Summer Intern, User Experience (UX) Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Summer Intern, User Experience (UX) Research

Company: Allegion

Location: Carmel, IN, United States

Job Type: Internship (Full-time)

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: Early Career / Internship (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on assisting with user experience (UX) research and design efforts within Allegion's Global Software Solutions product teams.

• The role involves supporting the entire product design lifecycle, from understanding user needs to testing and iterating on design concepts.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering and business units, is a key aspect of this position.

• The intern will gain hands-on experience in various research methodologies and design documentation, contributing to real-world product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description is for a UX Research Intern, this enhancement adapts it to the Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM context by emphasizing the analytical, data-driven, and process-improvement aspects inherent in UX research that are transferable to operations roles. The focus shifts from purely user-facing design to understanding user/customer behavior to inform business processes and product adoption, which are critical for GTM success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist UX team members in developing research plans to inform the creation of user personas and customer journey maps, focusing on user behavior relevant to software adoption and usage.

• Conduct a variety of UX research activities, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, solution validation, and usability tests, to gather insights that can optimize user workflows and product adoption.

• Collaborate with fellow UX researchers to identify research opportunities, recruit participants, execute research studies, and present findings to cross-functional teams, highlighting implications for product strategy and GTM.

• Communicate research findings to product and business partners, translating user insights into actionable recommendations for product enhancements and process improvements.

• Support the creation of design deliverables, such as user flows, journey maps, and conceptual prototypes, to gather feedback on proposed solutions from internal stakeholders and external customers, focusing on ease of use and efficiency.

• Collaborate with product and development teams to understand concept feasibility and support design hand-offs, ensuring research insights are integrated into the development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are framed to highlight the analytical and strategic contributions of UX research that align with operations goals: understanding user behavior to optimize processes, drive adoption, and inform product strategy. This is crucial for GTM roles that rely on data-driven insights.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• At least Junior standing in a post-secondary school majoring in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Social Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience through academic projects, previous internships, or personal work in conducting UX research and contributing to design processes.

• Exposure to or understanding of the product development lifecycle and how user research informs design decisions. Required Skills:

• A portfolio that showcases specific examples of your research abilities, detailing the user needs identified, success metrics achieved, and key learnings.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for building empathy for users and clearly sharing research findings.

• Ability to analyze research data and identify actionable insights that can drive product improvements.

• Familiarity with current research tools, methods, trends, and technology in the UX field.

• Solid grasp of Design Thinking principles, UI/layout concepts, and understanding of how technology influences design.

• Experience utilizing remote testing and facilitation tools, such as Maze and Microsoft Teams.

• Knowledge of modern digital design and prototyping tools, including Figma.

• Background in a variety of research tools and methods, including contextual inquiry, user interviews, persona & journey map development, heuristic analysis, card sorting, usability & desirability studies, and quantitative surveys. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data analysis tools or techniques that can quantify user behavior and impact.

• Understanding of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies and how UX research can contribute to customer acquisition, adoption, and retention.

• Familiarity with CRM systems or other business intelligence tools that track customer interaction and product usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are expanded to include operations-relevant keywords like "actionable insights," "data analysis," and "quantitative surveys." The "Preferred Skills" section explicitly bridges UX research to GTM and business operations concepts, making the role more appealing to operations candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects that clearly articulate the problem statement, the user research methodology employed, and the resulting insights.

• Detail the design or process improvements proposed based on research findings, demonstrating a link between user needs and actionable solutions.

• Include metrics or success indicators that were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the research or design recommendations.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how your research contributed to a tangible outcome, such as improved user satisfaction, increased adoption, or streamlined workflows. Process Documentation:

• Document the steps taken in research projects, from initial planning and participant recruitment to data analysis and reporting.

• Illustrate how research findings were translated into design concepts or recommendations for process optimization.

• Show an ability to present complex research information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner suitable for cross-functional audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to emphasize the "process" and "documentation" aspects, which are core to operations roles. The focus is on how research findings translate into actionable process improvements and measurable outcomes, aligning with operations principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an internship position, compensation will likely be commensurate with the candidate's academic standing, relevant experience, and the prevailing intern wage standards in the Carmel, Indiana area for technology and research roles. Based on industry benchmarks for UX Research internships in a major metropolitan area like Indianapolis, a competitive hourly rate would typically range from $18 to $25 per hour. This estimate is based on data from various internship platforms and industry surveys for similar roles, adjusted for the cost of living in Indiana. Benefits:

• Professional Growth: Opportunities to work on real projects, gain practical experience, and develop new skills.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced UX researchers and product development professionals.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to Allegion's leaders and cross-functional teams, building professional connections.

• Clifton Strengths Testing and Coaching: Personalized development based on individual strengths.

• Paid Internship: Compensation for hours worked during the internship period.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful interns may be considered for future roles within Allegion. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time internship position, typically around 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules can be discussed with the hiring team but are generally aligned with standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) to facilitate collaboration with the core team.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range is estimated based on typical internship compensation in the specified location and industry. Benefits are detailed to highlight professional development and career-building aspects relevant to ambitious interns.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Allegion operates within the Security & Safety industry, focusing on security around the doorway and beyond. This includes a strong presence in both physical and increasingly digital security solutions, with a significant software component. The company emphasizes pioneering safety and security through innovative products and services.

Company Size: Allegion is a large enterprise, with over 14,000 employees globally. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for diverse project involvement, and potential for cross-departmental collaboration. For operations professionals, this means exposure to robust systems and the chance to influence scalable processes.

Founded: Allegion was founded in 2013 when it was spun off from Ingersoll Rand. This relatively young history as an independent entity suggests a blend of established industrial expertise with a forward-looking approach to innovation and market adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Research and Software Solutions Team, indicating a focus on innovation and digital product development.

• This team likely comprises UX researchers, designers, product managers, and software engineers who collaborate closely on product strategy and execution.

• The intern will work closely with UX researchers and interact with other cross-functional teams across engineering and business units, providing broad exposure to different facets of product development. Methodology:

• Allegion's culture emphasizes a "Curious Beyond the Obvious" approach, suggesting a commitment to in-depth research and data-driven decision-making.

• The company's core values, such as "Be Safe and Healthy," "Do the Right Thing," and "Have a Passion for Excellence," point to a culture that values integrity, well-being, and high performance.

• The emphasis on "serving others not yourself" and "being empowered and accountable" fosters a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is enriched to highlight aspects relevant to operations, such as the "digital security solutions" and "software component" indicating a growing tech focus, and the "structured environment with established processes" for a large enterprise. The "methodology" section is interpreted through Allegion's stated values to infer a data-driven and collaborative operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an internship role, positioned at the entry-level, designed for individuals early in their academic careers (Junior standing or higher). It serves as a foundational experience to develop core skills in UX research and design, with a focus on practical application and learning within a corporate setting.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a member of the UX team and work closely with senior UX researchers. They will also collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other business stakeholders, providing exposure to various levels and functions within the organization.

Operations Impact: While primarily a learning role, the intern's contributions to research and design efforts directly influence product development. Insights gathered can impact user adoption, customer satisfaction, and the overall effectiveness of software solutions, indirectly contributing to the company's Go-To-Market success by improving the user experience of its digital offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in UX research methodologies, design principles, and industry-standard tools (Figma, Maze).

• Professional Exposure: Opportunities to present findings to cross-functional teams and leadership, enhancing presentation and communication skills.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced professionals, fostering career advice and skill refinement.

• Networking: Building connections within Allegion that could lead to future internships or full-time roles.

• Clifton Strengths: Personalized coaching to leverage inherent talents, crucial for developing a strong professional identity and effective work style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" is reframed to connect UX research to business outcomes relevant to operations, such as "user adoption," "customer satisfaction," and "GTM success." Growth opportunities are detailed to emphasize skill acquisition and career progression relevant to a professional development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a mix of on-site work at the Carmel, IN office and remote work. This offers flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration and team integration.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Carmel, Indiana. This location is part of the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area. Candidates local to this area are preferred for the hybrid arrangement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a dynamic workspace where team members regularly interact, share ideas, and work together on projects.

• Tools and Technology: The intern will have access to modern digital design and prototyping tools (Figma) and remote testing platforms (Maze), along with standard office productivity software (Microsoft Teams).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities exist to engage with fellow UX researchers, product teams, engineering, and business stakeholders, fostering a rich learning and networking environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will likely be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, during typical business hours. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team agreements, but the hybrid nature requires consistent availability for scheduled meetings and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" is enhanced to highlight the availability of modern tools and the collaborative nature of the hybrid environment, which are attractive features for operations professionals who value efficient workflows and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, résumés, and portfolios to assess qualifications and alignment with the internship requirements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific UX research projects, methodologies used, insights gained, and outcomes. This is a critical step to evaluate practical research and analytical skills.

• Behavioral & Technical Interviews: Interviews may include questions assessing problem-solving abilities, communication skills, collaboration style, and understanding of UX principles. Technical questions may delve into specific research methods or tool proficiency.

• Cross-functional Panel: Potential interviews with members from product, engineering, or business teams to assess cultural fit and ability to collaborate across departments.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a hiring manager or senior leader, to discuss overall fit and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Clearly articulate the narrative of each project: the problem, your role, the research process, key findings, and the impact of your work.

• Data-Driven Insights: Highlight how you used data (qualitative and quantitative) to derive insights and inform recommendations. Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., "identified a usability issue affecting X% of users").

• Process Clarity: Detail your research methodology, explaining why specific methods were chosen and how they addressed the project goals.

• Tool Proficiency: Showcase your expertise with tools like Figma, Maze, and any data analysis software used.

• Reflect on Learnings: Be prepared to discuss what you learned from each project, including challenges and areas for improvement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting a UX research case study from your portfolio, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical UX research challenges and how you would approach them, demonstrating your analytical and strategic thinking.

• Company Research: Understand Allegion's business, its products, and its commitment to safety and security. Consider how UX research contributes to these goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed with specific advice tailored to UX research, emphasizing the "storytelling," "data-driven insights," and "process clarity" aspects. These are directly transferable to operations roles where presenting findings and demonstrating impact are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: For digital design, prototyping, and creating design deliverables like user flows and mockups. Proficiency is expected for UI design and concept visualization.

• Maze: A platform for remote usability testing and research, enabling efficient data collection and analysis from user interactions with prototypes or live products.

• Microsoft Teams: The primary communication and collaboration platform for internal meetings, discussions, and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Survey Tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms): For designing and distributing quantitative surveys to gather user feedback and data.

• Data Analysis Software (e.g., Excel, potentially basic statistical packages): For analyzing quantitative and qualitative data collected from research activities.

• Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides): For creating and delivering compelling presentations of research findings to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for this UX role, understanding how user data is managed in CRM systems (like Salesforce) or how product usage is tracked via analytics platforms can provide valuable context for how UX insights impact business metrics. Familiarity with these concepts is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations roles. While the original listing focuses on UX tools, I've included "Data Analysis Software," "Survey Tools," and touched upon "CRM systems" and "analytics platforms" to bridge the gap and highlight the analytical and data management aspects relevant to operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety and Health: A fundamental value at Allegion, promoting a culture of well-being and responsible practices, which extends to ensuring safe and intuitive product experiences.

• Do the Right Thing: Emphasizes integrity, ethical conduct, and making sound decisions, crucial for building trust with users and stakeholders.

• Serve Others Not Yourself: Fosters a collaborative, team-oriented approach where contributions benefit the collective goals and customer needs.

• Be Empowered and Accountable: Encourages initiative, ownership, and responsibility for outcomes, driving efficiency and proactive problem-solving.

• Be Curious Beyond the Obvious: Promotes deep investigation, critical thinking, and exploration of underlying issues to uncover innovative solutions.

• Passion for Excellence: A drive for high quality, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional results in all aspects of work.

• Enjoy What You Do and Celebrate Who We Are: Values a positive work environment, team camaraderie, and recognition of individual and collective achievements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with UX researchers, product managers, engineers, and business teams, emphasizing a holistic approach to product development.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are expected to be informed by user research data and insights, fostering a culture of evidence-based strategy.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for sharing feedback on designs and research findings, facilitating iterative improvement and shared learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" are directly mapped from Allegion's stated core values, interpreted through an operations lens. This highlights how these values translate into practical behaviors and expectations for professionals in an operations-focused role. The "Collaboration Style" emphasizes data-driven approaches and cross-functional synergy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Research to Action: The primary challenge will be effectively translating complex user research findings into clear, actionable recommendations that product and engineering teams can implement.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the intersection of user desires, technical feasibility, and business objectives to deliver solutions that are both user-centric and commercially viable.

• Adapting to a Hybrid Work Environment: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong communication within a hybrid team structure, ensuring seamless project progression.

• Rapid Learning Curve: As an intern, quickly acquiring proficiency in new tools, methodologies, and understanding Allegion's product ecosystem.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Deepen understanding and practical application of various qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Industry Tool Mastery: Gain hands-on experience with industry-leading design and research software.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills: Develop effective communication and teamwork strategies when working with diverse professional groups.

• Presentation and Communication: Enhance abilities to articulate research findings and strategic recommendations to different audiences.

• Understanding Product Development Lifecycle: Gain a comprehensive view of how products are conceived, designed, developed, and launched.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to be relatable and developmental for an intern, focusing on transferable skills like "translating research to action" and "balancing needs," which are critical in operations. Growth opportunities are listed to emphasize skill acquisition and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to influence a design decision. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data used, and impact.)

• "How would you approach researching the usability of a new feature for a security-related software product?" (Demonstrate your understanding of research planning and methodology.)

• "Imagine you've found conflicting feedback from different user groups. How would you reconcile these differences and prioritize design recommendations?" (Assess your analytical and decision-making skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX research at Allegion, and how do your career goals align with our mission of pioneering safety and security?" (Showcase your research into the company and genuine interest.)

• "How do Allegion's core values, such as 'Be Curious Beyond the Obvious' or 'Do the Right Thing,' resonate with your personal work ethic?" (Connect your values to the company's culture.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Assess your fit within Allegion's team dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio presentation logically: Introduction (problem/goal), Your Role, Methodology, Key Findings, Recommendations/Solution, Impact/Learnings.

• Visuals: Use clear, compelling visuals (screenshots, diagrams, prototypes) to illustrate your work and findings.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on 2-3 strong projects that best showcase your skills and understanding.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your process, decision-making, and what you learned. Make it an interactive discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to UX research, but the preparation advice emphasizes transferable skills like "process," "data," "impact," "analytical and decision-making skills," and "strategic thinking," which are highly relevant for operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this internship position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong analytical skills, data interpretation, and the ability to translate findings into actionable insights, relevant to understanding user behavior and process optimization.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your résumé clearly outlines relevant coursework, academic projects, and any prior experience that showcases your research, analytical, and communication abilities, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, findings, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how user insights can inform product strategy and potentially business operations.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Allegion's products, mission, and core values. Understand how user experience contributes to their goal of pioneering safety and security.

⚠️ 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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