UX Design Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Intern

Company: Dotdash Meredith

Location: Alberta, CAN-Remote

Job Type: Intern (Full-time)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: May 4, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a comprehensive immersion into the end-to-end UX design process within a large digital publishing environment.

• The role involves hands-on contribution to website feature updates and the critical maintenance of a design system, demanding close collaboration across Product, Engineering, Design, and Editorial teams.

• Interns will gain practical experience in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity mockups, directly contributing to the user experience of prominent digital platforms like MyRecipes.

• The position is ideal for aspiring UX designers eager to develop complex, user-centered digital systems and understand the operational dynamics of a leading publisher.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an internship, targeting individuals with 0-2 years of experience, with a strong emphasis on learning and practical application within a professional setting. The "complex systems" mentioned in the description likely refer to the interconnected nature of content, user journeys, and backend functionalities within a large digital publishing house.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of new features for the MyRecipes website and support content initiatives for Food tentpoles.

• Contribute to the upkeep and evolution of the MyRecipes design system, ensuring consistency, identifying areas for improvement, and conducting design system audits.

• Engage in all stages of the UX design lifecycle, from initial concepting and sketching through wireframing, interactive prototyping, and the creation of high-fidelity visual designs.

• Support UX research activities to gain insights into user behavior, needs, and intent, informing design decisions and product enhancements.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and Editorial staff, to ensure seamless integration of design solutions within the broader product development framework.

• Participate in design reviews and contribute to brainstorming sessions, offering fresh perspectives and solutions to user challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical execution (updates, audits) and creative contribution (sketches, wireframes, research), indicating a well-rounded internship experience. The emphasis on "complex systems" suggests exposure to not just UI elements but also the underlying user flows and information architecture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in UX/UI design, preferably through academic projects, personal portfolios, or previous internships.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable passion for user experience principles and a strong eagerness to learn and apply UX methodologies.

• Proficient visual design skills, with a keen eye for interface aesthetics, layout, and typography.

• Solid problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to identify user needs and translate them into practical design solutions.

• Proficiency with Figma, including experience in creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Understanding of design systems and their importance in maintaining brand consistency and development efficiency.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML/CSS) to inform design feasibility.

• Experience working within a digital publishing or media environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is an internship, the emphasis is on foundational skills and potential. Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement, suggesting it's the primary tool for design and prototyping at Dotdash Meredith. The "0-2 years" experience level implies that academic projects and a strong portfolio are key differentiators.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of projects demonstrating your UX/UI design process, from ideation to final design.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used (especially Figma), and the impact of your design solutions.

• Examples showcasing visual design skills, including typography, layout, and interface aesthetics.

• Work that highlights problem-solving abilities and a user-centered design approach.

Process Documentation:

• For each project in your portfolio, be prepared to discuss:

  • Your role and contributions within the project team.

  • The specific UX research methods employed and insights gained.

  • The iteration process and how feedback was incorporated.

  • Key design decisions and the rationale behind them.

  • Challenges encountered and how they were overcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating potential and foundational understanding rather than extensive professional experience. The focus should be on showing a clear and logical design process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with Figma. The "complex systems" aspect means showcasing projects that involve user flows or interaction design, even if not on enterprise-level systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As an internship position, compensation is typically provided as a stipend or hourly wage. Based on industry standards for UX Design Internships in Canada, particularly for a large media company like Dotdash Meredith, a salary range of CAD $18 - $25 per hour is a reasonable estimate for the 2026 internship period. This range accounts for the location (remote within Alberta, Canada), the full-time nature of the role (40 hours/week), and the scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Valuable hands-on experience in UX design at a leading digital publisher.

• Mentorship from experienced UX designers and cross-functional teams.

• Opportunity to contribute to real-world projects with tangible impact.

• Exposure to a professional work environment and industry best practices.

• Networking opportunities within the digital media and publishing industry.

• Potential for future career opportunities within Dotdash Meredith.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically aligning with standard business hours in North American time zones to facilitate collaboration with various teams. Flexibility may be offered, but core availability during business hours is expected for team syncs and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical internship compensation in Canada for design roles. The benefits listed are standard for internships, focusing on learning and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Publishing and Media. Dotdash Meredith is one of the largest digital and print publishers in the world, operating a portfolio of well-known brands across various verticals like lifestyle, food, health, and home. This industry context means the UX Design Intern will be exposed to fast-paced product development cycles, a strong emphasis on content strategy, and the need to balance user experience with business objectives like engagement and advertising revenue.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Dotdash Meredith is a significant entity, combining Dotdash and Meredith Corporation). This implies a structured environment with established processes, dedicated teams for various functions (Product, Engineering, Design), and opportunities for learning from seasoned professionals. For an intern, this size can offer a broad view of how different departments function and collaborate.

Founded: Dotdash was founded in 2011, and Meredith Corporation has a much longer history, dating back to 1902. The combined entity, Dotdash Meredith, represents a rich legacy in media and a forward-looking approach to digital content. This blend of tradition and innovation can shape the company's approach to design and user experience.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team likely operates within a larger Product or Design organization.

• The intern will report to a UX Manager or Senior Designer who will oversee their projects and provide guidance.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, UX Researchers, Front-end Engineers, and Editorial teams for specific brand initiatives (e.g., MyRecipes).

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount in digital publishing, so expect a strong reliance on analytics, A/B testing, and user feedback to inform design choices.

• Agile methodologies are commonly used for product development, involving iterative cycles of design, development, and testing.

• A focus on design systems is critical for efficiency and consistency across a large portfolio of brands.

• User-centered design principles will guide the entire process, from initial research to final implementation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scale in digital publishing suggests a need for robust, scalable design solutions and efficient workflows. The intern will likely experience how design serves both user needs and business goals within this context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level internship position, specifically designed for individuals early in their UX Design career. It provides foundational experience in a professional setting, focusing on skill development and exposure to real-world design challenges.

Reporting Structure: The intern will typically report to a UX Lead, Senior UX Designer, or UX Manager. This direct reporting line ensures structured guidance, feedback, and project assignment. They will also collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers, offering exposure to different functional reporting lines and team dynamics.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct operational impact is typically measured by their contributions to specific projects and learning outcomes, their work on feature updates, design system maintenance, and user research directly influences the user experience of Dotdash Meredith's digital properties. This indirectly impacts key operational metrics such as user engagement, retention, and content consumption for brands like MyRecipes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen skills in specific areas of UX, such as interaction design, visual design, UX research, or design systems, based on project assignments and interests.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining insights into the roles and processes of Product Management, Engineering, and Editorial, which can broaden understanding of the entire product development lifecycle.

• Industry Knowledge: Learning about the intricacies of digital publishing, content strategy, and audience engagement within a large media organization.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with real-world projects that can significantly boost future job prospects in the UX field.

• Networking: Establishing connections with industry professionals that can lead to future mentorship or career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, "growth" is primarily defined by learning and skill acquisition. The role provides a structured environment to apply academic knowledge and develop professional habits, setting a strong foundation for a career in UX design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means the intern will work from their own location, requiring strong self-discipline and effective remote communication tools.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is based in Alberta, Canada. This suggests that while not physically located in a specific office, the intern might be expected to align with Canadian time zones for collaboration. The company, Dotdash Meredith, has headquarters in New York City, but this specific role is designated as remote within Alberta.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the role emphasizes collaboration. Expect regular virtual meetings, team syncs, and the use of online collaboration tools for design reviews and brainstorming.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace) will be essential. The company will likely provide necessary software licenses.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will be primarily through scheduled virtual meetings, project-specific discussions, and potentially virtual team-building activities. Building rapport and effective communication are key in a remote setting.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While remote work offers some flexibility, the intern will likely need to adhere to a schedule that accommodates team meetings and collaborative working hours, often aligning with standard business hours in their respective time zone or the company's primary operational zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires proactive communication and self-management. The "Alberta, CAN-Remote" designation means candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada and reside in Alberta.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely a UX Lead or Manager) to discuss your background, passion for UX, and understanding of design principles. This may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key projects. Expect to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, contributions, and proficiency with Figma. This stage may also include a small design exercise or problem-solving scenario.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: Potentially an interview with a Product Manager or Engineer to assess your collaboration skills and ability to work within a cross-functional team.

• Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of skills, potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX process, problem-solving skills, and Figma proficiency.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve, your role and process, the decisions you made, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma: Explicitly demonstrate your use of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process and how you arrived at your design solutions, rather than just presenting polished final screens.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and what you learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a short, timed design exercise. This might involve sketching solutions for a given problem, critiquing an existing design, or creating a simple user flow. Practice quick ideation and sketching.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common UX challenges, such as improving user onboarding, simplifying a complex form, or enhancing content discoverability.

• Figma Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable navigating Figma quickly and can demonstrate core functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for an internship. Candidates should be ready to not only show their work but also articulate their thought process and demonstrate their understanding of UX principles and tools like Figma.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design and prototyping tool. Proficiency is essential for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, high-fidelity mockups, and potentially contributing to design system components.

• Prototyping Tools (within Figma or standalone): Experience in creating interactive prototypes to demonstrate user flows and interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX Design Intern role, but understanding that these systems exist to manage user data and workflows within the company can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as the primary tool. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their skills using this platform. Awareness of how design impacts broader metrics and supports business goals is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the primary driver for design decisions.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication and shared problem-solving across departments.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to create engaging and effective user experiences.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and analytics to validate design hypotheses and measure the impact of design solutions.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A focus on creating design solutions that are not only effective for users but also maintainable and scalable across a large portfolio of digital products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team likely works closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Editorial to ensure designs are feasible, aligned with business goals, and effectively communicate content.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback throughout the design process, utilizing tools like Figma comments and scheduled design critiques.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, learnings, and insights, potentially through internal presentations or documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, collaborative execution, and data-driven strategy, all within the context of a large digital media organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Learning to design solutions that satisfy user needs while also meeting business objectives such as engagement, ad revenue, and content consumption.

• Working within Established Systems: Contributing to and maintaining an existing design system requires understanding its constraints and advocating for necessary updates or changes effectively.

• Remote Collaboration: Mastering effective communication and collaboration techniques in a fully remote environment to ensure seamless teamwork and project progress.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the dynamic nature of digital publishing, where project priorities and timelines can shift rapidly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Design Systems: Gaining practical experience in contributing to, auditing, and understanding the strategic importance of design systems.

• End-to-End UX Process Exposure: Experiencing all phases of the UX design lifecycle on real-world projects.

• Industry-Specific UX: Learning about the unique challenges and opportunities of UX design within the digital publishing and media industry.

• Tool Mastery: Becoming highly proficient in Figma and potentially other related design and research tools.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships with experienced professionals in the UX and digital media fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an intern stepping into a professional role, emphasizing learning curves and adaptation. The growth opportunities are geared towards building a strong foundation for a UX career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to solve a complex user problem. What was your process?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, user research insights, and how you used Figma to explore solutions.)

• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business objectives in your designs?" (Discuss your understanding of trade-offs and how you prioritize user experience while considering business goals.)

• "Describe your experience with Figma. What are your favorite features and how have you used them?" (Be specific about your Figma workflow, from wireframing to prototyping and creating mockups.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dotdash Meredith and our brands, specifically MyRecipes?" (Research the company and its brands. Show genuine interest in their mission and content.)

• "How do you stay updated on UX design trends and best practices?" (Mention industry blogs, courses, communities, or thought leaders you follow.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: Begin with the problem statement, followed by your research, ideation, design iterations, final solution, and any measured outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (sketches, wireframes, prototypes, mockups) extensively. Demonstrate your Figma work by sharing your screen and navigating through your files.

• Be Concise and Focused: For each project, spend about 5-7 minutes, highlighting the most critical aspects relevant to the role.

• Emphasize Your Role: Clearly state your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methods, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing a clear design process, problem-solving skills, Figma proficiency, and an understanding of the digital publishing industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Intern position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your strongest UX/UI design projects, emphasizing your process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with Figma. Ensure case studies clearly articulate the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant academic projects, any prior internship experience, and showcase your passion for UX design and proficiency in required tools like Figma. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and answer behavioral and technical questions. Practice articulating your thought process and design decisions clearly.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dotdash Meredith, its various brands (especially MyRecipes), and its position in the digital publishing industry. Understand their user-centric approach and how design contributes to their business goals.

⚠️ 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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