Summer Associate Intern-UX Design/Web Development

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer Associate Intern - UX Design/Web Development

Company: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: Full-Time Internship

Category: UX Design & Web Development Operations

Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3-4 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a foundational introduction to User Experience (UX) and web design within a large, impactful organization.

• Participants will gain hands-on experience by contributing to the development of website pages and a dedicated web platform project.

• The role involves practical application of SEO/tagging principles in a live production environment.

• Interns will engage in essential business operations, including maintaining strict confidentiality and reporting on project developments.

• The program emphasizes professional development through mentoring, performance evaluations, and final presentations to leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in UX Design and Web Development, it's positioned within "Operations" due to its focus on website maintenance, SEO/tagging, and structured project execution within a corporate framework. The "Operations" aspect refers to the operational support of the organization's digital presence and internal processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Website Development Support: Assist in building and updating pages for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) website, ensuring content accuracy and adherence to design standards.

• Web Platform Project Contribution: Participate actively in a designated project focused on the organization's web platform, contributing to design, development, or testing phases as assigned.

• SEO and Tagging Implementation: Execute SEO best practices and content tagging strategies within the production environment to enhance website visibility and organization.

• Confidentiality and Compliance: Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all company business and adhere to policies such as HIPAA, Diversity Principles, Corporate Integrity, and the Compliance Program.

• Project Reporting and Updates: Keep management informed of progress, challenges, and developments within assigned areas of responsibility and special projects.

• Final Presentation: Develop and deliver a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation to department leadership, summarizing the internship experience, project outcomes, results achieved, and recommendations for future initiatives.

• Mentorship and Learning: Actively engage with assigned mentors to gain insights into UX/web design principles and corporate operations.

• Networking and Social Engagement: Participate in planned volunteer activities, social outings, and networking events to build professional relationships and understand organizational culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are structured to provide a comprehensive internship experience, balancing direct project contribution with professional development and adherence to corporate standards. The inclusion of HIPAA and compliance training highlights the critical nature of data security and regulatory adherence within BCBSA's operational environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Web Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, Information Technology, or related discipline).

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively interact with colleagues, mentors, and project stakeholders.

• Effective Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities for clear articulation of ideas, updates, and presentation delivery.

• Problem-Solving Abilities: Capacity to identify issues, analyze situations, and propose viable solutions within project scope.

• Analytical Skills: Aptitude for understanding data, user feedback, and project requirements to inform design and development decisions.

• Self-Starter Mentality: Proactive approach to tasks, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Time Management Skills: Proficiency in managing multiple tasks, prioritizing work, and meeting deadlines within a structured program.

• Developing Computer Skills: Foundational knowledge of common office software.

• Unrestricted Authorization to Work: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship (including F1, OPT, CPT, or H1B visas).

Preferred Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Experience with web development languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and frameworks is highly beneficial.

• UX/UI Design Tools: Familiarity with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Exposure to CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) is advantageous.

• SEO/Tagging Tools: Basic understanding of SEO principles and experience with tagging or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is preferred.

• SharePoint: Familiarity with SharePoint for document management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1+ Year relevant degree level Required" is interpreted as experience gained through academic pursuits or early-stage professional exposure, fitting for an internship. The emphasis on both technical and soft skills underscores the need for well-rounded candidates who can contribute to project execution and team integration. The strict visa sponsorship requirement is crucial for applicants to note.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Website Design Samples: Showcase at least one project demonstrating website page design, wireframing, or user flow creation.

• Web Development Snippets: Include examples of web development work, such as code repositories (e.g., GitHub) with functional web pages or components.

• UX/UI Project Case Study: Present a case study detailing a UX/UI project, outlining the problem, your approach, design process, user testing (if applicable), and final solution.

• SEO/Tagging Example: If possible, provide an example of how you've applied SEO principles or content tagging in a project, demonstrating an understanding of discoverability and organization.

• Final Presentation Exemplar: While not a direct submission, be prepared to discuss how you would structure a final presentation akin to the one required at the end of the internship, focusing on clear communication of results and recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of how design and development workflows are structured, from ideation to implementation.

• User-Centric Design Process: Articulate the steps involved in a user-centered design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Agile/Hybrid Methodologies: Show awareness of how projects are managed, especially in a hybrid in-office/remote or collaborative team environment, potentially referencing agile or iterative development principles.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Illustrate how data (user analytics, feedback) can inform design and development decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the portfolio expectations are geared towards demonstrating foundational knowledge and potential rather than extensive professional output. The emphasis is on showcasing understanding of design processes, development basics, and the ability to articulate project outcomes, aligning with the internship's learning and contribution goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $26.00 per hour (as stated in the job posting).

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

• Holidays: 11 paid holidays throughout the year.

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage.

• Dental Insurance: Dental care benefits.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits.

• 401(k) Matching: Generous employer matching contributions to retirement savings.

• Lifestyle Spending Account: Funds available for various personal wellness and lifestyle expenses.

• Mentorship Program: Structured guidance from experienced BCBSA professionals.

• Networking Opportunities: Access to internal events and professional development activities.

• Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Formal assessment of internship performance with constructive feedback.

Working Hours:

• Expected to work approximately 40 hours per week for the 10-week duration of the internship.

• This is a hybrid position, requiring 3-4 days in the office per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is set at $26.00/hour, which is a competitive rate for a Summer Associate Intern in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The benefits package listed is comprehensive, typical for a large association and beneficial for interns seeking a well-rounded professional experience. The hybrid work arrangement requires a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health Insurance and Healthcare Services. BCBSA acts as a federation of independent BCBS companies, playing a critical role in shaping healthcare policy and accessibility across the United States.

Company Size: Large organization, employing a significant number of individuals across various functions and locations. This size offers exposure to complex operational structures and diverse teams.

Founded: The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association was formed in 1982 through the consolidation of the Blue Cross Association and the National Association of Blue Shield Plans. This long history signifies stability and a deep-rooted presence in the healthcare industry.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The intern will likely be part of a digital team (e.g., Marketing, IT, Digital Strategy) responsible for the BCBSA website and web platforms.

• Reporting: Direct reporting to an internship coordinator or manager, with regular check-ins from assigned mentors.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Opportunities to interact with teams involved in content creation, digital marketing, IT infrastructure, and potentially policy/compliance, depending on project scope.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Emphasis on using data (analytics, user feedback) to inform website updates, SEO strategies, and platform improvements.

• User-Centric Design: A core principle that guides the development of digital interfaces, ensuring they meet the needs of members and stakeholders.

• Process Optimization: Focus on maintaining and improving the efficiency of website content management and digital platform operations.

• Compliance and Security: Strict adherence to industry regulations (HIPAA) and corporate policies is paramount in all operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: BCBSA's role as a national association means its operations are geared towards supporting a large network of independent BCBS companies. This implies a focus on scalability, standardization, and robust digital infrastructure. The culture likely balances corporate professionalism with a mission-driven approach to improving healthcare.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for students to gain initial exposure to professional UX Design, Web Development, and corporate operations. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for individuals looking to enter the technology and healthcare sectors.

Reporting Structure: Interns report to a designated manager or program coordinator. They are also assigned mentors from within the professional staff, providing guidance and support throughout the internship.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is project-specific, their contributions to website enhancements, SEO improvements, and platform projects can indirectly affect user experience, information accessibility, and the overall digital presence of BCBSA, which in turn supports its mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical skills in UX/UI design, web development, SEO, content management, and professional communication.

• Industry Exposure: Deepen understanding of the healthcare industry and the operational challenges of a large national association.

• Networking: Build connections with BCBSA professionals, potentially leading to future internship or full-time opportunities.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop tangible project examples and a final presentation to showcase to future employers.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future opportunities within BCBSA or its affiliated companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this internship is primarily focused on foundational skill acquisition and professional exposure. It's an opportunity for students to test their career interests and build a professional network within a significant organization. While not a direct management track, it lays the groundwork for future development in UX/Web Development roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. The role requires 3-4 days per week in the BCBSA office located in Chicago, IL, with the remaining days allowing for remote work. This setup aims to balance in-person collaboration with flexibility.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL (primary location for this specific internship). The job description also mentions Washington D.C. as a potential internship location, though this posting specifies Chicago.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration among teams, facilitating brainstorming, project discussions, and team meetings.

• Technology Access: Interns will have access to necessary company equipment, software, and digital tools to perform their duties effectively.

• Professional Setting: The workplace is a professional corporate environment, emphasizing adherence to business etiquette and standards.

• Mentorship Integration: Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with mentors and team members to foster learning and integration.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, aligning with typical full-time internship schedules.

• The hybrid model allows for structured in-office days and remote flexibility, requiring strong self-management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring interns to be adaptable and proficient in both remote and in-office collaboration tools and practices. The Chicago office location provides access to a major metropolitan hub with diverse professional and cultural opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and potentially academic transcripts to assess qualifications against minimum requirements.

• Skills Assessment: Likely a technical or behavioral interview focusing on UX/Web Development skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication. This may include a review of your portfolio.

• Case Study/Project Discussion: An opportunity to discuss past projects in detail, explaining your role, process, and outcomes. For this internship, they may present a hypothetical problem or ask about your approach to a specific design/development challenge.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, enthusiasm, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Presentation Preparation: If selected, you might be asked to prepare a short presentation on a topic related to UX/Web Development or a hypothetical project approach.

• Offer: Extension of an offer to successful candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase skills relevant to UX Design, Web Development, and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the design/development process, tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Visuals are key.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to articulate the results or benefits of your work. For example, "improved user flow by X%" or "created a more accessible interface."

• Website/GitHub: Ensure any links to your online portfolio or GitHub repository are active, well-organized, and clearly demonstrate your capabilities.

• Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio items verbally, articulating your thought process and decision-making for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand BCBSA's Mission: Research BCBSA's role in healthcare, its mission, and its target audience. Think about how UX/Web Development supports these goals.

• Review UX/Web Dev Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of core UX principles (user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing) and web development basics (HTML, CSS, responsive design, SEO).

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about teamwork, problem-solving, handling challenges, and learning new skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, mentorship, and the overall internship experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The review process for an internship will focus more on potential, foundational knowledge, and enthusiasm than extensive professional experience. The portfolio should highlight academic or personal projects that demonstrate a grasp of the core concepts and a proactive learning attitude.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Web Content Management Systems (CMS): Likely experience with or exposure to enterprise-level CMS platforms used for managing website content.

• Web Development Languages: Foundational understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is expected for web development tasks.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, mockups, and prototyping.

• Version Control Systems: Exposure to Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab for code management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Understanding of tools like Google Analytics for tracking website traffic, user behavior, and SEO performance.

• SEO Tools: Familiarity with basic SEO principles and potentially tools for keyword research or site auditing.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data analysis, and presentations.

• SharePoint: Used for document management, collaboration, and internal information sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the responsibilities point towards a need for familiarity with standard web design/development stacks, CMS, and analytics. For an intern, demonstrating a willingness and ability to learn these tools quickly is often more critical than prior expert-level experience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to improving healthcare quality, affordability, and accessibility for all Americans. This purpose often drives operational decisions and team motivation.

• Integrity and Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards, including adherence to policies like HIPAA, Corporate Integrity, and Compliance Programs. This is non-negotiable in the healthcare industry.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where individuals work together across departments to achieve common goals.

• Innovation and Improvement: Encouraging proactive approaches to problem-solving and seeking ways to enhance processes, digital experiences, and services.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Valuing diverse perspectives and ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Operations teams at BCBSA likely work closely with various departments, including IT, marketing, communications, and policy, requiring strong communication and coordination.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports learning and development, with experienced professionals willing to mentor interns and share expertise.

• Structured Communication: Reliance on clear, documented communication channels and regular updates to ensure alignment across teams and projects.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in projects and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at BCBSA is likely a blend of corporate professionalism, driven by its mission to improve healthcare. Interns are expected to embody these values through their work ethic, collaboration, and commitment to integrity and compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding the structure and operational nuances of a large, federated association can be challenging for new interns.

• Balancing Project Work and Learning: Juggling assigned tasks with the desire to learn and explore different aspects of UX/Web Development and corporate operations.

• Adhering to Strict Compliance: Ensuring all work, especially digital content and data handling, meets stringent regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA).

• Adapting to Hybrid Work: Effectively managing time and communication in a hybrid work environment, balancing in-office collaboration with remote productivity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining insights into the healthcare technology landscape and the unique operational dynamics of the insurance sector.

• Professional Skill Enhancement: Developing crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation delivery.

• Technical Skill Application: Applying and potentially expanding technical skills in UX/UI design, web development, and SEO in a real-world setting.

• Mentorship and Career Guidance: Receiving personalized advice and support from experienced BCBSA professionals to navigate career aspirations.

• Networking: Building a professional network that can provide future opportunities and ongoing career support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for interns in large organizations, offering significant opportunities for personal and professional growth as they are navigated. The focus on healthcare compliance and a hybrid work model are specific to this role and environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio projects in detail. For each, explain: "What was the problem you were trying to solve? What was your specific role and contribution? What was your design/development process? What tools did you use? What were the results or outcomes? What did you learn?"

• Situational/Behavioral: "Describe a time you had to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines." "How do you approach learning a new technology or software?" "Tell me about a challenge you faced in a team project and how you overcame it."

• Problem-Solving: "How would you approach improving the user experience for a healthcare benefits portal?" "Imagine you need to implement SEO tagging for a new set of web pages; what steps would you take?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• BCBSA Research: "What do you know about Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its mission?" "Why are you interested in working in the healthcare industry?" "How do your personal values align with BCBSA's values of integrity and collaboration?"

• Internship Goals: "What do you hope to gain from this internship experience?" "How do you see yourself contributing to our team during the summer?"

• Hybrid Work: "How do you plan to stay connected and productive in a hybrid work environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as stories that highlight your problem-solving skills and design/development process.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visual aids (mockups, screenshots, code snippets) are clear, well-organized, and directly support your narrative.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your key projects within a limited timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes per project if asked), focusing on the most impactful aspects.

• Highlight Learning: Emphasize what you learned from each project, especially any challenges or areas for future improvement. This shows a growth mindset.

• Tailor to the Role: Connect your project experiences and skills directly to the responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX/Web Development fundamentals, a proactive learning attitude, and an ability to articulate contributions clearly. Researching BCBSA and understanding its mission will be crucial for demonstrating genuine interest.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://bcbsa.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/US-IL-Chicago-E-Randolph/Summer-Associate-Intern-UX-Design-Web-Development_JR5807

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 strongest projects demonstrating UX design principles, web development skills, and any SEO/tagging experience. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, GitHub).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant coursework, academic projects, technical skills (HTML, CSS, design tools), and soft skills (communication, problem-solving) mentioned in the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience using the STAR method and prepare thoughtful questions about the internship program, team dynamics, and BCBSA's mission. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research BCBSA's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand their role in healthcare and how UX/Web Development contributes to their objectives. Be ready to discuss your findings.

⚠️ 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.