Summer Intern 2027 - Product Design (UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer Intern 2027 - Product Design (UX)

Company: Manulife

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time Internship

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Gain hands-on experience in defining, designing, and testing intuitive, user-centered digital experiences for Manulife Wealth & Asset Management.

• Collaborate closely with Senior Designers and Design Leads on meaningful projects that shape the future of digital products, including secure client platforms and mobile experiences.

• Contribute to the end-to-end product design process, encompassing research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, validation, and visual design using industry-standard tools.

• Develop practical skills in user experience design, design thinking, and digital innovation within a supportive and structured internship program.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for an internship, targeting students in undergraduate programs related to design. The focus is on practical application of UX principles within a financial services context, emphasizing collaboration and end-to-end design process exposure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, design, and test digital experiences tailored for the diverse audiences of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management.

• Conduct usability reviews, user research, and user testing activities in collaboration with Senior Designers and Design Leads.

• Create essential design artifacts, including wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and comprehensive design documentation using Figma.

• Support the design and successful delivery of new digital experiences, including enhancements to existing websites, secure platforms, and mobile applications.

• Partner effectively with designers, product owners, and technology teams to translate user needs into robust and effective design solutions.

• Facilitate collaborative sessions such as workshops, brainstorming activities, and user testing initiatives.

• Actively contribute to all phases of the end-to-end design process, from initial research and ideation through to wireframing, prototyping, validation, and final visual design.

• Analyze user feedback and research findings to identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in digital product design.

• Manage and support multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring a high standard of design quality and meticulous attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a structured approach to product design, involving both individual contribution and cross-functional teamwork. The emphasis on "end-to-end design process" suggests exposure to the full product lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Digital Media, or a closely related field. A Bachelor's degree is the expected educational path.

Experience: While this is an internship, a demonstrated interest and foundational understanding of user experience design, product design, and digital experiences are essential. Previous project work or academic assignments showcasing design skills will be highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated passion for and interest in user experience (UX) design, product design, and creating exceptional digital experiences.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, rationale, and user needs clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Creative problem-solving abilities, coupled with a genuine passion for designing user-centered solutions that address real user problems.

• Excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail, crucial for managing project deliverables and maintaining design integrity.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Proficiency and practical experience with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.

• Ability to work both independently and contribute effectively within a collaborative team setting.

• High degree of curiosity, adaptability, and a strong eagerness to learn and grow as a designer within the financial services industry. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and their application in product development.

• Basic understanding of user research methodologies and usability testing principles.

• Exposure to creating user flows and information architecture diagrams.

• A portfolio showcasing academic or personal design projects that demonstrate problem-solving and design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize foundational skills and academic enrollment, typical for an internship. The specific mention of Figma highlights a key tool requirement. The "0-2 Years" experience level aligns with students pursuing undergraduate degrees.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A well-curated portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of design projects that demonstrate your understanding of the UX design process.

• Projects should illustrate your ability to translate user needs and business requirements into effective design solutions.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs.

• Clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, and the outcomes or learnings from each project.

• Ensure a link to your online portfolio is prominently included in your resume or cover letter. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not expected at the intern level, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design process phases.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to design challenges, including how they gather requirements, ideate solutions, and validate designs.

• Familiarity with documenting design decisions and rationale will be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is critical for UX roles. The requirements are tailored to an intern level, focusing on demonstrating understanding of the design process rather than extensive professional documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The expected salary range for this internship is between $40,950.00 CAD and $56,550.00 CAD annually.

• This annual salary will be pro-rated based on the length of the work term.

• The actual salary offered will depend on various factors including local market conditions, specific geographic location, and relevant job-related factors such as the candidate's knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment: The company promotes a flexible work environment, supporting work-life balance.

• Mentorship Program: Access to a dedicated mentorship program designed to provide guidance and support for career development.

• Early Talent Program Access (GRO): As part of the co-op program, interns gain early access to Manulife John Hancock's premier early talent program, GRO, specifically tailored for graduating students to help launch their careers.

• Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to connect with peers and industry professionals within Manulife.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this full-time internship are expected to be 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Canada and aligns with typical intern compensation for design roles in major metropolitan areas like Toronto. The benefits are tailored to attract and support early talent. The pro-rata explanation for salary is important for internships.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance, Wealth Management, and Asset Management). Manulife operates as a leading international financial services provider, aiming to help people make their decisions easier and lives better.

Company Size: Manulife is a large, global organization. While the exact size of the Product Design team isn't specified, the company's overall scale suggests ample resources and opportunities for collaboration across various departments. This size offers stability and a broad scope for learning.

Founded: Manulife Financial Corporation was founded in 1887. This long history signifies a stable and established organization with deep roots in the financial industry.

Team Structure:

• Product Design Team: The intern will work within the Product Design team, likely comprising Senior Designers, Design Leads, and potentially other UX/UI specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly mentions collaboration with Product, Technology, Research, and Design teams, indicating a highly integrated approach to product development.

• Reporting: Interns typically report to a Design Lead or a Manager who oversees the intern program and project assignments.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: The core methodology revolves around understanding user needs and creating intuitive, effective digital experiences.

• Design Thinking: The company embraces design thinking principles for problem-solving and innovation.

• Agile/Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of digital product development in a large firm often involves agile methodologies, requiring iterative design and collaboration with development teams.

Company Website: https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Manulife's position as a large, established financial institution. The emphasis on user-centered design and cross-functional collaboration is key for understanding the operational environment for a UX intern.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level internship position focused on Product Design (UX). It serves as an initial stepping stone for students aspiring to a career in UX/UI design, product development, or digital innovation within the financial services sector.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a Senior Designer or Design Lead who will provide guidance, project assignments, and feedback. This structure ensures direct mentorship and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While not directly in "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations," the Product Design (UX) intern's work has a significant indirect impact on revenue and customer satisfaction by creating user-friendly digital platforms. Positive user experiences lead to increased engagement, client retention, and advisor efficiency, all of which contribute to business success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning and practical application of UX/UI design skills, including research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience in the financial services industry, understanding its unique design challenges and opportunities.

• Networking: Building professional connections with experienced designers, product managers, and technologists within a global organization.

• Career Launchpad: The internship is part of the GRO program, designed to provide a structured pathway and support for students looking to launch their careers post-graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clarifies the "operations" context for a design role, focusing on its contribution to business success through user experience and the structured growth opportunities provided by the internship program.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of in-office and remote work, aligning with modern work arrangements. The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary advertised location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada (200 Bloor Street East). Other mentioned locations include Boston, Massachusetts, suggesting potential for broader exposure or team presence across these key hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model suggests that office days will involve interaction with team members in shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios.

• Tools and Technology: Interns will have access to essential design software, likely including Figma, and other collaboration tools necessary for a hybrid work setup.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with designers, product managers, and engineers through scheduled meetings, workshops, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model, allowing for structured workdays that balance project demands with personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key detail for this role, impacting daily work structure and collaboration methods. The Toronto office location provides a specific context for the working environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Interview: Discussion about your background, interest in UX design, and alignment with the internship program.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: May involve a practical design exercise or a deeper dive into your portfolio to assess problem-solving skills, design process, and tool proficiency.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with potential team members or cross-functional partners to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Offer: Extension of the internship offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX process and diverse skill set.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), your design decisions, and the impact or learnings. Use visuals effectively.

• Figma Emphasis: Since Figma is a required skill, ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your proficiency and any complex workflows or components you've designed within it.

• Tailor to Manulife: If possible, highlight projects that show an understanding of or interest in financial services or complex digital platforms.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Prompt: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the problem statement and constraints.

• Think Aloud: Practice articulating your thought process, design decisions, and trade-offs as you work through the challenge.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your methodology and how you would approach solving the problem, even if you don't reach a final polished design.

• Ask Clarifying Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions to ensure you fully understand the requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process description provides actionable advice for preparing for interviews and portfolio reviews, specifically tailored for a UX internship. The emphasis on storytelling and process in the portfolio is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the primary design and prototyping tool mentioned and is a core requirement. Expect to use it extensively for wireframing, creating interactive prototypes, and generating design specifications.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is specified, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a UX intern, exposure to analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and understanding how user data informs design decisions would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM systems or automated workflows can provide valuable context, though direct experience isn't required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as a required tool is a critical piece of information for candidates. The other tools listed are contextual and suggest the broader technology environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving the needs of clients, advisors, and customers through intuitive design.

• Innovation & Digital Transformation: Commitment to leveraging technology and design to improve digital experiences and drive business forward.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is encouraged.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging employees to grow their skills and adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Using insights from user research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.

• Iterative Feedback: Openness to feedback and iterative design processes, where designs are refined based on input from team members and user testing.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings across the team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style are inferred from the general description of Manulife and the specific responsibilities of the UX intern role, highlighting a collaborative and user-focused environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Learning to effectively advocate for user needs while aligning with business objectives and technical constraints within a large financial institution.

• Navigating a Hybrid Work Environment: Adapting to effective communication and collaboration strategies in a hybrid setting, ensuring seamless project execution.

• Understanding Complex Financial Products: Gaining a solid understanding of Manulife's diverse financial products and services to design appropriate user experiences.

• Rapid Learning Curve: Interns will need to quickly grasp new tools, processes, and the company's specific design system and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced designers to navigate challenges and accelerate learning.

• GRO Program: Access to structured workshops, networking events, and development sessions specifically designed for early talent.

• Real-World Project Experience: Applying design skills to actual product development cycles, providing invaluable practical experience.

• Exposure to Industry Trends: Learning about the latest UX/UI trends and technologies within the financial services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth opportunities helps candidates prepare for the realities of the internship and highlights the developmental value of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs or business requirements in a design project. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your problem-solving and decision-making process.)

• "How do you approach user research and usability testing? What methods have you used, and what did you learn from them?" (Demonstrate your understanding of user-centric methodologies.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your design process, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to articulate your portfolio pieces clearly and concisely.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI design trends and tools?" (Showcase your passion for continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the financial services industry, specifically at Manulife?" (Research Manulife's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams like Product and Engineering?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "What does 'user-centered design' mean to you, and how would you apply it in this role?" (Connect your understanding to the company's likely values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through each project's narrative.

• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize the "why" behind your design decisions, not just the "what." Show your problem-solving journey.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your past projects had measurable outcomes, be ready to share them. For an internship, academic or simulated outcomes are acceptable.

• Be Ready for Figma Questions: Prepare to discuss specific Figma features you used, complex components you built, or how you managed design systems within the tool.

• Engage and Interact: Treat it as a conversation; be open to questions and feedback during your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to a UX design internship, focusing on design process, collaboration, and portfolio demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design (UX) internship:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Manulife careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best UX/UI work relevant to digital products, and clearly links to your resume/cover letter. Prepare 2-3 key projects to discuss in detail.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant academic projects, coursework, design tool proficiency (especially Figma), and any prior internship or volunteer experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a concise cover letter expressing your specific interest in Manulife, the UX design field, and this particular internship opportunity. Clearly state why you are a good fit and mention your portfolio link.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Manulife's products, services, and recent digital initiatives. Understand their commitment to customer experience and digital innovation.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, your strengths, and your career aspirations clearly and confidently during interviews.

⚠️ 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.