Product Design (UX) Intern - (Part-Time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design (UX) Intern - (Part-Time)

Company: O.C. Tanner

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Intern

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This part-time internship focuses on contributing to the design of intuitive, human-centered user experiences for O.C. Tanner's recognition platform, impacting millions of employees globally.

• The role involves hands-on product work, supporting the creation of wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Interns will gain practical experience in user research activities, including usability testing and interviews, to inform design iterations and product improvements.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineers, is a key aspect, fostering an understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle.

• Opportunity to contribute to and learn from an established design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across the product suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Product Design (UX) Intern," the description strongly emphasizes user experience (UX) principles and practical design application. The enhancement categorizes this role primarily under Product Design / User Experience (UX) to better reflect the day-to-day responsibilities and skill focus typical of such internships. The "0-2 Years" experience level is inferred from its internship nature, assuming candidates are current students or recent graduates with limited professional experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the end-to-end design process for web and mobile applications within O.C. Tanner's Culture Cloud suite.

• Translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes using Figma.

• Assist in planning and conducting user research activities, such as usability testing sessions, user interviews, and competitive analysis, to gather actionable insights.

• Synthesize research findings and user feedback into design recommendations and iterations, ensuring human-centered design principles are applied.

• Collaborate closely with product managers to understand feature requirements and with engineers to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.

• Contribute to the maintenance and evolution of the company's design system, ensuring design consistency and scalability across the platform.

• Prepare and present design concepts, prototypes, and findings to design leads, product teams, and stakeholders, articulating design rationale effectively.

• Iterate on design solutions based on feedback from mentors, cross-functional teams, and user testing results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are expanded to detail the typical lifecycle of UX design tasks within an internship, from initial concepting and research to collaboration and iteration. This provides a clearer picture of the day-to-day activities and the expected level of contribution for an intern, aligning with common practices in product development environments for UX interns.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing a degree in UX Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field.

Experience: Limited to no professional experience required, as this is an internship role. A strong academic background and demonstrated project work are essential.

Required Skills:

• A portfolio that clearly showcases your design thinking process, problem-solving abilities, and user-centered approach (beyond just final visual outputs).

• Foundational understanding of UX design principles, including user flows, wire-framing, prototyping, information architecture, and usability heuristics.

• Proficiency in Figma for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Strong visual design skills with an eye for layout, typography, and color theory.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and user insights clearly.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to or practical experience with user research methodologies, including usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and heuristic evaluations.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design principles to ensure products are usable by a diverse audience.

• Experience working on team-based projects or contributing to real-world design challenges, either academically or through personal projects.

• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and how design translates to code.

• Experience with other design or prototyping tools such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or InVision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Our Expectations" and "Nice to Have" sections from the original description are integrated into "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" respectively. The education requirement is broadened to include related fields like HCI and Cognitive Science, which are common paths for UX professionals. The portfolio requirement is emphasized as crucial for demonstrating process, not just aesthetics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of projects demonstrating your design process from problem identification to solution.

• Case studies that detail the project's goals, your specific role and contributions, research methods employed, design decisions made, and outcomes achieved.

• Visual representations of key deliverables such as user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Evidence of iteration based on feedback, user testing, or data analysis.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly document your approach to understanding user needs and translating them into design solutions.

• Showcase how you've utilized user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and validate concepts.

• Demonstrate familiarity with iterative design processes, including how you incorporate feedback and refine designs.

• Highlight your ability to work within established design systems and contribute to their consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to the typical expectations for a UX intern's portfolio. It focuses on demonstrating the process of design—how the intern thinks, researches, designs, and iterates—rather than just polished final screens. This aligns with how design leaders evaluate junior talent for UX roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Internships at O.C. Tanner in Salt Lake City, Utah, typically offer an hourly wage reflective of industry standards for UX Design interns. Based on current market data for similar roles in the Salt Lake City area, an estimated range of $18 - $25 per hour is expected for this part-time position. This range accounts for the intern level, the specialized skills in UX design, and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and learning opportunities from experienced UX designers and researchers.

• Skill Development: Hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools (Figma) and methodologies.

• Portfolio Building: Opportunity to work on real product features and add substantial projects to your professional portfolio.

• Networking: Exposure to a global team and cross-functional collaboration within a leading organization.

• Learning Environment: A supportive culture that encourages learning, asking questions, and professional growth.

• Employee Experience Focus: Gain insights into designing for employee well-being and workplace culture.

Working Hours: This is a part-time role. The exact number of hours per week will be discussed during the hiring process, but it is expected to align with typical internship schedules, likely ranging from 15-25 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate academic commitments where feasible.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for UX Design internships in Salt Lake City, Utah. The benefits are detailed to highlight the unique advantages of an internship at a company like O.C. Tanner, focusing on professional development and learning opportunities relevant to a UX career. Working hours are clarified as part-time with potential for flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software & Services (specifically focusing on Employee Experience, Recognition, and Workplace Culture solutions). O.C. Tanner operates in the HR Tech and Employee Engagement space, providing a SaaS platform and services that are critical for modern organizations aiming to foster positive work environments.

Company Size: O.C. Tanner is a global leader with approximately 1,500 employees worldwide, operating in 58 countries. This indicates a stable, well-established organization with significant reach and resources, yet small enough to foster a sense of community and direct impact for interns.

Founded: O.C. Tanner was founded in 1927, bringing over 90 years of experience in creating meaningful employee experiences. This long history suggests a deep understanding of workplace dynamics and a commitment to innovation and client relationships, which influences their approach to product development and company culture.

Team Structure:

• The product design team is likely structured to support O.C. Tanner's "Culture Cloud" suite, with designers specializing in different product areas or user journeys (e.g., recognition, service awards, wellbeing).

• Interns will report to a design lead or mentor, working within project teams that typically include Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially UX Researchers.

Methodology:

• O.C. Tanner employs a "Culture by Design" approach, suggesting a strategic, thoughtful, and user-centric methodology in developing their products and services.

• Design processes likely involve a blend of user-centered design principles, agile development methodologies, and a strong focus on data-driven insights and continuous improvement.

• Emphasis is placed on creating meaningful employee experiences, which translates into a design philosophy focused on empathy, impact, and human connection.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is fleshed out to illustrate how O.C. Tanner's industry, size, and history influence its culture and operations. The "Culture by Design" philosophy is highlighted as a key driver for their product development and user experience approach, offering valuable context for design interns.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Internship level, designed for individuals early in their career journey. It provides foundational exposure to professional product design within a large-scale SaaS environment. The focus is on learning, skill development, and gaining practical experience to build a future career in UX or Product Design.

Reporting Structure: Interns will typically report to a designated Design Mentor, who will guide their day-to-day work, provide feedback, and oversee their development. This mentor will likely be a Senior UX Designer or Design Lead within the product team. The intern will also collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers on specific projects.

Operations Impact: While this is an internship, the work directly contributes to O.C. Tanner's mission of improving employee experiences for millions of users worldwide. The designs created by interns can influence user engagement, satisfaction, and the overall effectiveness of the Culture Cloud platform, demonstrating the tangible impact of UX design on business objectives and user lives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas such as interaction design, user research, or design systems through project work and mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working on an enterprise-level SaaS product, understanding the complexities of designing for a global user base and diverse organizational needs.

• Networking & Mentorship: Build professional connections and receive guidance from experienced designers, product managers, and engineers, which can be instrumental for future career steps.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Successfully complete projects that can be added to a professional portfolio, showcasing practical skills and a proven design process, significantly boosting future job prospects.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Strong performance in this internship may lead to opportunities for future internships or even full-time roles within O.C. Tanner's design or product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the internship role within a broader career context. It emphasizes the learning and development aspects crucial for interns, framing the experience as a stepping stone for a career in UX/Product Design. The "Operations Impact" is reframed to highlight how even intern contributions connect to business goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site" at O.C. Tanner's Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the O.C. Tanner Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. This specific location likely offers a professional workspace with access to amenities and a central hub for company operations.

Workspace Context:

• The Salt Lake City headquarters is expected to provide a professional and collaborative office setting. Interns will likely have access to dedicated workstations, meeting rooms, and common areas designed to foster team interaction.

• The environment will be equipped with the necessary design tools and technology, including access to Figma and other relevant software, supporting efficient design workflows and collaboration.

• Interns will have opportunities to interact daily with their design mentors, product managers, engineers, and other team members, facilitating learning through observation, discussion, and direct collaboration.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time role, with an expectation of approximately 15-25 hours per week. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in scheduling to accommodate academic requirements, but the core hours will be during the standard business day to ensure effective collaboration with full-time team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is interpreted to describe a typical professional office environment, focusing on the collaborative aspects expected in such settings for interns. The workspace context emphasizes the tools and interpersonal interactions that are key to an intern's learning experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Typically involves presenting your portfolio to the design team, discussing your design process, and potentially completing a small design exercise or case study analysis. Be prepared to articulate your thought process and design rationale.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions to assess your communication skills, collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback and learning. You may meet with your potential mentor and other team members.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with a hiring manager or senior leader to confirm fit and answer any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your journey: problem identification, user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Show how you arrived at your solutions.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies like narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes.

• Showcase Figma Work: Highlight specific examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs created in Figma.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, discuss the intended impact or any measurable results if available. For this role, focus on demonstrating user empathy and problem-solving.

• Keep it Concise: Select 3-4 strong projects that best represent your skills and process. Ensure clarity and easy navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with O.C. Tanner's platform and its core offerings (recognition, employee experience).

• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to walk through your problem-solving approach for a given scenario.

• Articulate Rationale: Practice explaining why you made specific design decisions, referencing UX principles and user needs.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team, projects, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice specific to UX internships. It breaks down the typical interview stages and offers concrete tips for portfolio presentation and preparing for design challenges, focusing on demonstrating design thinking and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design. Proficiency is essential for this role.

• Prototyping Tools (within Figma or separate): For creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and gather feedback.

• Design Systems: Familiarity with using and contributing to established design systems for consistency and scalability.

Analytics & Reporting:

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira/Confluence: Commonly used for tracking tasks, user stories, and project documentation within agile development teams.

• Slack/Microsoft Teams: For daily communication and team collaboration.

• Video Conferencing Tools (Zoom, Google Meet): For remote collaboration and team meetings.

Other Potential Tools (Nice to Have):

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): For asset creation or more advanced graphic design tasks.

• User Research Platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze): If involved in research activities.

• Miro/FigJam: For collaborative whiteboarding and brainstorming.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the software and tools most relevant to a UX intern. Figma is emphasized as the primary tool. The inclusion of collaboration and project management tools provides context on how design work integrates with the broader development process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A strong emphasis on understanding and designing for the needs of users (employees and organizations). Empathy is a core driver.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines (design, product, engineering) to achieve shared goals. Open communication and teamwork are paramount.

• Iteration & Learning: A culture that embraces continuous improvement through feedback, testing, and learning from both successes and failures.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on creating meaningful experiences that genuinely improve workplace culture and employee well-being.

• Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality design execution and attention to detail in all aspects of the product.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is not siloed; it's deeply integrated with product management and engineering from concept to launch.

• Feedback-Oriented: Regular design critiques and reviews are common, encouraging open and constructive feedback to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings, fostering a collective growth environment.

• Agile and Iterative: Working in sprints and cycles, allowing for flexibility and rapid adaptation based on new information or user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates O.C. Tanner's stated mission and industry focus into actionable cultural values and collaboration styles relevant to a UX design intern, providing insight into the team's operational ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Technical Constraints: Learning to create innovative designs while understanding and respecting the technical limitations and development timelines of enterprise software.

• Incorporating Diverse User Needs: Designing for a broad spectrum of users across different industries and roles, requiring deep empathy and the ability to generalize findings effectively.

• Navigating a Large Product Ecosystem: Understanding how new features fit into an existing, complex SaaS platform and its established design system.

• Receiving and Acting on Feedback: Developing the resilience and skill to take constructive criticism from mentors and stakeholders and translate it into improved designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship Program: Direct access to experienced design professionals for guidance, skill development, and career advice.

• Workshops & Training: Potential access to internal training sessions or resources focused on design tools, methodologies, or industry trends.

• Exposure to Enterprise Design: Gaining practical experience in an enterprise software environment, which differs significantly from smaller-scale projects.

• Networking: Building relationships with professionals in the HR Tech and Employee Experience space.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The primary growth opportunity is creating tangible work for a professional portfolio that can launch a career.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to an intern in a corporate UX role and frames them as learning opportunities, directly linking them to the growth aspects of the internship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with business requirements. How did you approach it?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio or academic work.)

• "Walk me through your design process for a project you're proud of. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on your portfolio's strongest case study.)

• "How do you incorporate user feedback into your designs?" (Discuss your experience with iteration and specific feedback loops.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about O.C. Tanner and our mission to improve employee experiences?" (Research the company's values and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your projects, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Focus on "Why": For each design decision, explain the rationale behind it, linking it back to user needs or business goals.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your points.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and how you'd handle specific design scenarios.

• Enthusiasm and Coachability: Convey your passion for design and your eagerness to learn and be mentored.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable interview preparation advice for a UX intern role, including example questions tailored to O.C. Tanner's context and practical tips for portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Internship:

• Submit your resume and portfolio through the provided application link. Ensure your resume is tailored to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills.

• Portfolio Customization: Your portfolio should prominently feature projects that demonstrate your design thinking process, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with Figma. Select 2-3 strong case studies that best align with the responsibilities outlined.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your academic background, any relevant design projects (academic or personal), and list your proficiency in key UX tools like Figma. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with O.C. Tanner's mission, products (Culture Cloud), and values. Understand their commitment to employee experience and workplace culture.

⚠️ 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.

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