Summer 2027 Intern - Enterprise Research - UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer 2027 Intern - Enterprise Research - UX Researcher

Company: State Farm

Location: Bloomington, Illinois, United States; Dunwoody, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Intern

Category: User Experience Research / Operations

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote option for the right candidate)

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on conducting user-centered research to inform the design and refinement of software and non-software products within State Farm's enterprise.

• You will collaborate closely with experienced UX Research professionals, developers, and designers to gather critical user insights.

• The role involves applying various user research methodologies to guide product development throughout its lifecycle, from initial concept to iterative testing.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a large, established financial services organization, contributing to the evolution of customer digital experiences and internal business tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Enterprise Research - UX Researcher," the responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on user experience research within a product development context. The operations aspect comes from understanding how research findings influence product design, development processes, and ultimately, the efficiency and effectiveness of customer and employee interactions with State Farm's systems and platforms. This is crucial for optimizing user journeys and driving business outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and conduct user research studies using methodologies such as ethnography, concept testing, task analysis, conceptual design, iterative usability testing, and assessment usability testing.

• Collaborate with development and design teams to integrate user feedback into the product development lifecycle for Statefarm.com®, mobile applications, and internal business tools.

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data sets from user research to identify key insights, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

• Present research findings and actionable recommendations to stakeholders, including product managers, designers, and developers, to influence product strategy and design decisions.

• Contribute to the continuous refinement of products and processes by ensuring user needs and behaviors are central to design and implementation.

• Assist in the planning and execution of research initiatives, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.

• Document research processes, findings, and recommendations in a clear and organized manner for knowledge sharing and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are deeply rooted in UX research, but their application within an enterprise like State Farm inherently involves operational considerations. Understanding how research impacts the efficiency of digital platforms, the effectiveness of internal tools for sales force and employees, and the overall customer journey are operational outcomes. The internship role is about gathering data that drives operational improvements in product design and user interaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Current Graduate-level student (Master's or PhD) pursuing an advanced degree in User Experience Research, Human Factors, HCI (Human Computer Interactions), Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, or a closely related field. Experience:

• While this is an internship, a foundational understanding of research principles and methodologies is expected. Previous academic projects or coursework demonstrating application of these principles will be beneficial. Required Skills:

• Understanding of experimental design principles.

• Basic understanding of quantitative data analysis.

• Basic understanding of qualitative data analysis.

• Familiarity with user-centered research methodologies (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific UX research tools (e.g., Qualtrics, UserTesting.com, Lookback).

• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R).

• Exposure to agile development methodologies.

• Portfolio showcasing academic research projects or relevant coursework.

• Proactive and eager to learn in a professional research setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are geared towards graduate students, indicating a need for a strong theoretical and methodological foundation in UX research. The emphasis on experimental design and data analysis points to a requirement for rigorous, data-driven insights, which are critical for operational efficiency and effectiveness in product development. The mention of a portfolio suggests a need to demonstrate practical application of learned skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio is highly recommended to showcase academic projects, research studies, or any relevant work demonstrating your understanding of UX research methodologies.

• Highlight projects that involved experimental design, data collection (both quantitative and qualitative), and analysis.

• Include examples where you translated research findings into actionable design recommendations or process improvements.

• Showcase your ability to document research processes and present findings clearly. Process Documentation:

• While not a primary focus for an intern, understanding how research findings are documented and integrated into product development workflows is key.

• Familiarize yourself with how research insights inform design specifications, user stories, and sprint planning in a product development context.

• Be prepared to document your own research activities and findings during the internship.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the portfolio requirement is less about professional deliverables and more about demonstrating academic capability and potential. The focus should be on how academic projects reflect an understanding of research processes, data analysis, and the ability to derive insights that can influence product or process design—the operational outcome.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $32.50/hour

Stipend: $2,000.00

Benefits:

• Time Off:

  • 40 hours of Life Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Company Holidays

• Financial Benefits:

  • 401(K) Savings Plan (Eligible at age 18)
  • Mutual Funds (Eligible at age 18)
  • Commuter Benefits

• Miscellaneous Benefits:

  • Wellness programs

  • US Discount program

  • Good Neighbor Grant program

  • Matching Gift program

  • Employee Assistance Fund Working Hours: 38.75 hours/week

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate and stipend are competitive for a UX Research internship. The benefits package, while standard for interns, includes elements like Life Leave and Company Holidays that contribute to a supportive work environment. The 401(K) and Mutual Funds eligibility are notable for an internship, offering early exposure to long-term financial planning. The hours are slightly above standard full-time, indicating an intensive learning experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Insurance

Company Size: Large Enterprise (State Farm is one of the largest insurance providers in the US, with tens of thousands of employees). This scale means exposure to complex systems, established processes, and a wide range of user needs.

Founded: 1922. State Farm has a long history, implying a blend of traditional operational excellence and a forward-looking approach to digital transformation, as indicated by their "Next Gen Good Neighbor" initiative.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team likely operates within a larger Product Development or Technology division.

• Interns will work alongside experienced UX Researchers, potentially reporting to a lead researcher or a manager.

• Close collaboration with product managers, designers, developers, and potentially business analysts is expected. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with UX research providing critical inputs.

• A user-centered approach is being integrated into product development.

• Emphasis on improving customer digital experiences and internal business tools for efficiency and effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: State Farm's culture is built on the "Good Neighbor" philosophy, emphasizing community, trust, and customer focus. For operations roles, this translates to a commitment to reliable processes, ethical data handling, and a genuine desire to improve customer and employee experiences through technology and well-designed systems. The "Next Gen Good Neighbor" initiative highlights a strategic push towards innovation and leveraging technology to enhance these core values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed for students pursuing advanced degrees. It provides foundational experience in UX research within a corporate environment.

Reporting Structure: Interns will typically report to a dedicated mentor or manager within the UX Research team, who will guide their projects and professional development.

Operations Impact: UX research directly impacts the operational efficiency and effectiveness of State Farm's products and services. By identifying user pain points and opportunities, research findings help streamline digital interactions, improve the usability of internal tools, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction and employee productivity. Interns will contribute to this impact by providing valuable user insights.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard UX research tools and methodologies. Develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and user advocacy.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the intricacies of UX research within the financial services and insurance sector, understanding unique user needs and regulatory considerations.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced researchers, designers, and product teams, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future internship opportunities or full-time entry-level roles within State Farm's technology and product divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is a stepping stone. The growth is primarily in skill acquisition and practical application within a large corporate setting. The "operations impact" is indirect, as the intern's role is to gather and analyze data that informs operational improvements in product design and user experience, rather than directly managing or optimizing operational processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement is offered, with opportunities for both in-office and virtual interaction. This suggests a flexible work model that balances collaboration with individual work.

Office Location(s):

• Bloomington, IL: State Farm's corporate headquarters, a large campus environment.

• Dunwoody, GA: A significant regional presence. Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be collaborative, with interns working closely with their research teams.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for research, data analysis, and communication will be provided.

• The Bloomington campus likely offers extensive amenities and opportunities for networking with a large employee base.

Work Schedule: 38.75 hours/week, indicating a focused and intensive internship experience. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in how those hours are structured, potentially balancing in-office collaboration days with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key factor for many candidates. For operations roles, understanding how different work arrangements impact team collaboration, communication flows, and the availability of resources (like specialized software or quiet spaces for analysis) is important. The "remote option for the right candidate" suggests that while in-office interaction is valued, strong remote capabilities are also recognized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume via the State Farm career site.

• On-Demand Interview: Competitive candidates will be invited to participate in an on-demand interview, likely a video interview where candidates respond to pre-recorded questions.

• Potential Further Interviews: Depending on the hiring manager's process, there may be subsequent interviews (e.g., with the hiring manager, team members) to assess fit, skills, and project alignment.

• Portfolio Review: While not explicitly stated as a separate step, a portfolio showcasing relevant academic work is highly recommended and will likely be reviewed during the interview process, particularly if specific project examples are requested.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your research process for each project: problem definition, methodology selection, data collection, analysis techniques, and interpretation of results.

• Highlight Impact: Even for academic projects, explain the implications of your findings. How did your research inform a decision, solve a problem, or suggest an improvement? This demonstrates your understanding of how research drives action (operational impact).

• Data Visualization: If applicable, include examples of how you visualized data to make findings clear and compelling.

• Conciseness: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and align with the internship's focus on user-centered research.

• Tailor to UX Research: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your capabilities in User Experience Research, Human Factors, HCI, or related fields.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of experimental design and data analysis.

• Practice articulating your thought process for solving research problems.

• Familiarize yourself with common UX research methodologies and when to apply them.

• Research State Farm's products and services to understand their user base and potential research areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-demand interview" is a common modern hiring practice. Candidates should prepare concise, impactful answers that can be delivered effectively in a recorded format. The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of theoretical knowledge, especially for demonstrating how research can lead to operational improvements in product design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: While not specified, expect exposure to tools like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Lookback, or similar platforms for surveys, interviews, and usability testing.

• Data Analysis Software: Familiarity with tools for analyzing quantitative data (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R) and qualitative data (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail, or manual coding methods) is beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Expect to use standard enterprise collaboration suites (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom) for communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While the intern may not directly use advanced analytics platforms, understanding how research feeds into product analytics and performance metrics is important. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX Researcher role, but understanding that research influences customer-facing systems (CRM) and internal automation processes is part of the broader operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific UX research tools is less critical for an intern than a strong understanding of the principles behind them. The ability to learn new tools quickly and apply research methodologies is key. The mention of "business tools that are used by our sales force and employees" suggests that research might also extend to internal productivity software, highlighting a broader operational scope.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs, driving user-centered design and product improvements.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by research and data, emphasizing rigorous analysis and evidence-based recommendations.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to refine processes, products, and experiences through feedback and iteration.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and data handling, reflecting State Farm's core values.

Collaboration Style:

• Likely a blend of structured team meetings, working sessions with designers and developers, and independent research activities.

• Open communication and feedback are encouraged, especially within the research team.

• The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and clear documentation to ensure alignment across different work locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: State Farm's "Good Neighbor" ethos translates into a culture that values reliability, community, and making a positive impact. For operations and research roles, this means a focus on creating solutions that are not only efficient but also user-friendly and trustworthy. The emphasis on collaboration is crucial for ensuring research insights are effectively integrated into product development, driving tangible operational improvements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale of Enterprise: Navigating the complexities of a large organization with established processes and diverse user groups.

• Translating Insights: Effectively communicating research findings to diverse stakeholders and ensuring they translate into actionable product changes.

• Balancing Methodologies: Applying the most appropriate research methods within project constraints (time, budget, resources).

• Adapting to Hybrid Work: Maintaining strong team cohesion and research momentum in a hybrid or remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX Researchers.

• Practical Application: Hands-on experience with real-world product challenges.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the UX research landscape within the financial services industry.

• Professional Networking: Building connections within a large, reputable organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in gaining practical, real-world experience in UX research within a large, established enterprise. The challenges are typical for interns working in corporate environments, emphasizing the learning curve involved in understanding organizational dynamics and translating academic knowledge into business impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging research project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles." (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and analytical skills.)

• "How would you approach researching the usability of a new feature for a mobile banking app?" (Demonstrate your understanding of research methodologies and user-centered design principles.)

• "Imagine you have conflicting feedback from user testing. How would you reconcile these differences to make a recommendation?" (Showcase your analytical skills and ability to make data-driven decisions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX Research at State Farm specifically?" (Research State Farm's recent initiatives, products, and their "Next Gen Good Neighbor" vision. Connect your interests to their goals.)

• "How do you see your role as an intern contributing to the 'Good Neighbor' philosophy?" (Think about how improving user experiences contributes to serving customers better.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment for collaboration." (Align your response with State Farm's emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, tell a clear story: the problem, your approach, the data you gathered, your findings, and your recommendations.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you conducted the research, not just what you found. This demonstrates your methodological understanding.

• Highlight Data Analysis: Show examples of how you analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data to derive insights.

• Visual Clarity: Use clear visuals (screenshots, charts, diagrams) to support your presentation and make complex information understandable.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-demand interview format requires practice in delivering clear, concise answers under timed conditions. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to articulate your research process and findings with confidence. Understanding State Farm's core values and their current strategic direction will be crucial for demonstrating fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the State Farm career site by clicking "Apply" on the job listing page and uploading your resume.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and any experience demonstrating experimental design, data analysis (quantitative and qualitative), and user research methodologies. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Experience Research," "Human Factors," "HCI," "Ethnography," "Usability Testing," and "Experimental Design."

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your strongest academic research projects that showcase your skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your understanding of user-centered research.

• Practice for the on-demand interview: Prepare concise answers for common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your research process, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills. Research State Farm's mission and values.

• Research State Farm: Understand their products (especially digital offerings like Statefarm.com® and mobile apps), their "Good Neighbor" philosophy, and their "Next Gen Good Neighbor" initiative to better articulate your interest and how you can contribute.

⚠️ 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.