UX Design Internship – Summer 2027

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Internship – Summer 2027

Company: Duke Energy Corporation

Location: Charlotte, NC, United States

Job Type: Full-time Internship

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: October 02, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level / Internship (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to meaningful UX design initiatives within Duke Energy's Information Technology organization, focusing on enhancing digital experiences for both employees and customers.

• Interns will gain practical experience in user research, persona development, journey mapping, and the creation of spec-driven prototypes.

• The role involves collaborating closely with experienced UX designers, product teams, developers, and business stakeholders to solve complex challenges.

• Successful candidates will be immersed in the energy industry, fostering professional networks and developing critical skills through direct involvement in business and technology projects.

• This position is ideal for students passionate about user-centered design, innovation, and making a tangible impact in a large, established corporation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "UX Design Internship – Summer 2027" title and the description clearly indicate this is an internship role. The company, Duke Energy Corporation, is a major utility provider, suggesting a focus on large-scale digital solutions for both internal (employee) and external (customer) users. The location is specified as Charlotte, NC, and the "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for some on-site presence, likely for collaboration and access to company resources, while allowing for remote work flexibility. The provided keywords and responsibilities align perfectly with a standard UX Design internship focused on practical application of design principles and tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research to gather insights into user needs, behaviors, and pain points for digital products and services.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, and experience maps to visually represent target user groups and their interactions with Duke Energy's platforms.

• Create spec-driven prototypes by translating user requirements and business needs into detailed design specifications and functional prototypes.

• Participate actively in usability testing sessions, analyze feedback, and iterate on designs to improve user experience and product efficacy.

• Support and contribute to design thinking workshops and innovation initiatives, fostering a culture of creative problem-solving.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and business analysts, to ensure seamless integration of UX designs into development cycles.

• Contribute to the enhancement of digital experiences by applying UX best practices, including accessibility and inclusive design principles.

• Assist in the documentation and communication of design decisions, research findings, and user feedback to stakeholders.

• Engage with and learn from experienced UX professionals and mentors to refine design skills and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to detail the typical tasks an intern in a UX Design role would undertake. This includes elaborating on research, mapping, prototyping, testing, and collaboration aspects, all crucial for developing practical UX skills and demonstrating impact. The focus on "spec-driven prototypes" and "design thinking workshops" highlights specific methodologies expected in such a role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program.

• Fields of study include User Experience (UX) Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Product Design, Psychology, Economics, Information Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Limited professional experience is expected, consistent with an internship role. Focus will be on academic projects, personal projects, and demonstrated understanding of UX principles.

• Previous internship experience is a plus but not strictly required. Required Skills:

• Strong academic record with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.

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

• Familiarity with core UX design processes, including user research, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.

• Basic understanding of interaction design principles and information architecture.

• Must not graduate prior to May 2027 to ensure a full summer internship engagement.

• Possess a valid driver's license.

• Ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. Preferred Skills:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Hands-on experience with UX design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar platforms.

• Exposure to user research methodologies and usability testing techniques.

• Familiarity with design thinking frameworks and human-centered design approaches.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design practices.

• Experience creating personas, journey maps, or experience maps.

• Demonstrated leadership potential through extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer work, or project teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

• Self-driven, motivated, and proactive with a strong curiosity and willingness to learn.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to differentiate between basic requirements and desired attributes, common in internship postings. Specific degree programs relevant to UX are listed, and the GPA requirement is clarified. The "Desired Qualifications" section has been populated with skills and tools commonly associated with UX internships, directly referencing the provided list and inferring the practical application of these skills. The graduation date and sponsorship requirements are crucial for eligibility and have been highlighted.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase academic or personal projects demonstrating a strong understanding of the UX design process from research to ideation and prototyping.

• Include case studies that clearly outline a design problem, the research and analysis conducted, design iterations, and the final proposed solution.

• Highlight proficiency in using UX design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch).

• Demonstrate an ability to translate user needs and business requirements into tangible design artifacts.

• Focus on projects that illustrate problem-solving skills and a user-centered approach. Process Documentation:

• Projects should clearly document the steps taken in the design process, including user research methodologies employed, data synthesis, and decision-making rationale.

• For prototyping projects, include details on the fidelity of prototypes created and the tools used.

• Evidence of iterative design, including how feedback (from testing or reviews) was incorporated, is highly valued.

• Showcase an understanding of how designs align with business objectives and user goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating potential rather than extensive professional experience. These requirements focus on showcasing the candidate's understanding of the UX process, their ability to use design tools, and their problem-solving skills through academic or personal projects. The emphasis is on the process and learning rather than solely on polished, final products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an internship position, Duke Energy typically offers a competitive hourly wage for interns. Based on industry standards for UX Design internships in Charlotte, NC, and considering Duke Energy's size and reputation, the estimated hourly rate would likely range from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the intern's year in school and specific qualifications. Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage for the duration of the internship.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement through hands-on project work.

• Access to mentorship from experienced UX designers and industry professionals.

• Networking opportunities with fellow interns and Duke Energy leadership.

• Exposure to a dynamic and innovative work environment within the energy sector.

• Potential for future employment opportunities based on internship performance.

• Recognition for contributions and achievements during the internship. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time internship hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Specific daily schedule to be determined with the hiring manager, likely aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with flexibility as agreed upon within the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information is not provided in the raw data, so a research-based estimate for an internship in this location and field has been provided. Benefits are inferred from the company's general statement about "opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits," tailored to an internship context. Working hours are assumed to be standard full-time for an internship.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy / Utilities. Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, operating in numerous states and serving millions of customers. This context implies a focus on reliability, customer service, innovation in energy solutions, and a commitment to sustainability and community impact.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale suggests structured processes, significant resources, opportunities for specialization, and a corporate environment with defined career paths. For interns, it means exposure to large-scale projects and potentially complex organizational dynamics.

Founded: Duke Energy was formed in 2002 through the merger of Duke Power and Cinergy. Its predecessor companies have a much longer history, dating back to the early 20th century, indicating a stable and established organization with deep roots in the communities it serves.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Internship is part of the Information Technology (IT) organization, specifically within a UX design team. This team likely consists of experienced UX designers, researchers, and possibly UI developers.

• Interns will report to a designated mentor or manager within the UX team and will collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and business stakeholders from various departments.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with UX designers acting as a bridge between user needs, business objectives, and technical implementation. Methodology:

• Design thinking and human-centered design are explicitly mentioned as key approaches, indicating a focus on understanding user needs as the starting point for all design solutions.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed within the IT organization, meaning iterative development cycles, frequent collaboration, and adaptability to changing requirements.

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, with user research, usability testing, and analytics informing design choices.

Company Website: https://www.duke-energy.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the organization's name and industry. The implications for an intern are highlighted, such as the scale of projects, the importance of reliability in the energy sector, and the likely adoption of structured methodologies like design thinking and Agile. The team structure emphasizes the collaborative nature of UX work within a large IT department.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position designed for students to gain foundational experience in UX Design. It is a stepping stone into a potential career within UX, product design, or related fields. The role focuses on learning and application under guidance.

Reporting Structure: Interns will typically report to a UX Design Manager or a Senior UX Designer who serves as their mentor. They will work on projects assigned by their mentor and collaborate with various project teams, including product managers, engineers, and business analysts, providing exposure to different functional areas.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is generally focused on specific project deliverables, their work contributes to the overall improvement of digital products and services used by millions of customers and thousands of employees. Successful design solutions can lead to increased customer satisfaction, improved employee efficiency, and enhanced user engagement with Duke Energy's digital platforms. The internship aims to foster an understanding of how UX design drives business value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and specific design tools. Learn about accessibility, inclusive design, and the application of design thinking in a corporate environment.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the energy sector, understanding its unique challenges and opportunities for digital transformation.

• Professional Networking: Build connections with industry professionals, mentors, and peers, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.

• Career Path Exploration: Understand the various roles within a large IT organization and how UX fits into the broader product development lifecycle. Potential for return internships or full-time roles post-graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the internship within a broader career context. It clarifies the entry-level nature of the role, the reporting structure, and the potential impact, even for an intern. Growth opportunities are detailed, focusing on skill acquisition, industry exposure, networking, and career exploration, which are key motivators for internship candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of on-site work at Duke Energy's facilities in Charlotte, NC, and remote work. The on-site component is crucial for team collaboration, accessing company resources, and experiencing the corporate environment firsthand.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC. This is a major business hub with likely modern office facilities. Specific details about the office location (e.g., "OPTIMIST HALL" mentioned in the raw data) suggest a potentially dynamic and collaborative workspace, possibly in a co-working or innovation district, though it could also be a standard corporate campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest an environment that values teamwork, brainstorming, and open communication. Interns will likely participate in team meetings, design critiques, and collaborative work sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Interns will have access to industry-standard UX design software (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Miro) and potentially internal Duke Energy tools and platforms necessary for their projects.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities will exist to interact with fellow interns, UX designers, product teams, and potentially other IT professionals, fostering a supportive learning community.

Work Schedule: The internship is full-time (40 hours/week). The hybrid arrangement means a portion of the work will be performed remotely, and a portion will be on-site. Specific days for on-site work will likely be determined by the team's needs and manager's guidance, requiring flexibility from the intern. This structure allows for focused work periods and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is a key characteristic. This section details what that means in practice for an intern, focusing on collaboration, access to tools, and the balance between on-site and remote work. The mention of "OPTIMIST HALL" from the raw data is integrated to suggest a potentially modern workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on academic qualifications, GPA, and alignment with degree program requirements.

• Phone/Video Interview: A first-round interview, likely with an HR representative or a UX team member, to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and motivation.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth interview, often including a presentation of the candidate's portfolio. This stage assesses UX knowledge, design process understanding, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with design tools. Candidates may be asked to walk through a case study from their portfolio.

• Team/Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration potential, and overall suitability for the internship program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. Each project should have a clear narrative: problem, process, solution, and outcome/learnings.

• Showcase the Process: Emphasize your thought process, research methods, user insights, and iterative design decisions. Don't just show final mockups; explain why you made certain design choices.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate which tools you used for each project (e.g., Figma for wireframing and prototyping, Miro for collaboration).

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, try to articulate the intended or achieved impact, even if it's hypothetical. For example, "This design aimed to reduce user confusion by X%."

• Tailor to the Role: While a general portfolio is fine, be prepared to discuss projects most relevant to Duke Energy's context (e.g., designing for complex systems, improving user efficiency, customer-facing applications).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercises: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you might be asked to outline how you would approach a design problem for Duke Energy's customers or employees.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating your approach to common UX challenges, such as improving navigation, simplifying a complex form, or designing for accessibility.

• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific UX tools and potentially demonstrate basic functionality if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying for this specific internship. It outlines a typical interview process for internships, offers detailed tips for presenting a UX portfolio effectively, and suggests areas for preparation for potential design challenges, all tailored to a UX Design role at a large corporation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch (Candidates are expected to have familiarity with at least one of these). These tools are essential for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural (or similar virtual whiteboarding tools). These are crucial for brainstorming, user journey mapping, affinity diagramming, and collaborative design sessions, especially in a hybrid work environment.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or internal survey platforms may be used. Familiarity with conducting and analyzing user feedback is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct responsibility might be limited for an intern, an understanding of how user behavior is tracked and analyzed is beneficial. Tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal dashboards may be used by the broader team to measure digital product performance. CRM & Automation:

• Basic awareness of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools support customer interactions and business processes can provide context for digital design decisions, though direct experience is not typically required for a UX intern.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly incorporates the tools mentioned in the "Desired Qualifications" and expands on their typical use cases within a UX Design team. It clarifies the expected level of proficiency and the purpose of these tools in the design process, providing context for the intern.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, emphasizing that all design decisions must prioritize the needs and experience of the end-user (customer or employee).

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to enhance digital experiences and solve complex problems within the energy sector.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of diverse perspectives and shared effort to achieve the best outcomes. Open communication and mutual support are encouraged.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from user research, analytics, and testing to inform design strategies and measure success.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A commitment to designing digital products that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability or background, reflecting Duke Energy's service to a broad public.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: UX designers work closely with product managers, engineers, business analysts, and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills to align on project goals and deliverables.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: An open culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged on designs, processes, and project approaches to foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, learnings, and insights through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers likely company and team values based on the nature of UX design, the industry (energy), and the emphasis on collaboration. These values are presented with specific relevance to how an operations professional (in this case, a UX intern) would embody them.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Interns will learn to navigate the complexities of designing solutions that satisfy both user requirements and Duke Energy's business objectives, which can sometimes be in tension.

• Designing for a Regulated Industry: The energy sector has specific regulatory considerations and a need for high reliability, which can influence design constraints and processes.

• Adopting and Applying New Tools/Processes: Quickly learning and effectively using new design software, research methodologies, and internal company processes within a limited internship timeframe.

• Navigating a Large Corporate Structure: Understanding communication channels, decision-making hierarchies, and stakeholder management within a large enterprise can be a learning curve.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Mentorship: Dedicated guidance from an experienced UX professional to support skill development and career advice.

• Project-Based Learning: Gaining practical, hands-on experience by contributing to real-world projects with tangible outcomes.

• Workshops & Training: Potential access to internal company training sessions or workshops focused on UX, design thinking, or industry-specific topics.

• Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with other interns and employees across different departments, broadening professional horizons.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges an intern might face and frames them as opportunities for growth. It highlights the unique aspects of working in the energy sector and a large corporation, providing a realistic outlook and emphasizing the learning potential of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX project you worked on. What was the problem, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you approach user research, and what methods would you use to understand the needs of Duke Energy's customers?" (Focus on empathy and structured research.)

• "Imagine you need to design a new feature for our mobile app. How would you start, and what are the key considerations?" (Discuss your design thinking process.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive?" (Demonstrate knowledge of accessibility principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in a UX internship at Duke Energy specifically, rather than another tech company?" (Research Duke Energy's mission, values, and recent digital initiatives.)

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

• "Describe a time you worked effectively in a team to achieve a common goal." (Prepare an example showcasing collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, present a compelling narrative that highlights your problem-solving journey.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate what you did in each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, user flows) to illustrate your design process and solutions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, research findings, and how you'd handle challenges.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly and fits within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice. It includes specific types of questions candidates can expect, emphasizing both technical UX knowledge and behavioral aspects, along with concrete strategies for presenting a portfolio and preparing for potential challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Internship position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio highlight projects and skills most relevant to UX design, user research, and prototyping. Tailor your portfolio to showcase your understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your current degree program, expected graduation date, GPA, and any relevant coursework or projects. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "User Research," "Prototyping," and specific tool names.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and key learnings from your projects. Be ready to discuss your motivations for seeking an internship at Duke Energy and how your skills align with the role.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Duke Energy's mission, values, recent projects, and their commitment to customer experience and digital innovation. Understand the energy industry context.

⚠️ 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.