UX Design Intern (Summer 2027)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Intern (Summer 2027)

Company: Vertiv

Location: Westerville, OH, United States

Job Type: Intern

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: September 18, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the design and development of user experiences for Vertiv's web, mobile, and industrial applications.

• Assist in critical UX processes including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Collaborate with senior designers, product managers, and engineers to translate user needs into intuitive design solutions.

• Gain hands-on experience in a professional design environment, fostering career growth in UX/UI design.

• Support the maintenance and evolution of design systems, UI components, and style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an internship, targeting individuals early in their UX design career. The focus is on learning and contributing under guidance, with an emphasis on practical application of design principles and tools. The company's focus on data centers and industrial applications suggests a need for UX designers who can handle complex technical environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research activities, including interviews, surveys, and competitive analyses, to deeply understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors within the context of Vertiv's product ecosystem.

• Develop low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools like Figma to visualize and iterate on design concepts.

• Participate actively in usability testing sessions, meticulously gathering feedback and translating user insights into actionable design improvements for enhanced user satisfaction and task completion.

• Foster strong partnerships with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and marketing, to ensure design solutions are aligned with both user-centric goals and overarching business objectives.

• Assist in the maintenance and enhancement of Vertiv's design systems, contributing to UI component libraries, style guides, and comprehensive design documentation for consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for an intern in a UX design team, focusing on supporting senior designers and contributing to specific project phases. The emphasis on "real customer problems" and "shaping user experiences" indicates that the intern will be involved in meaningful work, not just administrative tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s program in UX/UI Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Psychology, or a closely related field.

Experience: While this is an internship, a foundational understanding of UX principles and design thinking is expected, demonstrated through academic projects, personal work, or previous internships.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Familiarity with standard design and prototyping software, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

• Ability to participate in and contribute to user research and usability testing activities.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to articulate design ideas and rationale clearly.

• Experience working in or understanding cross-functional team dynamics.

• Familiarity with design systems, UI components, and style guides. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies beyond basic usability testing (e.g., interviews, surveys, persona development).

• Exposure to industrial design or complex technical product interfaces.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design decisions.

• Experience contributing to or maintaining design system documentation.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements are typical for a UX internship. The emphasis on Figma is a key technical requirement. The mention of "industrial applications" suggests that candidates with experience or interest in complex, enterprise-level software might have an advantage. The "0-2 Years" experience level is a strong indicator for internship roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing academic, personal, or professional projects that clearly demonstrate a user-centered design process from ideation to execution.

• Inclusion of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes for at least one significant project, illustrating design decision-making.

• Examples of research methodologies applied and how findings informed design iterations.

• Visual design examples that highlight an understanding of UI principles and aesthetics.

• Documentation of collaborative efforts if applicable to projects. Process Documentation:

• Examples within the portfolio should highlight the candidate's ability to document their design process, including research findings, design iterations, and final solutions.

• Emphasis on showcasing how user feedback and testing results were incorporated into the design lifecycle.

• Clear articulation of the steps taken to solve a specific user problem or achieve a defined design objective.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating potential rather than extensive professional experience. The focus should be on showcasing the candidate's understanding of the UX process, their ability to use design tools, and their potential for growth. Projects should highlight problem-solving skills and a user-centric approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Summer 2027 internship role, specific salary details are typically determined closer to the hiring period. However, based on industry standards for UX Design Internships in Westerville, Ohio, a competitive hourly rate is expected, potentially ranging from $18-$25 per hour, depending on the candidate's academic standing, prior experience, and the specific scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience and mentorship from senior UX designers.

• Opportunity to work on real-world projects impacting Vertiv's product portfolio.

• Exposure to cross-functional teams and professional development within the tech industry.

• Potential for networking and future employment opportunities within Vertiv.

• Standard intern benefits may include access to company facilities and a structured learning program.

Working Hours: Typically, internships operate on a full-time basis, approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business hours to maximize collaboration and learning opportunities. Specific schedules may be discussed and agreed upon with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: For internships, salary is often paid hourly. The range provided is an estimate based on similar roles in the US, particularly in the Midwest. Benefits for interns are usually focused on learning and development rather than comprehensive traditional benefits like health insurance, though this can vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Vertiv operates in the critical infrastructure technology sector, focusing on data centers, communication networks, and commercial/industrial facilities. This industry demands reliability, innovation, and a deep understanding of complex technical environments. For UX professionals, this translates to designing for users who are often highly technical and rely on the seamless functioning of these systems.

Company Size: Vertiv employs around 34,000 people globally. This large size indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, diverse teams, and opportunities for broad impact. For an intern, it means exposure to a professional, corporate environment with potential for diverse projects and specialized teams.

Founded: Vertiv was formed in 2016 as a spin-off from Emerson Electric's Network Power, Connectivity, and Thermal Management businesses. This relatively recent formation as an independent entity suggests a company that is modernizing and focused on growth within its specialized niche.

Team Structure: The intern will join the Experience Design Group, working closely with senior designers, product managers, and developers. This structure implies a collaborative, project-based approach where UX is integrated into the product development lifecycle. The team likely consists of specialists in various UX disciplines, allowing for mentorship and learning.

Methodology: Vertiv emphasizes core principles of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Inclusion, alongside strategic priorities like High-Performance Culture, Customer Focus, Operational Excellence, Innovation, and Financial Strength. Their "Vertiv Behaviors" such as "Own it," "Act with urgency," "Drive continuous improvement," and "Learn and seek out development" suggest a proactive, results-oriented, and growth-minded culture. For UX, this means designs should be reliable, efficient, and contribute to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on critical infrastructure and its core principles/behaviors suggest a culture that values pragmatism, reliability, and continuous improvement. UX interns should be prepared to contribute to solutions that are robust and user-friendly in demanding environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, specifically designed for individuals pursuing education in UX/UI Design or related fields. The role provides foundational, hands-on experience in professional UX practices.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to senior members of the Experience Design Group and work closely with Product Managers and Developers. This structure offers direct mentorship and exposure to different facets of product development.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be limited by the scope of assigned projects, their contributions to user research, wireframing, and prototyping can directly influence design decisions for Vertiv's web, mobile, and industrial applications. Successful interns can lay the groundwork for improved user experiences, leading to better customer adoption and satisfaction, which indirectly supports Vertiv's strategic priorities like Customer Focus and Operational Excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX research, wireframing, prototyping (especially Figma), and usability testing through practical application and mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the critical infrastructure technology sector, understanding the unique UX challenges of data centers and industrial environments.

• Networking: Build professional connections with experienced designers, product managers, and engineers within a large, global organization.

• Career Path: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time entry-level roles (e.g., Junior UX Designer) or subsequent internships at Vertiv, based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are heavily focused on learning and development, which is standard for internships. The potential for future employment is a significant draw for ambitious interns. The "Learn and seek out development" behavior is directly applicable here.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site internship position, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This allows for direct collaboration, in-person mentorship, and integration into the daily workflow of the UX team.

Office Location(s): The internship is located in Westerville, Ohio. This location houses Vertiv's headquarters, suggesting access to a significant portion of the company's operations and a potentially vibrant office environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting facilitates spontaneous discussions, team brainstorming sessions, and direct feedback loops with designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Tools and Technology: Interns will have access to the necessary design software (e.g., Figma) and company hardware, along with any specialized tools used by the Experience Design Group.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and project discussions will provide ample opportunities to interact with colleagues and learn from their expertise.

Work Schedule: The role is typically full-time (around 40 hours per week) during standard business hours. This schedule is designed to ensure maximum engagement with the team and project work, allowing for structured learning and contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is important for interns seeking immersive learning experiences. It emphasizes direct collaboration and mentorship, which are key benefits of in-person internships.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the internship role.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a brief technical assessment or a discussion focused on UX principles and tool proficiency (e.g., Figma).

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a project from their portfolio, walking through their process, decision-making, and outcomes. Some companies may provide a small, timed design challenge.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring managers and potential team members to assess communication skills, collaboration potential, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Vertiv's core principles and behaviors.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Include examples of your work in Figma, demonstrating your ability to create wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• User-Centricity: Emphasize how you incorporated user needs and feedback into your designs.

• Conciseness: Present 2-3 strong projects rather than many weaker ones. Ensure each project is easy to understand and showcases your best work.

• Tailor to Vertiv: If possible, subtly highlight projects that might relate to industrial applications, complex systems, or enterprise software, showing you've considered Vertiv's domain.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the UX Process: Be ready to discuss each stage of the design process and your contributions.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining your design decisions and the reasoning behind them.

• Know Your Portfolio: Be prepared to deep-dive into any project you present.

• Research Vertiv: Understand their products, industry, and company values. Consider how UX contributes to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for UX interns. The interview process will likely focus on assessing their foundational skills and potential, rather than extensive professional experience. Understanding Vertiv's specific industry and values will be a plus.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required skill and is a leading tool for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Proficiency is expected.

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

• Design & Collaboration Software: Tools for project management, communication (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and potentially asset management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this intern role, understanding how user data and analytics inform design decisions is valuable. Familiarity with basic analytics concepts or tools could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX intern role, but understanding how UX design integrates with product development workflows that utilize CRM and automation tools would demonstrate broader business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma makes it the most critical tool to highlight. Interns should be comfortable using it for wireframing, prototyping, and potentially contributing to design systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Inclusion: These are Vertiv's stated core principles. For UX, this means designing with user safety and data integrity in mind, respecting diverse user needs, fostering inclusive design practices, and working collaboratively within the team.

• Customer Focus: Designs should prioritize the user experience and address customer needs effectively, aligning with Vertiv's strategic priority.

• Innovation: While an intern, bringing fresh perspectives and exploring new design approaches can contribute to the team's innovative efforts.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn, adapt, and refine designs based on feedback and testing is crucial.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with product managers, engineers, and marketing, requiring clear communication and a shared understanding of project goals.

• Design Critiques: The team likely engages in regular design critiques, providing constructive feedback to help improve designs and foster a learning environment.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings from research and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Vertiv's emphasis on core principles and behaviors suggests a structured yet collaborative environment. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn, contribute positively to team dynamics, and align their work with company values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Understanding Complex Systems: Designing for industrial applications and data centers involves understanding intricate technical requirements and user workflows, which can be challenging for someone new to the domain.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Interns will learn to navigate the complexities of aligning user experience with technical constraints and business objectives.

• Rapid Iteration and Feedback: The fast-paced nature of product development may require quick adaptation to feedback and design changes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX designers on practical design skills, industry best practices, and career development.

• Tool Mastery: Deepening proficiency in Figma and potentially other UX tools through daily application.

• Industry Insight: Gaining exposure to the critical infrastructure technology sector and its unique UX considerations.

• Portfolio Building: Contributing to real projects that can significantly enhance a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the domain and the intern level, offering significant learning opportunities. The growth potential is directly tied to the hands-on experience and mentorship provided.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project from your portfolio that you are most proud of. Walk me through your user-centered design process, your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcome." (Focus on clarity, process, and impact.)

• "How do you approach user research? What methods have you used, and how do you translate research findings into design decisions?" (Highlight your understanding of user needs.)

• "Imagine you need to design a new feature for a complex industrial control panel. What would be your first steps, and what key considerations would you have?" (Assess problem-solving and domain awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Vertiv and our work in critical infrastructure?" (Show research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you align with Vertiv's core principles like Integrity, Teamwork, and Inclusion?" (Connect your values to theirs.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your work. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?" (Assess coachability and growth mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the results/learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images of wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final designs. Ensure interactive prototypes are easily demonstrated.

• Storytelling: Present your work as a narrative, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and design journey.

• Figma Focus: Be ready to demonstrate specific aspects of your Figma work, such as interactive components, auto-layout, or design system elements if applicable.

• Conciseness: Aim for 5-7 minutes per project to allow for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid understanding of the UX process, proficiency with Figma, and an eagerness to learn and contribute within Vertiv's specific industry context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Intern position:

• Submit your application through the Oracle Cloud portal linked in the job posting.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, technical skills (especially Figma), and any prior UX-related experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX projects that best showcase your process, skills, and potential. Ensure it is well-organized, visually appealing, and easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or PDF).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clear articulation of your process, decision-making, and results. Be ready to discuss your Figma skills.

• Research Vertiv: Understand Vertiv's products, industry, and company values. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.