UX/UI Design Intern

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Intern

Company: UNION HOME MORTGAGE CORP

Location: Strongsville, OH 44136, United States

Job Type: Internship (OTHER)

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on transforming business ideas and user needs into intuitive digital experiences within a product team.

• The role involves creating user flows, interaction models, screen designs, and interactive prototypes using modern design and AI-assisted tools.

• Interns will collaborate closely with Product Owners, AI Software Engineers, and business stakeholders to move digital products from concept to implementation.

• The program emphasizes hands-on learning, professional development, and gaining practical experience in a real-world business environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is UX/UI Design Intern, the description emphasizes a strong focus on understanding business processes and simplifying complex workflows, moving beyond traditional website design. This indicates a leaning towards Product Design and Operations Technology, where the intern will be instrumental in improving internal or external user interactions with complex systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Product Owners, engineers, business partners, and end-users to thoroughly understand complex business problems, existing workflows, and specific user needs.

• Translate identified business processes, user requirements, and innovative product ideas into clear, intuitive user flows and tangible digital experiences.

• Design and create comprehensive user flows, detailed interaction models, compelling screen designs, and highly interactive prototypes.

• Utilize contemporary design and AI-assisted prototyping tools to rapidly iterate from initial concepts to functional prototypes that users can interact with and evaluate.

• Develop functional prototypes that enable stakeholders and users to meaningfully experience and assess potential solutions, facilitating early feedback and validation.

• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes by removing unnecessary steps, simplifying decision-making, reducing cognitive load, and enhancing overall usability.

• Challenge existing user experiences by exploring innovative solutions rather than merely replicating current screens or workflows.

• Conduct direct observation of users performing their work to gather insights that inform and refine design decisions.

• Explore and present multiple distinct approaches to solving user problems, iterating rapidly based on constructive feedback.

• Partner with Product Owners to visualize and articulate potential solutions during the crucial stages of process discovery and early product development.

• Work alongside AI Software Engineers to effectively translate validated user experiences into production-ready applications.

• Learn, apply, and contribute to reusable design patterns and the organization's growing design system.

• Ensure designs consider critical aspects of accessibility, responsive behavior, consistency across platforms, and overall usability throughout the entire design lifecycle.

• Present and demonstrate interactive prototypes clearly and effectively to users, stakeholders, and cross-functional team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into process improvement and user-centric design for complex business functions, aligning with operations and product development goals. The emphasis on "challenging existing user experiences" and "removing unnecessary steps" points to a role that contributes directly to operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing a 4-year college degree in a relevant field such as User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Visual Communication Design, Information Systems, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• Demonstrated interest through coursework, personal projects, or a portfolio showcasing an aptitude for user experience design and problem-solving.

• Familiarity with modern UI/UX design and prototyping tools is essential.

• Experience with AI-assisted design or prototyping tools is a strong plus but not a mandatory requirement. Required Skills:

• Strong interest in user experience (UX), interaction design (IxD), product design, and emerging technologies.

• Ability to critically analyze and conceptualize complex processes from the perspective of the end-user performing them.

• High level of curiosity regarding user behavior and an innate instinct for simplifying intricate interactions.

• Capacity to think beyond existing interfaces and workflows to envision more straightforward and efficient user outcomes.

• Excellent visual and conceptual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design ideas effectively.

• Keen interest in creating interactive and functional prototypes, going beyond static visual designs.

• Familiarity with contemporary UI/UX design or prototyping software platforms.

• A developing interest in AI-assisted design and prototyping tools.

• Strong analytical and robust problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to navigate and bring clarity to ambiguous concepts, rapidly exploring diverse potential solutions.

• Self-motivated with proven strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Willingness and ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with business and technical partners. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design and prototyping tools such as Figma or similar industry-standard platforms.

• Experience with AI-assisted design or prototyping tools.

• Coursework, personal projects, portfolios, or other tangible examples demonstrating a strong interest in user experience and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative design thinking, analytical problem-solving, and technical aptitude with modern tools. The mention of "Information Systems" and "Information Technology" as related fields suggests that candidates with a foundational understanding of system processes and technology will be highly valued, aligning with the role's operational focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving methodologies.

• Each project should clearly articulate the problem statement, the user research conducted, the design process followed, and the final solution.

• Highlight the use of modern design and prototyping tools, with interactive prototypes being a key component.

• Include examples of user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Demonstrate an ability to translate complex business requirements into simple, intuitive user interfaces. Process Documentation:

• For each project, include a brief explanation of how user feedback was incorporated to iterate on designs.

• Detail the thought process behind simplifying complex workflows or decision-making processes.

• If applicable, showcase contributions to or understanding of design systems and reusable patterns.

• Explain how accessibility and responsive behavior were considered in the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on transforming business ideas and workflows, a portfolio that emphasizes process mapping, workflow simplification, and the creation of interactive prototypes for complex systems will be highly advantageous. The "AI-assisted design" aspect might also be a unique differentiator if showcased.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an internship position, compensation is expected to be a competitive hourly rate, typical for paid internships in the technology and design sectors within the Ohio region. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles requiring a college student pursuing a relevant degree, the estimated range is $18 - $25 per hour. This rate can vary based on the candidate's year in school, prior experience, and specific skill set. Benefits:

• Paid Internship: Compensated for 40 hours per week during the 3-month summer program.

• Mentoring: Direct guidance and support from senior leadership and experienced design professionals.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend workshops, training sessions, and learn about career paths in the industry.

• Group Projects: Collaborative work on meaningful projects with other interns and team members.

• Corporate Outings: Engaging social and team-building events with fellow interns and company employees.

• Shadowing Opportunities: Gain exposure to various roles and departments within the organization.

• Networking: Build connections with peers, mentors, and company leaders. Working Hours:

• Full-time commitment: Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours are anticipated, aligning with the company's operational schedule in Strongsville, Ohio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits like "Mentoring," "Professional development," and "corporate outings" are standard for structured internship programs and aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience beyond just task completion. The description explicitly states "compensated," confirming this is a paid internship. The "40 hours a week" clarifies the full-time nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Mortgage)

Company Size: 500 - 1,000 Employees (Based on LinkedIn data, Union Home Mortgage Corp. has between 501-1000 employees)

Founded: 1988

Team Structure:

• The intern will be embedded within a product team, working alongside Product Owners, AI Software Engineers, and experienced Design resources.

• This cross-functional team structure is designed for collaborative product development and innovation.

• The internship program itself is a structured initiative, suggesting dedicated program management and oversight from senior leadership. Methodology:

• Agile/Lean Product Development: The emphasis on rapid prototyping, user feedback, and iterative development aligns with Agile and Lean methodologies.

• User-Centered Design: A core principle, focusing on understanding user needs and creating intuitive experiences.

• AI-Assisted Design: Integration of emerging technologies to accelerate the design and prototyping process.

• Design Systems: A commitment to creating reusable components and patterns for consistency and efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Union Home Mortgage is a well-established player in the mortgage industry. The company's culture appears to be one that values growth, learning, and innovation, as evidenced by their L.E.A.D. internship program. The focus on technology and AI in design suggests a forward-thinking approach, even within a traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Internship – Entry-Level Learning and Development

• This role is designed for individuals early in their career, providing foundational experience in UX/UI design within a corporate product development context. It's an opportunity to learn industry best practices, tool proficiency, and cross-functional collaboration. Reporting Structure:

• The intern will report to designated design resources or Product Owners within their assigned product team.

• The L.E.A.D. Internship Program also implies oversight from a program coordinator or HR representative responsible for intern development and experience. Operations Impact:

• While not directly "operations" in the sense of process optimization for internal workflows, the intern's work impacts the efficiency and usability of digital products. By simplifying user interactions and workflows, the intern contributes to improved user adoption, reduced training needs, and potentially higher productivity for end-users of the company's digital tools. This directly influences the operational effectiveness of the product or service. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, prototyping, and potentially AI-assisted design tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable insights into the mortgage and financial services industry, understanding its unique user needs and operational challenges.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, product managers, and engineers, which can lead to future career opportunities.

• Potential for Full-Time Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future full-time positions within Union Home Mortgage, particularly in design, product, or related technology roles.

• Portfolio Development: Create tangible projects and case studies that can be added to their professional portfolio, enhancing future job prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around foundational skill development and industry immersion, typical for an internship. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how UX/UI design contributes to operational efficiency by improving user interactions with digital products.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Headquarters - On-site

Office Location(s): Strongsville, Ohio (14955 Sprague Road, Strongsville, OH 44136)

Workspace Context:

• The intern will work from the company's headquarters, providing an immersive corporate environment.

• Expect a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate interaction with team members, including Product Owners, engineers, and fellow interns.

• Access to modern design software and hardware will be provided to support project work.

• The environment is structured to encourage learning, professional development, and hands-on application of design principles. Work Schedule:

• Full-time (40 hours per week) during the 3-month summer program.

• Standard business hours are expected, fostering integration with the regular team operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at the corporate headquarters in Strongsville, Ohio, offers a traditional corporate internship experience. This provides direct exposure to the company's culture, daily operations, and opportunities for in-person collaboration and mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical/Design Interview: A discussion focused on design principles, problem-solving approach, and familiarity with UX/UI concepts. This may include a review of portfolio pieces.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing teamwork, communication skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm for the internship program and the company.

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with potential mentors or team leads to evaluate cultural fit and discuss specific project expectations.

• Final Offer: Extension of an offer to successful candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve, your role, your process, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking process, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and iteration based on feedback.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate your familiarity with design tools like Figma. If you have AI-assisted tool experience, highlight it.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Frame your projects around how you addressed user needs and business challenges, especially in the context of complex workflows.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your explanations are clear and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a solution for a given business problem or user need.

• Think about how you would simplify a complex process or make a difficult decision easier for a user.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and the rationale behind them.

• Be ready to discuss your interest in AI-assisted design tools and how they might be applied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates problem-solving for complex workflows and the use of modern tools (including AI) is crucial. Interview preparation should focus on articulating the "why" behind design choices and how they contribute to user efficiency and business goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned), or similar platforms (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD).

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Mentioned as a plus, suggesting potential use of tools like Uizard, Galileo AI, or AI features within existing design software.

• Collaboration Tools: Likely standard office suite tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for documentation and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how designs impact user behavior and performance metrics will be important. Exposure to basic analytics concepts might be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or workflow automation tools could be a bonus, as the role involves understanding and potentially improving business processes that integrate with these systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is a key tool mentioned. Interns should be comfortable with it or similar industry-standard UI/UX design software. Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools, even if just conceptually, will be a significant advantage given the program's forward-looking approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Learning & Growth: The L.E.A.D. program embodies a strong commitment to intern development, education, and skill-building.

• Innovation: Encouraging interns to "challenge existing user experiences" and explore new approaches, including AI-assisted design.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working within product teams and partnering with various stakeholders.

• User-Centricity: A core design philosophy, focusing on empathy for users and simplifying their interactions.

• Excellence: Striving to create high-quality, intuitive digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Teamwork: Interns will work closely with Product Owners, engineers, and business stakeholders, requiring effective communication and integration.

• Mentorship-Driven: A structured mentoring component ensures guidance and support from experienced professionals.

• Feedback Culture: Iterative design processes imply an environment where feedback is regularly exchanged and incorporated.

• Project-Based: Collaboration will likely be organized around specific product development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as reflected in the internship program, values proactive learning, innovative thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. The emphasis on "UBelongAtUHM" suggests an inclusive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging the Gap: Translating complex, often abstract, business requirements and technical constraints into user-friendly designs.

• Ambiguity: Working with new ideas or processes that are not yet fully defined, requiring creative problem-solving.

• Rapid Iteration: The need to quickly prototype, gather feedback, and make design adjustments within a compressed internship timeline.

• Technical Integration: Understanding how designs will be implemented by AI Software Engineers and ensuring feasibility.

• Learning New Tools: Adapting to specific design and AI-assisted prototyping tools used by the company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Structured learning through the L.E.A.D. program, including professional development sessions.

• On-the-Job Learning: Gaining practical experience by contributing to real product development cycles.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced professionals in UX/UI design and product management.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the dynamics of the financial services/mortgage industry and its technology landscape.

• Portfolio Building: Developing a professional portfolio with tangible project work that showcases acquired skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in the structured learning and hands-on experience provided by the internship. The challenges are typical for an intern role but are framed within a supportive and developmental program.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?"

• Problem Solving: "How would you approach designing a user flow for [a specific complex mortgage process, e.g., loan application pre-approval]?"

• Simplification: "Describe a time you simplified a complex process or interaction. How did you identify the opportunity and what was the result?"

• Tooling: "What design and prototyping tools are you most familiar with? Have you experimented with any AI-assisted design tools?"

• User Empathy: "How do you ensure your designs meet the needs of the end-user, especially when dealing with complex business logic?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Union Home Mortgage and our L.E.A.D. internship program?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a product team?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment for learning and development."

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, with a clear title, brief summary, your role, and key deliverables.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes. Show, don't just tell.

• Narrative: Tell the story of each project, focusing on the problem-solving journey and your contributions.

• Process Emphasis: Detail your user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, highlighting the most impactful aspects.

• Tool Showcase: Clearly indicate which tools you used for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX/UI principles, a clear design process, and an ability to articulate how design solutions simplify complexity and meet user needs. Highlighting any experience or interest in AI-assisted tools will be a significant plus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX/UI Design internship:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8D53302EA22D1C46265D36DBFB59E08C/jobs/331154

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your ability to translate complex business needs into intuitive user experiences, focusing on process simplification and interactive prototyping.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, personal projects, and any experience with design tools (especially Figma) or AI-assisted design concepts. Use keywords from the job description such as "user experience," "interaction design," "prototyping," and "problem-solving."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving approach, preparing specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your ability to simplify complex workflows and your interest in emerging technologies like AI-assisted design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Union Home Mortgage, their services, and the L.E.A.D. internship program's goals. Understand their commitment to innovation and user-centric design.

⚠️ 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.