UX Design Intern - Summer 2027

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Intern - Summer 2027

Company: Hy-Vee, Inc.

Location: West Des Moines, IA, United States

Job Type: Part-time Internship

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Operations Support

Date Posted: September 04, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a foundational experience in User Experience (UX) Design within a corporate office setting, focusing on supporting UX initiatives and gaining practical exposure to design principles.

• The role involves assisting with various corporate office functions, contributing to a positive and efficient work environment, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Candidates will have the opportunity to develop core competencies in areas such as partnership, growth mindset, results orientation, customer focus, and professionalism.

• This position is designed to provide hands-on learning and project involvement, offering a glimpse into the operational aspects of a large retail organization's corporate functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Design Intern," the core responsibilities described lean heavily towards general corporate office support and administrative tasks, with UX design being a less defined component. The enhancement focuses on bridging this gap by framing it as an opportunity to learn UX within an operational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, efficient, and friendly customer service to internal employees, exhibiting care, concern, and patience in all interactions.

• Collaborate effectively with co-workers as a team to ensure a positive and productive work environment and support overall departmental goals.

• Maintain punctuality and consistent attendance as per the scheduled work hours for the internship.

• Assist the Senior UX Manager with assigned tasks, potentially including preliminary user research support, data gathering for design projects, or documentation of UX processes.

• Contribute to secondary duties and special projects as required, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to learn across different corporate functions.

• Support the development and maintenance of UX-related documentation, such as process flows, user journey maps, or design guidelines, under supervision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description's primary duties are very generic for any office role. This enhancement infers potential UX-related tasks based on the "UX Design Intern" title and the reporting structure to a "Senior UX Manager," while still acknowledging the broader corporate support aspect.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Currently pursuing a degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is highly preferred for a more focused UX experience.

Experience: Prior internship experience or relevant project work in UX design, user research, or graphic design is a plus, but not strictly required for this entry-level role. Familiarity with retail environments or large corporate structures can be beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, data analysis, and presentation preparation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret instructions and address practical, varied work scenarios.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective team collaboration and task reporting.

• High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in tasks and documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to organize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Basic arithmetic skills for calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.

• A commitment to promoting the company's mission and values. Preferred Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Familiarity with UX design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms.

• Experience with user research techniques or usability testing concepts.

• Basic understanding of data analysis and reporting related to user behavior or design performance.

• An eagerness to learn and apply new technologies and design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original requirements are very broad. This enhancement adds specific UX-related skills and educational background expectations that would be typical for a UX intern, while retaining the core requirements like Microsoft Office proficiency and strong communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio may not be strictly required for an internship, candidates are encouraged to prepare examples of relevant coursework, personal projects, or design challenges that showcase their design thinking process and problem-solving abilities.

• For UX-focused tasks, include examples demonstrating user-centered design approaches, wireframing, prototyping, or usability testing concepts, even if theoretical or academic.

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you approach user problems, and how you iterate on designs based on feedback or data.

• Showcase your ability to document processes, analyze information, and present findings clearly, mirroring the analytical and detailed orientation expected in the role. Process Documentation:

• Familiarity with documenting workflows and processes, especially as they relate to design or project execution.

• Ability to follow established company procedures and contribute to process improvement by identifying inefficiencies or suggesting enhancements based on observations.

• Understanding of how to record project progress, task completion, and any challenges encountered during the internship.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the internship level and the broader corporate support responsibilities, the portfolio requirements are framed as developmental. The emphasis is on demonstrating potential and process understanding rather than polished, professional deliverables.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a paid internship, compensation is expected to be competitive for entry-level roles in the West Des Moines, IA area. A typical range for a part-time corporate intern in this region can be between $15 - $20 per hour, depending on the specific responsibilities and the candidate's qualifications.

Benefits:

• Paid internship experience providing valuable hands-on learning in a corporate environment.

• Opportunity to gain exposure to User Experience (UX) design principles and application within a large retail organization.

• Networking opportunities with professionals across various departments at Hy-Vee.

• Potential for future employment opportunities within Hy-Vee based on performance and business needs.

• Access to employee discounts and other standard company benefits as applicable to interns.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position, with flexible hours available. The role requires approximately 40 hours per week during the summer internship period, with specific scheduling to be arranged with the hiring manager to accommodate business needs and academic commitments where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on typical internship compensation in the specified location and industry. Specific benefits are inferred based on standard corporate internship offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Grocery) - Hy-Vee operates as a large, employee-owned supermarket chain with a significant presence in the Midwest. This industry context means a strong focus on customer experience, operational efficiency, and a community-oriented approach.

Company Size: Hy-Vee is a large enterprise, employing over 100,000 people across its various operations. This scale implies structured processes, diverse departments, and opportunities for exposure to large-scale project management and corporate functions.

Founded: Hy-Vee was founded in 1930. This long history suggests a stable company with established traditions, a robust operational framework, and a deep understanding of its market and customer base.

Team Structure:

• The intern will report to the Senior UX Manager, indicating a dedicated UX team or a UX function within a larger department (e.g., Digital, Marketing, IT).

• This role involves collaboration with various internal teams, including potentially marketing, IT, operations, and other corporate departments, reflecting a cross-functional operational model.

• The team likely values a collaborative and supportive environment, emphasizing teamwork and shared success in achieving corporate objectives. Methodology:

• Operations within Hy-Vee likely emphasize data-driven decision-making, process optimization for efficiency, and a customer-centric approach to all initiatives.

• The company culture fosters a "helpful smile in every aisle" philosophy, translating to a service-oriented mindset across all employee interactions.

• Expect a blend of established corporate processes and a drive for innovation, particularly in areas like digital experience and customer engagement.

Company Website: https://www.hy-vee.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from general knowledge of Hy-Vee as a major retail entity. The implications for operations and the intern role are inferred from this industry and company size.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for individuals early in their academic or professional journey. It provides a foundational understanding of corporate operations and specific exposure to UX design principles within a business context.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to a Senior UX Manager, offering direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the UX field. This structure allows for focused learning and clear direction on tasks and projects.

Operations Impact: While the intern's direct impact may be project-specific and supportive, their contributions can influence the efficiency of UX projects and the overall operational workflow of the UX team. This role provides insight into how UX design contributes to the broader business objectives of a large retail organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience in UX design tools and methodologies, learn about user research, and develop professional communication and collaboration skills.

• Industry Exposure: Understand the operational dynamics of a major retail company and how UX fits into its strategy.

• Networking: Build relationships with industry professionals, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.

• Potential Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future part-time or full-time roles within Hy-Vee, particularly if performance is strong and business needs align.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth analysis is tailored to an internship level, focusing on learning, exposure, and potential future pathways rather than immediate career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The internship is based in a corporate office environment at Hy-Vee's West Des Moines location. This setting is typically professional, with dedicated workspaces and collaborative areas.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Corporate Office in West Des Moines, IA. This location serves as a central hub for many corporate functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an office where teamwork and communication are encouraged, with opportunities to interact with peers and mentors.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment, including computers with Microsoft Office Suite, and potentially specialized UX software depending on project needs.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with the UX team and potentially other departments, fostering a dynamic and interactive work experience.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time, with flexible hours available, intended to accommodate academic schedules where feasible, while ensuring approximately 40 hours per week during the summer period. This flexibility allows for balancing work with other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on typical corporate office settings and the information provided about Hy-Vee's corporate presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials (resume, cover letter if applicable) to assess qualifications and fit.

• First Interview: Likely a phone or video call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss background, motivations, and basic qualifications.

• Second Interview: This may involve a more in-depth discussion with the Senior UX Manager or other team members, potentially including a review of any submitted work or a discussion of design thinking.

• Case Study/Project Discussion: Candidates may be asked to discuss hypothetical UX scenarios or present academic/personal projects that demonstrate their design process and problem-solving skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final meeting with key stakeholders to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the internship.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Even for academic projects, clearly articulate your design process, the problem you were solving, your research methods, design decisions, and the outcomes.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Highlight how you identified user needs or business challenges and how your design addressed them.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure any visual elements in your portfolio are clean, well-organized, and easy to understand.

• Tailor to UX: Emphasize any work that demonstrates UX principles, user-centered design, wireframing, prototyping, or usability testing. If UX is nascent in your experience, focus on analytical and problem-solving projects that showcase transferable skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UX design, your favorite design tools, and why you are interested in UX and Hy-Vee.

• Practice articulating your thought process for common design challenges (e.g., "How would you improve the checkout process on a mobile app?").

• Research Hy-Vee's current digital presence (website, app) and identify potential areas for UX improvement, framing your suggestions constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview and portfolio tips are generalized for a UX internship and tailored to emphasize process and problem-solving, aligning with the likely evaluation criteria for an entry-level role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily tasks, documentation, data analysis, and presentations (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Kronos Workforce Management: Likely used for time tracking and scheduling, common in large corporate environments.

• Communication Platforms: Internal tools like email (Outlook), and potentially instant messaging or collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct involvement may be limited for an intern, exposure to how data is used to inform design decisions is possible. This could include basic reporting tools or data analysis in Excel. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) concepts is beneficial, as Hy-Vee is a customer-centric organization, though direct CRM tool usage might not be a primary intern responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is inferred from the job description's requirements (Microsoft Office, Kronos) and general corporate IT environments, with a specific nod to potential UX tools if the role leans more heavily into design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Helpful Smile in Every Aisle: This core value translates to a strong emphasis on customer service, employee support, and a positive, helpful attitude in all interactions.

• Partnerships: Valuing collaboration and strong working relationships both internally and externally.

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to challenges and skill development.

• Results Oriented: Focusing on achieving objectives and contributing to the company's success through dedicated effort.

• Customer Focused: Prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of both external customers and internal stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together to achieve common goals, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to collaborate with individuals from various departments, requiring clear communication and an understanding of different functional perspectives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and open dialogue to improve processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are directly drawn from the company's stated core competencies and mission statement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding the structure, processes, and key stakeholders within a large retail corporation can be challenging.

• Balancing Diverse Responsibilities: Juggling general corporate support tasks with specific UX-related learning objectives.

• Adapting to Corporate Processes: Learning and adhering to established company policies, procedures, and technology platforms.

• Developing Practical UX Skills: Translating theoretical knowledge into practical application within business constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Senior UX Manager provides a structured learning path.

• Project Involvement: Hands-on experience with real-world projects, offering valuable practical skills.

• Industry Insights: Gaining exposure to the retail industry and large-scale corporate operations.

• Networking: Building connections that can support future career endeavors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed from the perspective of an intern entering a large corporate environment, focusing on learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work as part of a team to achieve a goal. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses teamwork and collaboration)

• "How do you approach a task when you are given limited instructions or need to solve a problem you haven't encountered before?" (Assesses problem-solving and adaptability)

• "Tell me about a project where you had to pay close attention to detail. How did you ensure accuracy?" (Assesses detail orientation and precision) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hy-Vee specifically, and what do you know about our company culture?" (Assesses research and cultural fit)

• "How do you demonstrate professionalism in a work environment?" (Assesses understanding of workplace conduct)

• "What does 'customer focused' mean to you in a corporate setting?" (Assesses understanding of company values) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If presenting academic work, explain the project's objective, your role, the design process you followed, the tools you used, and what you learned.

• Be ready to discuss your strengths in areas like Microsoft Office, analytical thinking, and communication, providing specific examples.

• Articulate why you are interested in UX design and how this internship aligns with your career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to assess the core competencies and requirements mentioned in the job description, with a focus on behavioral and situational responses relevant to an internship role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations support and UX design internship position:

• Submit your application through the provided career portal link on the Hy-Vee website.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences related to design, problem-solving, analytical thinking, Microsoft Office proficiency, and customer service. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have design projects (even academic ones), prepare them for potential discussion. Focus on explaining your thought process, the problem addressed, and the outcome. Highlight any analytical or documentation skills.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common interview questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, attention to detail, and your interest in Hy-Vee. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UX design principles.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hy-Vee's mission, values, and recent news. Understand their current digital presence (website, app) to better articulate your interest and potential contributions.

⚠️ 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.