UX Design Internship - Iasi

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Internship

Company: Bitdefender

Location: Iași, Romania

Job Type: Internship / Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the design and development of real-world cybersecurity products by working within the UX/UI Design team.

• Engage in the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from problem identification and wireframing to high-fidelity design and user testing.

• Develop practical skills in user flow mapping, wireframing, screen design, prototyping, and design QA within a professional environment.

• Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Marketing teams to ensure cohesive product development and user experience.

• Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma, and contribute to the company's design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly an internship with a strong possibility of continued employment, indicating Bitdefender's investment in developing talent. The focus is on practical application of UX/UI principles in a product development context, emphasizing process over just final aesthetics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Map existing user flows to identify user pain points, areas of confusion, and drop-off points.

• Sketch multiple wireframe solutions for identified product problems, demonstrating creative problem-solving.

• Design high-fidelity screens and their various states within Figma, adhering to and utilizing the established design system.

• Collaborate with UX writers to refine the language and microcopy within the designed interfaces.

• Create interactive, clickable prototypes for user testing sessions and internal stakeholder reviews.

• Participate actively in design critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback to iterate on designs.

• Conduct design quality assurance (QA) on developed features, identifying and documenting discrepancies between the design and the implemented product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to provide a comprehensive internship experience covering core UX/UI design tasks. Emphasis on "real products," "deadlines and limits," and "millions of people" highlights the practical, impactful nature of the work expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is required; students, recent graduates, or individuals transitioning into design are welcome.

Experience: No prior work experience is mandatory, though an understanding of a UX process is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Basic understanding of the UX process and its various stages.

• Solid grasp of UI fundamentals, including layout, spacing, visual hierarchy, typography, and color theory.

• Working knowledge of Figma, including proficiency with components and auto layout features.

• Ability to create wireframes and design screens with an understanding of different states.

• Experience building clickable prototypes for user testing or internal review.

• Skill in presenting design decisions and articulating the rationale behind them, including rejected alternatives.

• Strong communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a distributed team.

• Openness to feedback and the ability to integrate constructive criticism into design iterations.

• A portfolio showcasing 2-3 projects (school, personal, or volunteer work) that highlight your design process. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with accessibility basics and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

• Understanding of how designs are translated into code, including components, breakpoints, and design handoff procedures.

• Experience with motion design or advanced prototyping techniques beyond static screens.

• Basic comfort with data analysis, such as interpreting survey results or usage statistics.

• Additional skills in areas like writing, teaching, illustration, or coding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to have" section is crucial for candidates. It indicates areas where demonstrating initiative or prior exposure, even without formal experience, can significantly strengthen an application. The explicit statement that missing these is "costing you nothing" aims to encourage a wider range of applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase 2-3 distinct projects that clearly illustrate your design process from problem definition to solution.

• Prioritize demonstrating your thought process, decision-making, and problem-solving approach over merely presenting polished final screens.

• Detail the constraints and challenges faced within each project and how you navigated them.

• Include examples of user flow mapping, wireframing, and high-fidelity screen design.

• Demonstrate your ability to create functional prototypes and explain their purpose. Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline the UX methodology employed for each project (e.g., user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration).

• Explain how user feedback and testing results informed design iterations and improvements.

• Document collaboration methods, especially if working with UX writers, developers, or product managers.

• Show examples of how you applied design systems or component-based design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "process over final screens" is a key differentiator for this role. Candidates should prepare their portfolios to explicitly detail their journey through a design problem, highlighting their analytical and iterative capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship, specific salary details are typically shared during the interview process. For internships in Iasi, Romania, the compensation can range from €400 to €900 gross per month, depending on the company's size, the intern's demonstrated skills, and the project's complexity.

Benefits:

• Paid internship, with details provided during the interview stages.

• Dedicated mentorship from an experienced design team member for the duration of the 4-month internship.

• Regular feedback on work and participation in design critique sessions with the broader design team.

• Opportunity to work on impactful, real-world product features within the cybersecurity domain.

• Hybrid work setup, balancing office days with remote work.

• Paid time off, prorated for the 4-month internship period.

• Potential for full-time employment with Bitdefender upon successful completion of the internship.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time role, with a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for internships in Romania. The significant benefit is the direct path to potential full-time employment and the structured mentorship program.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity. Bitdefender is a global leader in threat prevention, detection, and response solutions, operating in a highly dynamic and technologically advanced sector.

Company Size: Large (1,000+ employees). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, resources, and opportunities for professional development, but also a need for clear communication and process adherence.

Founded: 2001. With over two decades of experience, Bitdefender has a deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and a proven track record of innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design team operates closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing departments, facilitating cross-functional collaboration.

• Interns will be integrated into the existing design team, likely reporting to a design lead or mentor.

• The team is responsible for the user experience across Bitdefender's diverse range of products and services. Methodology:

• Bitdefender emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leveraging research and analytics to inform design strategies.

• The company values innovation, ownership, and continuous learning, fostering an environment where employees can contribute to impactful projects.

• Design processes likely involve agile methodologies, user-centered design principles, and a focus on delivering high-quality, secure solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Bitdefender's established position in cybersecurity suggests a culture that values expertise, rigor, and continuous improvement. The internship is positioned as an opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals in a mission-critical industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed to provide foundational experience in UX/UI design within a corporate environment. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals aiming for a career in product design, particularly within the technology or cybersecurity sectors.

Reporting Structure: Interns will be assigned a direct mentor from the design team who will guide their work, provide feedback, and oversee their development during the internship period. They will also be part of the broader design team and collaborate with product and engineering stakeholders.

Operations Impact: Although an internship, the work will directly contribute to real product features used by millions of users worldwide. This provides a tangible impact and a chance to see how design decisions affect user engagement and product success in a global market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive hands-on experience with UX/UI processes, Figma, design systems, prototyping, and user testing, guided by expert mentors.

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the cybersecurity industry and its unique design challenges.

• Career Advancement: A significant opportunity to transition into a full-time junior designer role at Bitdefender upon successful completion of the internship, providing a clear career pathway.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, product managers, and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a "way onto the team" and the hope for interns to stay on post-internship highlights this as a talent pipeline initiative. The growth potential is framed around direct employment and skill acquisition rather than external opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid setup, meaning a blend of office-based work and remote work. This offers flexibility while ensuring in-person collaboration and team integration.

Office Location(s): Iași, Romania. This provides context for local amenities, transportation, and the specific office environment.

Workspace Context:

• The design team works closely with Product and Engineering, suggesting a collaborative and integrated workspace where designers are part of the product development loop.

• Access to necessary tools and technology, including Figma and potentially other design and collaboration software, will be provided.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with mentors and team members through design critiques and team meetings, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours/week) with flexibility afforded by the hybrid arrangement. This allows for focused work periods, both at home and in the office, to manage project timelines and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, appealing to candidates seeking a balance between structured team collaboration and individual focus. The Iași location provides a specific geographic anchor for the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design process understanding.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, design decisions, and problem-solving approaches for selected projects.

• Skills Assessment: Potential practical exercises or case studies to evaluate Figma proficiency, wireframing skills, or problem-solving capabilities.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversations with design team members and potentially product managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Bitdefender's values.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a hiring manager or senior design lead to discuss the internship scope, expectations, and potential for future employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the constraints, your design process, and the iterative steps taken. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Include examples of how you've used components, auto layout, and design systems effectively.

• Explain Decisions: Be prepared to justify every design choice, even those that were ultimately discarded. Discuss trade-offs and alternatives considered.

• Highlight Collaboration: If projects involved teamwork, describe your contribution and how you collaborated with others (e.g., UX writers, developers).

• Tailor to Bitdefender: Briefly mention why you are interested in Bitdefender and cybersecurity, and how your skills align with their mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of basic UX principles and how they apply to product design.

• Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex design concepts or processes.

• Familiarize yourself with common UI patterns and best practices.

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief, asking clarifying questions, and outlining a structured approach to solving the problem within the given timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and process explanation is paramount. Candidates should view their portfolio not just as a collection of work, but as a narrative tool to demonstrate their potential as a designer.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, screen design, prototyping, and utilizing design systems. Proficiency with components, auto layout, and collaborative features is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Data Comfort: While not a primary requirement, familiarity with reading survey results or basic usage numbers is a plus, suggesting the use of analytics platforms for informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but general awareness of how design fits into the broader product development pipeline, which often involves CRM and automation tools for customer engagement and workflow management, would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the central tool. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency, especially with its advanced features like components and auto layout, as these are crucial for working within a design system.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Bitdefender actively invests in R&D and encourages new ideas to stay ahead in cybersecurity.

• Ownership: Employees are expected to take responsibility for their work and contribute to impactful projects.

• Continuous Learning: The dynamic nature of cybersecurity necessitates a commitment to ongoing skill development and knowledge acquisition.

• User-Centricity: While not explicitly stated for this role, the UX/UI team's function implies a strong focus on understanding and serving user needs.

• Integrity & Trust: Essential in cybersecurity, this value underpins the company's mission to protect users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product, Engineering, and Marketing, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Feedback Culture: Design critiques are a formal part of the process, encouraging open discussion and iterative improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Mentorship and team critiques facilitate the sharing of expertise and best practices within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values of innovation, ownership, and continuous learning are directly applicable to an intern looking to grow. The collaborative style emphasizes teamwork and open communication, key for integrating into a professional design environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Real-World Constraints: Working with established design systems, technical limitations, and business requirements on actual products.

• Pace of Cybersecurity: Adapting to the fast-evolving threat landscape and its impact on product design needs.

• Impactful Feedback: Receiving and integrating constructive criticism from experienced professionals to refine designs.

• Balancing Design & Business Needs: Understanding how to create user-friendly experiences while meeting business objectives and technical feasibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentored Skill Development: Direct guidance from an experienced designer on core UX/UI principles and tools.

• Industry Experience: Exposure to the professional design process within a leading cybersecurity company.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a strong portfolio with real-world project experience that can lead to future employment.

• Potential Full-Time Role: The clear pathway to a permanent position offers significant career growth potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The internship is designed to present real-world challenges that accelerate learning. The primary growth opportunity is the direct transition into a full-time role, making this a highly competitive but rewarding prospect.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work within tight constraints for a design project. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving, constraints, and iterative solutions).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your process, and what was the outcome?" (Be ready to detail your UX process, decision-making, and Figma usage).

• "How do you incorporate user feedback into your design process?" (Emphasize user testing, iteration, and data-informed decisions).

• "What are your thoughts on design systems, and why are they important?" (Discuss consistency, efficiency, and scalability). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Bitdefender and the cybersecurity industry?" (Research Bitdefender's mission, products, and recent news).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Highlight openness to feedback and a focus on improvement).

• "Describe your ideal team environment for design collaboration." (Emphasize communication, shared goals, and mutual support). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of Bitdefender and why you're interested. Then, select 1-2 projects to present in detail.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing) -> Solutions -> Outcomes -> Learnings.

• Visuals: Use clear screenshots, wireframes, and prototypes. Annotate key decisions and challenges.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to briefly show or discuss specific Figma features you used (components, auto layout).

• Conciseness: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time, focusing on the most critical aspects of your process and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only understands design principles but also demonstrates the ability to apply them practically, collaborate effectively, and grow within the company. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Internship:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight any relevant coursework, personal projects, or skills in UX/UI design, Figma, and problem-solving. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your design process. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, your methodology, and your solutions. Make sure your Figma skills are evident.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clear communication, articulation of your thought process, and confidence in discussing your design decisions.

• Research Bitdefender: Understand their products, mission, and recent work in cybersecurity. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses to show genuine interest and alignment with their 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.