Praktikanten (m/w/d) User & UX Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Praktikanten (m/w/d) User & UX Research

Company: Spiegel Institut Mannheim GmbH

Location: Stuttgarter Straße 5, München, Bayern, 80807, Germany

Job Type: Praktikum/Werkstudium (Internship/Working Student)

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Consumer Insights

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship/Entry-Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for mobile working)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the User & UX Research team in conducting comprehensive studies within the automotive sector, from initial project conceptualization through to final client presentations.

• Engage in secondary data research and analysis to identify key trends and understand consumer needs, contributing to strategic insights for blue-chip automotive clients.

• Assist in the analytical preparation and interpretation of findings from international customer satisfaction studies, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

• Gain practical experience in the development of research instruments, including exploration guides and survey questionnaires for both qualitative and quantitative research designs.

• Participate actively in study execution, supporting project managers during field phases such as real-world driving tests or simulator sessions.

• Contribute to the content-analytical and statistical evaluation of collected data, including video and eye-tracking analysis, to derive actionable user insights.

• Develop compelling result presentations that clearly communicate research findings and strategic recommendations to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a specific internship within a specialized consulting firm, focusing heavily on the automotive industry's user and consumer research. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on data analysis, research, and client-facing presentations aligns with the analytical and strategic aspects valued in operations, particularly in market research and GTM strategy support. The "Internship/Working Student" employment type suggests a focus on learning and development within a structured project environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Study Support: Provide end-to-end support for UX/Usability studies within the automotive context, from project kickoff meetings to client presentation attendance, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.

• Secondary Research & Analysis: Conduct thorough research and perform detailed analysis of secondary data to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and evolving consumer needs relevant to the automotive industry.

• Data Interpretation: Assist in the analytical processing and interpretation of results derived from international customer satisfaction surveys and other client-specific studies, identifying key drivers of satisfaction and areas for improvement.

• Research Design Contribution: Contribute to the conceptualization of exploration guides, interview scripts, and survey questionnaires for both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Field Study Assistance: Actively participate in the execution of research studies, including accompanying project leaders during field phases such as on-road vehicle testing or simulator-based assessments, ensuring smooth operation and data collection.

• Data Evaluation: Perform content-analytical and statistical evaluations of qualitative and quantitative research data, including the analysis of video recordings, eye-tracking data, and survey responses, to extract meaningful insights.

• Presentation Development: Create clear, concise, and visually engaging result presentations for clients, effectively communicating research findings, key insights, and strategic recommendations using tools like PowerPoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are heavily geared towards research execution and data analysis within a consulting framework. For operations professionals, this translates to supporting go-to-market strategies through user understanding, competitive analysis, and data-driven insights. The automotive focus is a significant differentiator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a degree program in Engineering Psychology, Psychology, Human Factors, or a closely related field. A Bachelor's degree in progress is the minimum requirement.

Experience: Limited professional experience is expected, as this is an internship position. Previous academic projects or coursework in relevant areas are beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Research Methods: Fundamental knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including survey design, interviewing techniques, and experimental design principles.

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Basic understanding of data analysis techniques and the ability to visualize data effectively using appropriate tools.

• Software Proficiency: Strong command of MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data manipulation and PowerPoint for presentation creation.

• Language Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German, and good command of English.

• Enthusiasm & Interest: Genuine passion for understanding consumer perceptions of brands and products, with a keen interest in the automotive industry.

• Interpersonal Skills: Open-minded individual with a high capacity for learning, strong teamwork capabilities, and flexibility to adapt to project needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Statistical Software: Familiarity with statistical analysis software such as SPSS or R for more advanced data analysis.

• UX/Usability Tools: Any prior exposure to UX research tools, usability testing platforms, or eye-tracking technology.

• Automotive Context: Specific coursework or projects related to human-computer interaction, automotive design, or consumer behavior in the automotive sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a specific degree program (Ingenieurspsychologie, Psychologie, Human Factors) is critical. For operations candidates, demonstrating transferable analytical skills, experience with data analysis tools (even if academic), and a strong interest in consumer behavior will be key. The preference for SPSS/R indicates a need for analytical rigor.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Academic Projects: Showcase academic projects that involved research design, data collection, and analysis, demonstrating practical application of research methodologies.

• Data Analysis Examples: Include examples of data analysis performed, whether through spreadsheets, statistical software outputs, or visualized dashboards, highlighting the insights derived.

• Presentation Samples: Provide examples of presentations created, particularly those that communicated complex information or research findings to an audience.

• Methodology Documentation: Briefly document the research methodologies used in academic projects, explaining the rationale behind method selection.

Process Documentation:

• Research Workflow: Illustrate understanding of a typical research workflow, from problem definition and research design to data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Data Handling: Show familiarity with processes for organizing, cleaning, and analyzing research data, ensuring accuracy and integrity.

• Insight Generation: Demonstrate how research findings are translated into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an internship, a portfolio demonstrating analytical capabilities and research project experience will be highly advantageous. For operations roles, this translates to showcasing project management, analytical rigor, and presentation skills through past work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As an internship/working student position (Praktikum/Werkstudium), compensation is typically structured as a monthly allowance. Based on industry standards for internships in Germany, particularly in Munich, and considering the company's specialization, a range of €800 - €1,200 per month is anticipated. This range can vary based on the duration of the internship and the candidate's academic progress.

Benefits:

• Teamwork & Culture: Collaborative team environment, family-like atmosphere, flat hierarchies, and regular team events fostering strong working relationships.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and the option for mobile working, allowing for a good balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.

• Health & Wellness: Access to company medical services and participation in joint sports events to promote employee well-being.

• Employee Perks: Discounts available through a corporate benefits portal, offering savings on various products and services.

• Modern Workspace: A contemporary office environment with excellent public transport links, ensuring a comfortable and accessible workplace.

• Refreshments: Complimentary coffee, fruit, and water are provided, along with occasional treats like cake.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the internship offers flexibility with "flexible Arbeitszeiten" (flexible working hours) and "Vertrauensarbeitszeit" (trust-based working hours), allowing for adjustment within project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical German internship compensation, especially in a high-cost-of-living city like Munich. The benefits highlight a strong emphasis on employee well-being and a positive work environment, which is attractive for any professional, including those in operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: User Experience Consulting and Consumer Research. Spiegel Institut Mannheim GmbH operates within the professional services sector, specializing in integrating user and consumer perspectives into product and service development for large, established companies. This positions them at the intersection of market research, design thinking, and strategic consulting.

Company Size: Approximately 230 employees. This mid-to-large size indicates a stable organization with established processes and a significant client base, offering opportunities for structured learning and exposure to diverse projects, while still maintaining a relatively approachable culture with flatter hierarchies.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided, but the company's focus on established industries and "blue chip companies" suggests a history of stable growth and industry recognition. This implies a culture built on expertise, reliability, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The User & UX Research team is part of a larger consulting firm, likely comprising experienced researchers, project managers, and analysts. Interns will work alongside these professionals, gaining exposure to different roles and specializations.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: The reporting structure is characterized by flat hierarchies, meaning direct access to senior team members and project leads is common. Interns will likely report to a designated project manager or senior researcher.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is inherent in consulting. The UX Research team will likely collaborate with other departments within Spiegel Institut, as well as directly with client teams, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Data analysis and insights generation form the core of their work, using mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) to understand user behavior and market trends.

• Operations Process 2: Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for consulting projects, ensuring efficient delivery of research findings and client satisfaction.

• Operations Process 3: The firm likely employs a blend of established research techniques and innovative approaches to deliver cutting-edge insights to their clients.

Company Website: https://www.spiegel-institut.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "blue chip companies" and user experience research suggests a professional, data-driven, and client-centric culture. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values analytical thinking, process adherence, and effective communication. The "family-like atmosphere" and "flat hierarchies" indicate a potentially supportive and approachable work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship/working student position, representing an entry-level opportunity for individuals looking to gain practical experience in User & UX Research. It is an ideal starting point for a career in market research, consumer insights, human factors, or related fields within consulting.

Reporting Structure: Interns typically report to a Project Manager or a Senior UX Researcher. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance, allowing for hands-on learning and feedback on tasks and projects. The flat hierarchy of the organization means that opportunities for interaction with more senior team members are often available.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in revenue generation or sales operations, an intern in User & UX Research plays a critical role in informing product development and strategic decisions. By providing deep insights into user needs and market trends, this role indirectly impacts product success, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the client's revenue and market position. The findings from UX research directly influence product design, feature prioritization, and marketing strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop foundational skills in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and presentation. This can lead to specialization in areas like usability testing, survey design, or qualitative interviewing.

• Industry Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge and experience within the automotive industry, a sector with significant complexity and innovation, which can be a valuable niche for future career development.

• Consulting Acumen: Learn the principles of client management, project execution, and consulting best practices, which are transferable skills applicable to various roles in operations and strategy.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time positions within Spiegel Institut or gain a strong foundation for roles in market research, product management, or UX design at other organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a stepping stone into specialized research and consulting. For individuals transitioning from or seeking operations roles, the transferable skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and client communication are paramount. Growth here is about building a foundation in research and consulting methodologies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is described as a "modern office" with good connectivity. This suggests a professional, contemporary workspace designed for collaboration and efficient work. Given the "Hybrid" and "Mobile working" options, it likely includes open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and possibly quiet zones.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located at Stuttgarter Straße 5, München, 80807, Germany. Munich is a major economic hub in Germany, offering excellent public transportation links, amenities, and a vibrant urban environment. The office's accessibility via public transport is implied by the mention of "gute Anbindung" (good connectivity).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The "familiäre Atmosphäre" and "flache Hierarchien" suggest a workplace where teamwork and open communication are encouraged. Interns will find opportunities to collaborate with peers and senior team members on projects.

• Tools & Technology: The office is equipped with modern facilities. While specific tools are detailed elsewhere, it's expected that interns will have access to necessary hardware and software, including MS Office and potentially specialized research tools, to perform their duties effectively.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal interactions, team events, and direct communication with project leads are part of the workspace culture, promoting knowledge sharing and a sense of community.

Work Schedule: The internship offers flexible working hours and trust-based working hours ("flexible Arbeitszeiten, Vertrauensarbeitszeit"). While the standard is 40 hours per week, this flexibility allows interns to manage their schedules around academic commitments and personal needs, provided project deadlines and team collaboration requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a modern office, good connectivity, and flexible working hours points to a progressive work environment. For operations professionals, this indicates a company that values efficiency, work-life balance, and a conducive environment for analytical tasks and collaborative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1 (Initial Screening): Typically involves an initial review of the application (CV, cover letter) and potentially a brief phone call to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and cultural fit. For this role, emphasis will be on academic background and interest in UX research and the automotive sector.

• Process Step 2 (Case Study/Task): A common step for research-oriented roles. Candidates might be asked to analyze a small dataset, critique a research approach, or propose a research plan for a given scenario. For this internship, it could be a short analysis task or a question about research methodologies.

• Process Step 3 (Team Interview): An interview with the hiring manager (Tim) and potentially a senior team member. This stage assesses technical understanding, problem-solving skills, teamwork aptitude, and motivation for the internship. Questions may delve into academic projects and research interests.

• Process Step 4 (Final Evaluation): A concluding discussion to cover any remaining questions, confirm details like start date and duration, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Academic Project Focus: Highlight academic projects where you applied research methodologies. Clearly state the objective, your role, the methods used, the data analyzed, and the key findings or insights.

• Process Clarity: For each project, briefly outline the research process you followed. This demonstrates your understanding of systematic research design and execution.

• Data Visualization Examples: If you have created charts, graphs, or dashboards to present data, include them. This showcases your ability to communicate findings visually.

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize any experience or interest related to user experience, consumer behavior, or the automotive industry, even if from coursework or personal projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Methodology: Be prepared to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Data Analysis Concepts: Understand basic statistical concepts and how to interpret common data visualizations.

• Automotive Industry Awareness: Show awareness of current trends or challenges in the automotive sector related to user experience or consumer preferences.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to approach a hypothetical research problem, outlining how you would go about gathering and analyzing information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an internship will focus on foundational knowledge and potential. Demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and a genuine interest in the field will be key. For operations candidates, emphasizing analytical thinking, data interpretation, and presentation skills will be vital, even if applied in an academic context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Essential for daily tasks.

  • Excel: For data organization, basic analysis, and manipulation.
  • PowerPoint: Crucial for creating client presentations, reports, and internal documentation.

• Statistical Software (Preferred):

  • SPSS: Widely used for statistical analysis in social sciences and market research.
  • R: A powerful open-source language and environment for statistical computing and graphics, increasingly popular in data analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly named, candidates are expected to have a basic understanding of how to visualize data. This could involve Excel charts, PowerPoint SmartArt, or potentially exposure to more advanced tools if R or SPSS are used.

• Survey Platforms (Implied): The mention of conducting studies and creating survey questionnaires suggests familiarity with or ability to learn survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, LimeSurvey).

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: This role is focused on research and analysis, not direct CRM management or sales automation. However, understanding how research findings feed into CRM strategies or marketing automation is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in MS Office is a baseline requirement. Knowledge of SPSS or R is a significant advantage, indicating a stronger analytical capability. For operations roles, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation tools would be more standard, but the analytical tools here are relevant to data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Expertise & Engagement: A commitment to providing high-quality consulting services with genuine enthusiasm and dedication to client success.

• User-Centricity: Placing the user and consumer perspective at the forefront of product and service development processes.

• Data-Driven Approach: Relying on rigorous data analysis and insights to inform strategic recommendations and decision-making.

• Efficiency & Collaboration: Working effectively within teams, optimizing workflows, and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve project goals.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging curiosity and a proactive approach to acquiring new knowledge and skills, particularly in evolving research methodologies and the automotive sector.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between researchers, project managers, and client teams to ensure research findings are well-integrated into development processes.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to foster continuous improvement in research quality and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and organization to build collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of professional expertise, collaborative spirit, and a strong focus on user insights. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment that values analytical rigor, teamwork, and a commitment to delivering impactful results through data-driven strategies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Projects: Interns may face the challenge of contributing to complex, multi-faceted projects for large clients, requiring them to quickly grasp project scope and client needs.

• Data Interpretation Nuances: Mastering the interpretation of diverse data types (qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, behavioral data) and translating them into actionable insights can be challenging.

• Automotive Industry Specifics: Understanding the intricacies of the automotive market, consumer behavior, and technological trends within this sector requires dedicated learning.

• Balancing Academic and Internship Demands: Effectively managing time and workload between academic studies and internship responsibilities requires strong organizational skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Mastery: Deepen understanding and practical application of various qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including experimental design, survey methods, and behavioral analysis.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience and knowledge within the automotive industry, a dynamic and technologically advanced sector.

• Consulting Skills: Develop core consulting competencies such as client communication, project management, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

• Tool Proficiency: Enhance skills in data analysis and visualization tools, potentially including R and SPSS, which are highly valued across many analytical roles.

• Mentorship: Benefit from direct guidance and mentorship from experienced researchers and project managers, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an internship in a demanding consulting environment. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a solid foundation for a career in research, analytics, or even strategic roles within operations, by building analytical skills and industry-specific knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Design: "Imagine a client wants to understand why users are abandoning their online checkout process. How would you approach designing a study to identify the root causes?" (Focus on methodology, data sources, and analytical steps.)

• Data Interpretation: "You've collected survey data showing a dip in customer satisfaction for a specific car model. What steps would you take to analyze this data and understand the underlying reasons?" (Emphasis on analytical approach and potential follow-up research.)

• Problem-Solving: "A project deadline is approaching, and some crucial data is missing. What would be your immediate steps to address this situation?" (Assesses proactivity, problem-solving skills, and communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in user and UX research, and specifically within the automotive industry?" (Tailor your answer to reflect genuine interest and alignment with the company's focus.)

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked on a team project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and contribution.)

• Learning Aptitude: "How do you typically approach learning new tools or methodologies?" (Demonstrate a proactive and structured learning approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Overview: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific contribution, and the methodologies employed.

• Process Flow: Walk through the research process step-by-step, from problem definition to final recommendations.

• Data Highlights: Showcase key findings using clear visuals (charts, graphs) and explain the insights derived from the data.

• Impact Statement: Briefly articulate the potential impact or implications of your findings for the client or product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating analytical thinking, a structured approach to research, and a strong interest in the company's domain. For operations candidates, framing answers to highlight transferable skills like data analysis, problem-solving, and process thinking will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent position:

• Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Spiegel Institut careers page. Ensure all required documents (CV, cover letter, transcripts if requested) are uploaded.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight academic projects, relevant coursework, and any practical experience that demonstrates your understanding of research methodologies, data analysis, and your interest in user behavior and the automotive industry. Use keywords like "UX research," "data analysis," "quantitative," "qualitative," and "MS Office."

• Craft a Focused Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your motivation for pursuing an internship at Spiegel Institut, your specific interest in UX research and the automotive sector, and how your skills align with the role's requirements. Mention your current degree program and expected graduation date.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile examples of academic projects that showcase your research design, data analysis, and presentation skills. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Spiegel Institut's services, client portfolio (especially automotive clients), and any recent projects or news. Understand their approach to user experience consulting.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to research methodologies, problem-solving, teamwork, and your motivation for the role. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and academic work.

⚠️ 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.