UX/UI Designer Trainee

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer Trainee

Company: Bayer

Location: Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland

Job Type: Internship (Full-time)

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: October 2, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This trainee role focuses on developing professional expertise in UX/UI design, contributing to intuitive, accessible, and user-centered digital solutions within Bayer's Enabling Functions division.

• The position offers hands-on experience in core UX/UI design processes, including user research, wireframing, mockups, prototyping, and interface design, supported by experienced professionals.

• Trainees will learn to apply UX methodologies, accessibility standards, and design system guidelines in practical project settings, enhancing their design thinking and technical skills.

• A key aspect of this role involves strengthening the trainee's professional portfolio through direct project involvement and feedback from senior UX/UI designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an internship position designed for active students, indicating a focus on foundational skill development and learning rather than immediate high-impact project ownership. The hybrid work model and specific office day requirement are crucial for candidates to consider.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create detailed wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for various digital interfaces, ensuring alignment with user needs and project objectives.

• Support user research initiatives, including planning and executing usability testing sessions, and analyzing feedback to identify areas for improvement.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and UI component libraries, ensuring consistency and adherence to established standards.

• Apply accessibility standards and design system guidelines rigorously across all design outputs to ensure inclusive and compliant digital experiences.

• Collaborate effectively with a cross-functional team of UX/UI designers, visual designers, developers, content specialists, and digital communication experts on assigned projects.

• Conduct iterative design improvements based on user feedback, usability testing results, and stakeholder input to enhance overall user experience.

• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers and team members, fostering a collaborative design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are geared towards learning and support, emphasizing the trainee's role in assisting senior designers and contributing to established processes rather than leading new initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Mandatory active student status in UX Design, Digital Design, Fine Arts, Multimedia Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related field.

• A bachelor's degree is typically pursued in these fields, indicating a foundational academic background is expected. Experience:

• Prior experience in user research or usability testing is considered a significant advantage.

• Familiarity with basic HTML/CSS is beneficial for understanding front-end development constraints and possibilities.

• Exposure to AI-powered design tools is a plus, reflecting an interest in emerging technologies within the design space. Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating design thinking and digital design projects, showcasing creative problem-solving and visual communication skills.

• Basic knowledge and practical application of Figma or similar industry-standard design and prototyping tools.

• Foundational understanding of core UX principles including usability, information architecture, and user-centered design methodologies.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and effectively.

• English proficiency at a B2 level (Upper Intermediate) is essential for effective collaboration and understanding project requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and conducting usability testing sessions.

• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS for front-end development context.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their practical application in design.

• Exposure to AI-powered design tools and their potential applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an active student status and a portfolio highlights that practical application and potential are prioritized over extensive professional experience. The B2 English proficiency is a critical requirement for international collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of digital design projects that clearly illustrate your design thinking process, from problem identification to solution implementation.

• Include case studies that detail your approach to user research, wireframing, prototyping, and final interface design, highlighting challenges and solutions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using design tools like Figma, with examples of user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Highlight any contributions to or understanding of design systems and component libraries, showing an awareness of scalable design practices.

• Include examples that touch upon accessibility considerations and how you've integrated them into your designs. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, clearly outline the problem statement, target users, and project goals.

• Document your design process, including research methods, ideation techniques, and iteration cycles based on feedback.

• Explain the rationale behind key design decisions, linking them back to user needs, business objectives, or usability principles.

• Showcase the final deliverables (e.g., interactive prototypes, UI screens) and discuss their impact or intended outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level trainee role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating potential, a strong grasp of fundamental design processes, and the ability to learn and apply new concepts, rather than a history of complex project management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Hourly Rate: PLN 31.40 gross per hour.

• This rate is based on the provided contract of mandate. For a standard 20-hour work week, this equates to approximately PLN 2,512 gross per month.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on the provided information for a mandate contract in Poland. It is important to note that this is a gross amount and does not include taxes or social security contributions typically handled differently under a mandate contract compared to employment. This rate is competitive for an entry-level trainee position in the Polish market, considering the specific nature of the contract.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Opportunity to balance work-from-home flexibility with in-office collaboration.

• Professional Guidance and Feedback: Direct mentorship and constructive criticism from experienced UX/UI Designers.

• Portfolio Development: Hands-on project experience that directly contributes to building a professional design portfolio.

• Contract of Mandate: For the duration of the internship (minimum 3 months, extendable up to 9 months).

• Potential for Extension: Possibility to extend the internship period based on performance and business needs. Working Hours:

• Minimum of 20 hours per week.

• Requires at least one day per week to be worked from the GBS Gdańsk office.

• The exact schedule can be discussed and agreed upon with the manager, offering some flexibility within the part-time framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits are tailored to an internship, focusing on learning, development, and flexibility rather than traditional long-term employment perks. The hybrid model is a key feature, with a specific requirement for office presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences. Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and agriculture. This context means a focus on innovation, scientific rigor, and improving lives.

Company Size: Bayer is a large, multinational corporation. This size implies structured processes, potential for diverse projects, and opportunities for learning within a well-established global organization.

Founded: Bayer was founded in 1863, indicating a long history of innovation and stability. This legacy suggests a company culture that values long-term vision and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Enabling Functions division, which typically supports core business operations with essential services like IT, HR, and Digital Solutions.

• The UX/UI Design team likely consists of experienced designers, a work lead, and potentially other specialists like visual designers or researchers.

• Collaboration extends to developers, content specialists, and digital communication experts, forming cross-functional project teams. Methodology:

• A strong emphasis is placed on user-centered design principles, ensuring that digital solutions are intuitive and meet user needs.

• Projects will likely involve iterative design processes, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing.

• Adherence to design system guidelines and accessibility standards is a key part of their methodology for consistent and inclusive product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in a large, established company like Bayer offers stability and a structured environment. The Enabling Functions division suggests a role supporting broader business objectives through digital solutions, requiring an understanding of how design impacts internal processes and external user engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level trainee/internship position. It's designed for individuals at the very beginning of their UX/UI design career, providing foundational experience and skill development. The role is not directly within traditional "operations" (like sales or revenue ops) but focuses on the operational aspect of digital product development.

Reporting Structure: The trainee will report to a UX/UI Designer or a Work Lead within the UX/UI Design team. This direct reporting line ensures structured guidance and performance oversight.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the UX/UI Design Trainee contributes to the "operations" of digital product development. By helping to create intuitive and accessible digital solutions, they indirectly support user adoption, efficiency, and positive brand perception, which can impact business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Gain hands-on experience in critical UX/UI skills such as user research, wireframing, prototyping, and interface design, directly applicable to future roles.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust professional portfolio with real-world project contributions, essential for securing future design positions.

• Mentorship: Receive direct guidance and feedback from experienced UX/UI professionals, accelerating learning and professional development.

• Potential for Extension: Successful trainees may have opportunities to extend their internship, deepening their experience and contribution.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about design processes within a large, global life sciences company, providing valuable industry context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a stepping stone. Growth is primarily measured by skill acquisition, portfolio development, and understanding of professional design workflows within a corporate environment, rather than rapid advancement through management ranks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bayer offers a hybrid work model, combining remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration. This setup is designed to promote work-life balance while ensuring team cohesion and access to office resources.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, specifically at the GBS Gdańsk office. This location serves as a hub for global business services.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages interaction with designers, developers, and other specialists, fostering knowledge sharing and teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: Trainees will have access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, and potentially other relevant software used by the UX/UI team.

• Team Interaction: Regular touchpoints with the UX/UI team and cross-functional project members will be integral to the daily workflow, facilitating learning and project progress. Work Schedule:

• The schedule requires a minimum of 20 hours per week, offering flexibility for students to balance their studies and internship commitments.

• A specific requirement is to work at least one day per week from the GBS Gdańsk office, facilitating in-person collaboration and integration with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a mandatory office day is a key characteristic of this work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with this structure and the specific office location in Gdańsk.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, focusing on academic status, portfolio quality, and alignment with basic requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve a discussion about design thinking, user-centered principles, and a review of the candidate's portfolio. Expect questions about specific projects, design decisions, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a small design exercise or a more in-depth portfolio presentation, demonstrating practical skills in Figma and understanding of UX/UI concepts.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess communication skills, teamwork ability, enthusiasm for learning, and alignment with Bayer's values.

• Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of skills, potential, and fit for the trainee role and company culture. Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your best work: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with tools like Figma.

• Tell a story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight your process: Show wireframes, user flows, research insights, and iterations, not just final polished screens. This demonstrates your thinking.

• Quantify where possible: If you have metrics or user feedback that shows the impact of your design, include it.

• Tailor to the role: Emphasize projects that align with user-centered design, interface design, and prototyping, as these are core to the trainee responsibilities. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you approach user problems.

• Practice explaining your portfolio projects concisely and clearly, focusing on your decision-making process.

• Research Bayer's products or digital initiatives to understand their context and potential design challenges.

• Prepare questions for the interviewer about the team, projects, and learning opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to walk through their projects, explaining their thought process and design rationale in detail. Emphasis will be on potential and foundational understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the primary design and prototyping tool mentioned. Proficiency in creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes within Figma is essential.

• Other Design Tools: While Figma is specified, familiarity with similar tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD) may be beneficial but not explicitly required. Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for the trainee, exposure to how user data and analytics inform design decisions would be valuable. Tools like Google Analytics or specific product analytics platforms might be used by the broader team. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UX/UI trainee role, as it's focused on design execution rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in Figma. While understanding of other tools is a plus, Figma mastery is the key technical skill for this trainee position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Health for All, Hunger for None: This overarching Bayer mission likely influences a commitment to creating solutions that are accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

• User-Centricity: A core value in UX/UI design, emphasizing the importance of understanding and serving user needs in all digital solutions.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Bayer encourages exploring new ideas and perspectives, which translates to a dynamic approach to design challenges and learning.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in cross-functional teams is crucial, fostering an environment where diverse skills and perspectives contribute to shared goals.

• Integrity & Quality: As a life sciences company, a commitment to high standards, accuracy, and ethical practices is fundamental.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with designers, developers, content specialists, and business stakeholders to ensure holistic digital product development.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture of constructive feedback is encouraged, both for design outputs and for personal development, facilitating continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and share insights within the team are likely present, promoting collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Bayer emphasizes a mission-driven approach, innovation, and strong ethical standards. Within the design team, collaboration and a user-first mindset are likely paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Study and Work: Managing the demands of academic coursework alongside a minimum 20-hour per week internship requires strong time management and organizational skills.

• Learning Curve in a Corporate Environment: Adapting to corporate processes, design systems, and stakeholder communication within a large organization like Bayer can be challenging for new trainees.

• Applying Theoretical Knowledge: Translating academic understanding of UX/UI principles into practical, real-world design solutions for complex projects.

• Feedback Integration: Effectively receiving and acting upon constructive criticism from experienced designers and stakeholders to refine designs and skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training & Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UX/UI Designers and potentially structured learning modules provided by Bayer.

• Practical Project Experience: Gaining hands-on experience across multiple projects, from research to prototyping, significantly accelerates skill development.

• Portfolio Building: Directly contributing to professional projects that will form the cornerstone of a future design portfolio.

• Understanding Corporate Design: Learning how design systems, accessibility standards, and brand guidelines are implemented within a large enterprise.

• Networking: Building professional connections within Bayer's Enabling Functions and UX/UI team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in the structured learning environment and practical application of skills. Challenges are typical for an internship, focusing on time management, adaptation, and skill translation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process for a project where you had to balance user needs with business requirements." (Focus on your structured approach, research, and decision-making.)

• "How do you approach user research, and what methods would you use to gather insights for a new digital product feature?" (Demonstrate understanding of research methodologies and their application.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the problem, your role, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to articulate your design journey and justify your choices.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bayer, and specifically about this UX/UI Trainee role?" (Show genuine interest in Bayer's mission and the specific learning opportunities.)

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

• "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a project. What was your contribution and how did you ensure effective teamwork?" (Emphasize collaboration skills relevant to a cross-functional team.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, present the problem, your role, research/discovery, design process (wireframes, iterations), final solution, and key learnings/outcomes.

• Clarity: Use clear visuals and concise explanations. Avoid jargon where possible, or explain it clearly.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and demonstrate how you used its features for prototyping and collaboration.

• Impact: If possible, discuss the intended or actual impact of your designs, even if it's based on user feedback rather than hard metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely assess your understanding of design principles, your ability to articulate your process, your practical skills (especially with Figma), and your potential to learn and contribute within Bayer's structured environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer Trainee position:

• Submit your application through the Bayer careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your active student status, relevant coursework, and any design-related projects or experiences. Emphasize proficiency in Figma and English language skills.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong design projects that showcase your design thinking, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design skills. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website, Behance).

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice explaining your selected projects clearly and concisely, focusing on your process, decision-making, and learnings. Be ready to discuss your work in detail during an interview.

• Research Bayer: Understand Bayer's mission, values, and their digital presence. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Confirm Availability: Ensure you can commit to the minimum 20 hours per week and the requirement of working at least one day per week in the GBS Gdańsk office.

⚠️ 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.