificial Intelligence in user analysis and design enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Working Student," the responsibilities suggest a role that offers significant exposure to practical UX design processes, including research analysis, prototyping, and the innovative application of AI, making it a valuable foundational experience for aspiring UX professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement user-centered design solutions for various digital products and platforms, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
• Collaborate actively with the UX Research team to translate insights from usability tests and user feedback into actionable design improvements.
• Support the creation of prototypes and wireframes for web applications and websites, focusing on intuitive navigation and user flow.
• Analyze user feedback and usability test results to identify areas for enhancement and implement design iterations.
• Ensure design consistency, including elements and user guidance, across all digital touchpoints to maintain a cohesive brand experience.
• Analyze and improve existing UX processes by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for deeper user understanding and design optimization.
• Utilize AI-powered tools for user behavior analysis and content optimization, aiming to enhance the overall user experience and engagement with digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional UX design tasks with a forward-thinking focus on AI integration, indicating that candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of both foundational UX principles and emerging AI applications in design will be highly valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Enrolled student (m/f/d) in Design, Computer Science, Media Informatics, or a closely related field of study. Experience: Ideally, some foundational experience in UX Design, gained through internships, academic projects, or personal portfolio work, demonstrating practical application of design principles.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in common UX design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms for creating wireframes, prototypes, and user interfaces.
• Strong understanding of user interface (UI) design principles, interaction design, and information architecture.
• Demonstrated passion for design, creativity, and a keen eye for aesthetic details and usability.
• Excellent teamwork capabilities, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively.
• Familiarity with the application of AI-supported tools in a UX context, such as AI for user analysis, automated testing, or content generation.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior internship or project experience specifically in UX Design, showcasing practical application of learned concepts.
• Familiarity with AI-powered tools and technologies relevant to UX, including chatbots, GPT, automated usability testing platforms, or machine learning applications in user experience.
• Experience in conducting or analyzing usability tests and synthesizing user feedback.
• Basic understanding of web development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Working Student" title and the emphasis on AI, candidates are expected to possess a strong academic foundation in design or related technical fields, coupled with a proactive curiosity and willingness to learn about integrating AI into UX workflows. Demonstrating this through a portfolio or project work will be crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 well-documented UX design projects that demonstrate a user-centered design process from research to final design.
• Projects should highlight your ability to apply design thinking, user research methodologies, and prototyping skills.
• Include evidence of problem-solving, with clear articulation of the user problems addressed and the design solutions implemented.
• Demonstrate an understanding of UI design principles and visual aesthetics, ensuring consistency and usability in your designs.
• Where applicable, projects that incorporate or analyze the impact of AI tools on user experience or design processes are highly advantageous.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline the UX design process followed for each project, including phases such as user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration.
• Detail the specific tools and methodologies used at each stage of the design process.
• Provide examples of how user feedback and data analysis (including AI-driven insights if available) informed design decisions and led to improvements.
• Document the rationale behind design choices, focusing on user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a working student role, the portfolio should prioritize demonstrating a solid grasp of fundamental UX processes and a proactive approach to learning and applying new technologies like AI, rather than extensive professional experience. The ability to articulate the design process and rationale is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a working student position in Germany, compensation will be in line with industry standards for part-time student roles, typically ranging from €12-€18 per hour, depending on the specific year of study and relevant experience. Benefits:

• Hybrid working model, offering a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.
• Flexible working hours through a trust-based working time system, allowing for accommodation of academic schedules.
• Access to a subsidized canteen at select locations, providing affordable meal options.
• Complimentary beverages available in the office.
• Modern office spaces with excellent public transportation links, facilitating easy commuting.
• Various employee discounts on activities and IONOS products, offering personal value.
• Participation in employee events such as summer and winter parties, fostering team cohesion.
• Numerous opportunities for further training and professional development, supporting skill enhancement.
• Diverse health programs, including sports and wellness courses, promoting employee well-being.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, typically distributed flexibly around academic commitments, subject to the trust-based working time system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical working student compensation in Germany for roles requiring technical or design skills. The benefits package is comprehensive for a student role, emphasizing work-life balance and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology (IT) Services, Cloud Infrastructure, Web Hosting, and Digitalization Solutions. IONOS serves primarily Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). Company Size: IONOS is a substantial European player, with a significant employee base that fosters a dynamic yet structured work environment. This size allows for diverse teams and collaborative opportunities across departments. Founded: IONOS has a history dating back to 1988 (as United Internet AG), evolving significantly over the decades to become a leading European cloud and hosting provider. This long history suggests stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team likely operates within a larger product development or digital transformation department, collaborating closely with product managers, developers, UX researchers, and marketing teams.
• Reporting structures are typically flat within IONOS, encouraging open communication and direct interaction with team leads or senior designers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with UX designers expected to work seamlessly with engineering teams to bring designs to life and with marketing to ensure brand consistency and user acquisition strategies are aligned.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical, with a focus on understanding user behavior through analytics tools and direct feedback to inform design decisions.
• Workflow planning and optimization are ongoing processes, with an emphasis on agile methodologies to ensure efficient product development cycles.
• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in this role with its focus on AI integration, aiming to streamline design processes and enhance user engagement.

Company Website: https://www.ionos.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: IONOS's culture emphasizes partnership, open structures, and a "duz" (informal 'you') culture, suggesting a collaborative and approachable work environment. The focus on digitalization for SMBs means the UX efforts are directly tied to business growth and customer success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Working Student" role represents an entry-level position within the UX Design discipline. It's designed for students to gain practical, hands-on experience, develop foundational UX skills, and understand professional design workflows in a real-world setting. Reporting Structure: The working student will likely report to a Senior UX Designer, a UX Lead, or a Product Manager who oversees the UX function within a specific product team. This provides mentorship and guidance on tasks and career development. Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the sense of Sales or Revenue Ops, UX Design has a profound impact on the "operations" of digital products by ensuring they are intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly. This directly influences customer adoption, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation through effective digital product performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in core UX/UI design principles, prototyping tools (Figma), user research methodologies, and crucially, the application of AI in UX design.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience within the IT and cloud services sector, understanding the unique UX challenges and opportunities for B2B and B2C customers.
• Networking: Build professional relationships within the IONOS design and product teams, potentially leading to future internship or full-time opportunities upon graduation.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced UX professionals, receiving feedback and advice on design projects and career pathing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent stepping stone for students aiming for a career in UX Design. The emphasis on AI within UX is a significant growth opportunity, positioning the student to be competitive in a future-oriented field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: IONOS offers modern office spaces that are designed to foster collaboration and productivity. These environments typically include open-plan work areas, meeting rooms, and potentially quieter zones for focused work. Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Karlsruhe, Germany. IONOS has a strong presence in Germany with multiple modern office locations. The Karlsruhe office is likely well-equipped and conveniently located.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with team members on projects and fostering a strong team spirit.
• Access to up-to-date design tools and technology is expected, including powerful workstations and relevant software licenses.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with the UX team and other cross-functional colleagues are abundant, facilitating learning and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a hybrid model with flexible working hours managed by a trust-based system. This allows students to balance their academic responsibilities with their work at IONOS, with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexible hours are significant advantages for students, allowing for a practical work experience without compromising academic success. The modern office environment in Karlsruhe suggests a comfortable and well-equipped workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, CV, and ideally, a portfolio link, to assess your qualifications and alignment with the role.
• Technical/Skills Interview: This stage will likely focus on your UX design skills, tool proficiency (especially Figma), and understanding of UX principles. Expect questions about your design process and how you approach user problems.
• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your design process, rationale, and the outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, challenges faced, and how you leveraged user feedback or data.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members or a hiring manager to assess your team fit, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the role and IONOS.
• Final Interview (Potentially): Depending on the structure, a final discussion with a senior leader may occur.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate your thought process, research methods, and iterations for each project.
• Highlight Problem-Solving: Focus on the user problems you identified and how your design solutions addressed them effectively.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have any data or metrics (e.g., from usability tests, A/B tests) that show the positive impact of your designs, include them.
• Demonstrate AI Understanding: If you have projects involving AI tools or concepts in UX, be ready to discuss them in detail.
• Keep it Concise: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and the requirements of this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study, either during the interview or as a take-home assignment. This might involve analyzing a simple UI, proposing improvements, or creating a basic wireframe for a given scenario.
• Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a non-designer.
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI's role in modern UX design and how you'd approach using AI tools for analysis or optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a working student role, interviewers will be looking for potential, a strong foundation, and a demonstrable eagerness to learn and contribute, rather than extensive professional experience. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned and highly preferred), Sketch, Adobe XD. Proficiency in at least one is essential.
• Wireframing & User Flow: Tools like Balsamiq, Miro, or Lucidchart might be used for initial ideation and flow mapping.
• User Research & Testing: Familiarity with platforms for user surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform) and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools for understanding user behavior on live products.
• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for presenting user data and insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not directly a UX tool, understanding how CRMs (like Salesforce, HubSpot) store customer data can inform user-centric design decisions.
• AI Tools (Specific to UX context): Familiarity with AI-powered tools for user analysis (e.g., heatmaps, session recordings with AI insights), automated usability testing, AI-driven content personalization, or tools leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT for design assistance or content generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is critical. For AI tools, the expectation is likely foundational knowledge or a strong demonstrated interest and quick learning ability, rather than deep expertise, for a working student.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring products are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, researchers) to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new design approaches, technologies (like AI), and methodologies to enhance user experience.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using analytics, user feedback, and research insights to inform design choices and measure success.
• Efficiency & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality designs efficiently, adhering to best practices and design standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Expect close collaboration with developers to ensure designs are feasible and accurately implemented, and with product managers to align UX with business strategy.
• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged on designs and processes to foster continuous learning and improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, new tools, and insights within the design team and broader product development groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a blend of user focus, technological adoption (especially AI), and collaborative teamwork, which are essential for successful digital product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Commitments: Effectively managing time to excel in both studies and the working student role.
• Learning Curve with AI Tools: Quickly grasping the application and potential of AI tools in UX design, which is a rapidly evolving field.
• Translating Complex Ideas into Simple Designs: The inherent challenge in UX is simplifying complex functionalities into intuitive user interfaces.
• Working with Established Design Systems: Ensuring new designs adhere to existing brand guidelines and design systems while also pushing for innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on UX Experience: Direct application of UX principles in a professional setting, building a strong practical foundation.
• Mentorship from Senior Designers: Gaining insights and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
• Exposure to AI in UX: Developing expertise in a cutting-edge area of digital design, making you highly marketable.
• Understanding Product Development Lifecycles: Learning how UX fits into the broader process of building and launching digital products.
• Potential for Future Opportunities: Strong performance can lead to internships or full-time roles within IONOS post-graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to gain experience in a growing field (AI in UX) while still pursuing academic goals, offering significant learning and development potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical UX design process from problem identification to final design. How do you incorporate user feedback and data?" (Be ready to walk through a project.)
• AI in UX: "How do you see AI impacting the field of UX design? Can you give an example of an AI tool you've used or would like to use for UX purposes?"
• Collaboration: "How do you collaborate with developers and product managers? Describe a time you had a disagreement on a design decision and how you resolved it."
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine users are struggling to complete a task on our website. How would you approach diagnosing and solving this problem?"
• Tool Proficiency: "What are your favorite features in Figma, and why? How do you use it for prototyping?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IONOS and this specific role?" (Research IONOS's products and mission.)
• "How do you handle feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize openness and learning.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and team dynamic." (Align with IONOS's collaborative culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with the problem, introduce your user research, explain your design process and key decisions, showcase your wireframes/prototypes, detail any testing or iteration, and conclude with the outcome or learnings.
• Focus on AI: If you have AI-related projects, highlight them and explain the specific AI tools or concepts used and their impact.
• Conciseness: Stick to the most relevant aspects of each project to respect time limits.
• Enthusiasm: Show genuine passion for UX design and a proactive attitude towards learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will assess your foundational UX knowledge, your ability to apply it, your collaboration skills, and your enthusiasm for learning about AI in UX. Your portfolio presentation is key to demonstrating these.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design working student position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any experience related to UX design, UI design, and AI tools. Ensure your portfolio link is prominently displayed.
• Resume Optimization: Focus on achievements and skills relevant to UX design, such as "designed user flows," "created interactive prototypes in Figma," "analyzed user feedback," or "researched AI tools for design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and thought patterns. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on problem-solving and user-centricity, and be ready to talk about your interest in AI within UX.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with IONOS's services, target audience (SMBs), and recent company news. Understand their digital product offerings and how UX contributes to their business goals.

⚠️ 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.