UX Researcher– 4-month Internship/Coop (Winter 2027)  

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher – 4-month Internship/Coop (Winter 2027)

Company: Intact FC

Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time Internship/Coop

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Design

Date Posted: September 08, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years (Internship Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a critical internship role focused on applying user research methodologies within a large, established digital and data team at Intact FC, a leading insurance provider.

• The intern will gain hands-on experience in conducting various qualitative and quantitative user research activities to inform product and service design decisions.

• The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and data analysts, to translate research findings into actionable insights and user experience artifacts.

• Successful candidates will contribute to enhancing customer engagement and shaping digital solutions across Intact's diverse business sectors and brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "UX Researcher," the description emphasizes a broad application of user research techniques within a "Digital, Data and Tech" team. This suggests the intern will work on projects that blend traditional UX research with market research and data analysis to drive business outcomes, particularly within the insurance sector. The internship is structured for students actively pursuing a Master's degree, indicating an expectation for a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical application.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research Planning & Execution:

  • Collaborate with designers, product managers, data analysts, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize research opportunities.
  • Define the scope of research activities, including planning, implementing, and managing studies.
  • Conduct a variety of research methods such as customer and stakeholder interviews, user testing, diary studies, surveys, competitive analysis, and workshops.

• Data Synthesis & Analysis:

  • Synthesize data from multiple research sources (qualitative and quantitative) to identify key user needs, pain points, and behaviors.
  • Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations and innovative concepts for product and service improvements.

• User Experience Artifact Creation:

  • Work closely with designers to create essential user experience artifacts, including customer journeys, user personas, and service blueprints.
  • Ensure these artifacts accurately capture the customer experience across all Intact business sectors and brands.

• Cross-functional Collaboration & Communication:

  • Foster strong working relationships with internal teams to ensure research insights are understood and integrated into the design and product development process.
  • Promote customer engagement and a user-centric mindset throughout the organization by effectively communicating research findings.

• Continuous Learning & Skill Development:

  • Actively seek opportunities to learn new tools, approaches, and refine UX research craft.

  • Proactively contribute to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge and providing constructive feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive UX research lifecycle, from planning and execution to synthesis and communication of findings. The emphasis on creating artifacts like customer journeys and personas, alongside collaboration with designers and product managers, points to a role that is deeply integrated into the product development process. The requirement to work across "all business sectors and brands" suggests exposure to a wide range of user needs and business contexts within the insurance industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Master’s program in UX, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or Marketing Research with a strong emphasis on user research. Experience:

• Previous experience in user research, user experience design, service design, and market research, ideally within startup environments or project-based academic work.

• Academic or project-based experience demonstrating the ability to conduct and synthesize user research. Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Expertise in planning and executing qualitative and quantitative research methods, including but not limited to:

  • Customer and stakeholder interviews
  • Usability testing (moderated and unmoderated)
  • Diary studies
  • Surveys (design and analysis)
  • Competitive analysis

• User-Centered Design Principles: Strong understanding of usability principles and user-centered design practices.

• Data Synthesis & Translation: Ability to synthesize data from diverse sources and translate research findings into actionable insights and recommendations.

• User Experience Artifacts: Experience or strong understanding of creating customer journeys, user personas, and service blueprints.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent team player with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment, provide and receive constructive feedback.

• Problem-Solving: Passion for dissecting and solving complex problems with a proactive attitude.

• Adaptability & Ambiguity: Ability to work independently and navigate ambiguity.

• Presentation Skills: Effective communication skills, including the ability to present engagingly and deliver compelling narratives.

• Bilingualism: Fluency in both English and French is required due to regular interaction with colleagues across Canada.

Preferred Skills:

• User Research Tools: Experience with common user research platforms such as usertesting.com, Optimal Workshop, Survey Monkey, or similar.

• Design Tools: Familiarity with design and prototyping tools like Sketch, Axure, Figma, InVision, or Adobe Illustrator.

• Data/Statistical Analysis: Experience in data analysis or statistical analysis is an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly target graduate students with a strong academic focus on user research. The emphasis on bilingualism is a key differentiator, reflecting Intact's national presence. While specific tool experience is preferred, the core requirement is a solid understanding of research methodologies and user-centered design principles, suggesting the company is willing to onboard interns and train them on specific tools if they demonstrate strong foundational skills. The "0-2 years" experience level is appropriate for an internship, with "previous experience" likely referring to academic projects or prior internships.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 1-2 detailed case studies of user research projects (academic or professional). Each case study should clearly outline:

  • The problem statement and research objectives.
  • The research methodology chosen and rationale.
  • The process of participant recruitment and data collection.
  • Key findings, insights, and actionable recommendations.
  • The impact or potential impact of the research on design decisions or business outcomes.

• User Experience Artifacts: Include examples of user personas, customer journey maps, or service blueprints developed as part of research or design projects.

• Data Synthesis Examples: If possible, demonstrate how qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized to derive insights. This could be through summarized findings, thematic analysis excerpts, or data visualizations.

• Process Documentation: Briefly describe the research process followed for at least one project, highlighting planning, execution, analysis, and reporting stages.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of how research integrates into a broader design or product development workflow.

• Implementation: Show how research findings were translated into tangible design changes or strategic recommendations.

• Measurement: If applicable, show how the impact of research-informed design decisions was measured or proposed to be measured.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the "portfolio" will likely be a condensed version of a professional portfolio, heavily weighted towards academic projects. The emphasis is on demonstrating a structured approach to research, the ability to synthesize information, and an understanding of how research informs design. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their chosen projects and explain their decision-making process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $57,000 - $71,200 CAD per year (pro-rated for a 4-month internship)

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided annual figures ($57,000 - $71,200) for a 35-hour workweek, pro-rated for a 4-month (approximately 17-week) internship. This equates to an hourly rate of approximately $32.25 - $40.45 CAD. This estimate aligns with typical internship compensation for graduate students in tech roles in major Canadian cities like Montréal and Toronto, considering the company's size and industry.

Benefits:

• Performance-led financial rewards: While specific internship benefits may vary, the company highlights performance-led financial rewards as a core promise.

• Cutting-edge Technology-Driven Learning Platforms: Access to advanced learning resources to enhance technical and professional skills.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for career growth through learning and exposure to real-world projects.

• Exposure to Diverse Business Sectors: Opportunity to work across various business lines within the insurance industry.

• Networking Opportunities: Building connections with experienced professionals in Digital, Data, and Tech.

Working Hours:

• Available 35 hours per week.

• Standard internship period: January 5, 2027, to April 23, 2027.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as an annual range for a full-time role, but the internship is for 4 months. The pro-rated calculation provides a more realistic expectation for the intern's compensation. The listed benefits are general company promises; specific internship benefits (like health coverage, paid time off, etc.) would need to be confirmed directly with Intact FC. The fixed duration and hours are typical for co-op programs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance and Financial Services, with a strong focus on Digital Transformation and Data Innovation.

Company Size: Over 3,000 Digital, Data and Tech experts, indicating a large and significant technology division within Intact FC.

Founded: Intact Financial Corporation has a long history, founded in 1809 as the Halifax Fire Insurance Association, evolving into a major Canadian financial services provider. This deep history suggests a stable, established company culture that is also embracing modern digital practices.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will join a "growing team" within Intact's "Digital, Data and Tech" division.

• This division comprises over 3,000 experts, implying a large departmental structure with potential for specialized sub-teams (e.g., UX design, data science, product management).

• The intern will likely report to a UX Lead, Research Manager, or a Senior Product Designer/Manager, with close collaboration expected across various functions.

• The team operates with a "forward-thinking" leadership style that "celebrates shared success" and emphasizes pushing the industry forward. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The company emphasizes the intersection of Digital, Data, and Tech, suggesting a strong reliance on data analysis to inform strategy and product development.

• Customer-Centricity: A core value is to "help people, businesses, and society prosper," indicating a focus on understanding and meeting customer needs.

• Innovation & Agility: The drive to "push the industry forward with digital solutions" suggests an openness to new technologies, agile development practices, and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: The "win as a team" ethos highlights the importance of cross-functional teamwork and shared goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Intact FC is a large, established financial institution undergoing significant digital transformation. The "Digital, Data and Tech" division is substantial, offering a robust environment for learning and development. The culture is described as collaborative, innovative, and customer-focused, with a strong emphasis on data. The internship provides an excellent opportunity to witness and contribute to large-scale digital initiatives within a regulated industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is specifically an internship/co-op position, designed for students pursuing a Master's degree. It represents an entry-level opportunity to gain practical experience in UX Research within a corporate setting.

Reporting Structure:

• The intern will report to a manager or lead within the Digital, Data and Tech team.

• Daily work will involve close collaboration with designers, product managers, and data analysts, providing exposure to various roles and responsibilities within the product development lifecycle. Operations Impact:

• The UX Researcher's work directly influences the design and usability of digital products and services that millions of people use.

• By identifying user needs and pain points, the intern contributes to creating more intuitive, valuable, and customer-centric solutions that can drive business success, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency for Intact FC.

• Research findings can impact strategic decisions regarding product features, service offerings, and overall customer experience strategy. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in user research methodologies, data synthesis, and user experience artifact creation. Gain practical experience with industry-standard tools.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the insurance industry's digital landscape, customer needs, and regulatory considerations.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced UX professionals, product managers, and data experts at a leading Canadian company.

• Career Pathing: This internship can serve as a strong foundation for future roles in UX Research, Service Design, Product Management, or Data Analysis within Intact FC or the broader tech industry. It offers a direct pathway to potential future co-op terms or full-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a significant step in a student's career development, offering more than just task completion. The focus on "cutting-edge technology-driven learning platforms" and "professional development opportunities" suggests a structured approach to intern growth. The company's emphasis on "shaping the future" and "pushing the industry forward" implies that interns are given meaningful work with potential for real impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Montréal, Quebec (2020 Robert-Bourassa)

• Secondary Potential: Toronto, Ontario

• Intact FC has offices across Canada, and this role may require interaction with colleagues nationwide, necessitating strong remote collaboration skills even if the primary work is on-site. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes collaboration with designers, product managers, and data analysts, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to facilitate teamwork.

• Access to Technology: As part of a large "Digital, Data and Tech" team, interns can expect access to modern workstations, relevant software, and potentially specialized research equipment or tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, cross-functional project discussions, and potential mentorship opportunities will be part of the daily work experience.

Work Schedule:

• The internship is for 35 hours per week.

• The specific dates are January 5, 2027, to April 23, 2027.

• While on-site, the company culture promotes flexibility and work-life balance, though specific schedules will be determined by team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is important for candidates. Given the mention of interacting with colleagues "across the country," the workspace will likely support both in-person collaboration and effective virtual communication tools. Candidates should be prepared for a structured, professional office environment within a large corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and university/college transcript.

• Initial Screening: Review of applications for academic background, relevant coursework, and stated experience.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Likely a video or in-person interview focusing on:

  • Understanding of UX research principles and methodologies.
  • Examples from academic projects demonstrating research skills.
  • Problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.
  • Collaboration and communication style.
  • Motivation for the internship and interest in Intact FC.

• Potential Skills Assessment/Case Study: A short exercise or case study may be given to assess practical application of research skills or analytical thinking.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader or cross-functional team members to assess cultural fit and overall potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 1-2 strong, representative projects that best showcase your UX research skills and alignment with the responsibilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your role, the insights derived, and the impact. Focus on the "why" behind your decisions.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate a structured research process, from planning and recruitment to data analysis and reporting.

• Showcase Synthesis: Clearly present how you synthesized qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure artifacts like personas and journey maps are well-designed, easy to understand, and visually appealing.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or describe the potential business impact of your research recommendations.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your process, decisions, and learnings from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Typical Exercises: Expect questions related to:

  • Designing a research plan for a given scenario (e.g., improving a digital insurance quote process).
  • Analyzing a dataset or user feedback to identify key themes.
  • Discussing ethical considerations in user research.
  • Explaining how you would approach a specific research method.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process and methodology rather than just a final answer.

• Company Context: Research Intact FC's business, its digital presence, and its customer base to tailor your responses.

• Bilingualism: Be prepared to conduct parts of the interview or discussion in French if required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process highlights the importance of both academic credentials (transcript) and practical demonstration of skills (portfolio). Candidates should prepare to articulate their research process rigorously and connect their academic work to the company's business objectives. The emphasis on bilingualism means candidates should be comfortable communicating in both languages throughout the interview stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools (Expected Exposure/Familiarity):

• User Research Platforms: While specific tools are preferred, familiarity with the concepts behind platforms like:

  • Usertesting.com: For remote moderated/unmoderated user testing.
  • Optimal Workshop: For card sorting, tree testing, and other information architecture research.
  • Survey Monkey / Qualtrics: For survey design, distribution, and analysis.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Exposure to tools used by designers, such as:

  • Figma: Increasingly the industry standard for collaborative design.
  • Sketch: Popular for UI design.
  • InVision: For prototyping and collaboration.
  • Axure: For more complex prototyping.

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Basic understanding or experience with tools for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data:

  • Excel / Google Sheets: For basic data manipulation and analysis.
  • Potentially statistical software: R, SPSS, or similar, if the candidate has a strong quantitative background.
  • Data visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI (exposure is a plus).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for creating dashboards, the UX researcher will likely interpret data from:
  • Web Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (to understand user behavior on the website/app).
  • Internal Reporting Dashboards: Used by product and business teams.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how CRM data (e.g., from Salesforce, Dynamics 365) or customer feedback platforms might inform research questions or complement research findings.

• Familiarity with basic automation concepts in workflow design could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools listed are a mix of preferred and commonly used industry standards. The emphasis for an intern is on understanding the purpose and application of these tools in UX research and design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with any tools they've used and express eagerness to learn Intact's specific stack. The mention of data analysis and statistical analysis suggests that candidates with a quantitative bent will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (Intact FC):

• Respect: Valuing diversity as a strength, striving for an accessible workplace where employees feel valued, included, and encouraged to share unique perspectives. This translates to inclusive research practices and respectful engagement with participants.

• Customer Focus: Helping people, businesses, and society prosper. This means research should always aim to understand and address customer needs to deliver value beyond insurance.

• Teamwork: "Win as a team." Collaboration is key; research insights must be shared and integrated effectively with other teams.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Doing your best work, being open to change, and investing in your career. This implies a culture of learning, feedback, and striving for high-quality research outcomes.

• Innovation: Pushing the industry forward with digital solutions. Researchers are expected to contribute fresh perspectives and identify opportunities for improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands close partnership with designers, product managers, and data analysts, requiring strong communication and the ability to speak the language of different disciplines.

• Data-Informed but Human-Centered: While Intact has a strong data focus, the UX Researcher's role is to bring the human element, ensuring that data-driven decisions are grounded in genuine user needs and experiences.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages constructive feedback is implied, essential for refining research methods, insights, and design recommendations.

• Knowledge Sharing: The "growing team" and "learning platforms" suggest an environment where knowledge is shared, and best practices are discussed and adopted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values, particularly "Respect" and "Teamwork," are highly relevant to UX research, which inherently involves understanding diverse perspectives and collaborating across departments. Candidates should demonstrate how their approach to research aligns with these values, emphasizing empathy, inclusivity, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding the structure, stakeholders, and decision-making processes within a large financial institution can be complex for an intern.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Business Speed: The need to conduct thorough research while meeting the fast-paced demands of digital product development.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating insights from various research methods and data sources to form a cohesive understanding of user behavior.

• Translating Insights into Action: Effectively communicating complex findings in a way that drives concrete design and product decisions.

• Working Across Brands/Sectors: Adapting research approaches and understanding user needs across different product lines and customer segments within Intact FC.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Gaining practical experience with a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Industry-Specific Insights: Understanding user needs and challenges within the insurance and financial services sector.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Working closely with UX designers, product managers, and data analysts to learn about their roles and contributions.

• Professional Skills: Developing strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills in a corporate environment.

• Tool Proficiency: Hands-on experience with industry-standard UX research and design tools.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from experienced UX professionals within Intact FC.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. The internship is designed to expose the candidate to complex real-world scenarios, providing a steep learning curve and valuable experience that goes beyond academic coursework. The company's emphasis on learning platforms directly supports addressing these challenges through skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Plan Design: "Imagine we want to understand why users abandon the online insurance quote process. Outline a research plan to investigate this. What methods would you use and why?"

  • Preparation: Focus on defining clear objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing of the current flow, survey), detailing participant criteria, and outlining analysis methods.

• Insight Synthesis: "Given feedback from user interviews and analytics data showing high drop-off rates at a specific step, how would you synthesize this information to identify the root cause and propose solutions?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize thematic analysis for qualitative data, correlation analysis for quantitative data, and how to triangulate findings from different sources.

• Stakeholder Communication: "How would you present your research findings on a complex user issue to a group of senior executives who have limited time and UX knowledge?"

  • Preparation: Focus on concise executive summaries, impactful visuals, clear recommendations, and storytelling that highlights the "so what" for the business. Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UX research at Intact FC specifically, rather than another tech company?"

  • Preparation: Research Intact's mission, recent digital initiatives, and the insurance industry's evolving digital landscape. Connect your skills and interests to their goals.

• "How do you approach collaboration with designers and product managers who may have different priorities or perspectives?"

  • Preparation: Discuss active listening, empathy, finding common ground, and focusing on user needs as the shared objective.

• "Describe a time you had to deal with ambiguity in a project. How did you proceed?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you took initiative, sought clarity, and moved forward effectively despite uncertainty. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Best: Choose 1-2 projects that most closely align with the responsibilities and demonstrate a range of your skills.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project:

  1. Context: Briefly introduce the company/project and the problem you were trying to solve.
  2. Your Role & Objectives: Clearly state your responsibilities and the research goals.
  3. Methodology: Explain why you chose specific methods and how you executed them.
  4. Key Findings & Insights: Present the most impactful discoveries and user needs. Use visuals where possible.
  5. Recommendations & Impact: Detail the actionable recommendations derived from your research and their potential effect on the product or business.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to deep-dive into your decision-making process at each stage.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges, and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on practical application of UX research principles, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process in detail and demonstrate how their work can directly benefit Intact FC. The bilingual requirement means candidates should be ready to switch between languages if prompted.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher Internship/Co-op position:

• Submit Application: Complete the online application form via the provided URL.

• Resume & Transcript: Ensure your resume highlights relevant coursework, projects, and any prior experience. Attach your official university/college transcript as requested.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio (PDF or website) showcasing 1-2 strong UX research case studies. Focus on clearly communicating your process, insights, and recommendations. Be ready to present this during interviews.

• Language Proficiency: Be prepared to engage in the interview process in both English and French.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Intact FC's business, digital initiatives, and values. Understand their role in the insurance industry and their commitment to customer experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations/UX industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding compensation, benefits, and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with Intact FC during the application and interview stages. The internship dates and application deadline are critical for timely submission.