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On UX Research Internships

Hi there! 👋 Thanks for stopping by. USERWEEKLY is your weekly email to understand what is happening in User Research. It's the best way to keep up on trends, methodologies and insights in UX Research. It is written by me, Jan Ahrend. Each week I capture the pulse of our community and answer a simple question: What mattered in User Research this week?

I frequently receive inquiries regarding the worth of internships in the UX research industry as a manager of user research. I will go into detail about what makes a UX research internship worthwhile, both for the intern and the organization, in this multi-part blog and offer examples of effective internship programs.

Part 1: The Benefits of a UX Research Internship

Having the chance to get practical knowledge and experience is one of the main advantages of a UX research internship. You will get the opportunity to work on actual projects and support the company's research efforts as an intern. This enables you to pick up skills and knowledge that are applicable to your future career.

A UX research internship can give you important networking possibilities in addition to practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from seasoned UX researchers while you are an intern, which can help you expand your career network and establish relationships in the sector.

The chance to learn more about the business and its culture is another advantage of a UX research internship. This is particularly helpful if you plan to seek for a full-time employment at the company when your internship is over. You may gain a sense of the firm's values, working environment, and team dynamics by working as an intern, and this can help you determine if the organization is a good fit for you.

Part 2: Examples of Successful UX Research Internship Programs

The internship program at Google is one illustration of a fruitful UX research internship program. You will have the chance to work on actual projects and support Google's research efforts as an intern. Additionally, you will get the ability to participate in workshops and events to advance your abilities, interact with seasoned UX researchers, and learn from them.

The internship program at IBM is another illustration of a great UX research internship program. You will work on a range of projects as an intern at IBM and have the chance to cooperate with UX experts from other teams. Additionally, you will get access to events, courses, and mentorship programs that can help you advance your education.

Part 3: How to Apply for a UX Research Internship

The first step in applying for a UX research internship is to look for organizations that provide internships in this area. You can do this by looking online for internship opportunities in UX research or by contacting people in your network to see if anyone has contacts at businesses that do.

Making your application materials is the next step after you have found potential internship positions. This normally consists of a resume, cover letter, and sample portfolio. Make sure to draw attention to any relevant experience or abilities you have in your CV and cover letter, such as training in UX research, practical user testing experience, or proficiency with design tools. Examples of your work, such as UX research reports or design prototypes you have produced, should be included in your portfolio.

After submitting your application, you can receive an invitation to the company's interview. You have the chance to demonstrate your understanding of and excitement for UX research, as well as learn more about the business and the internship program. During the interview, be ready to provide samples of your work and ask questions.

Take advantage of all the possibilities and resources presented to you if you accept an internship offer. Ask questions, participate in workshops and events, and look for mentorship from seasoned UX researchers. Making the most of your internship will help you develop crucial experience and abilities that will pave the way for a lucrative future in UX research.

Part 4: The Value of a UX Research Internship for Companies

A UX research internship can be helpful for both the intern and the employer, in addition to the intern. Companies can access a pool of gifted and driven people who are ready to learn and contribute to the company's research efforts by giving internships.

Interns can assist with a range of responsibilities, including interviewing users, developing user personas, and reviewing user test results. Experienced UX researchers may have more time to concentrate on challenging and strategic initiatives as a result.

Interns can also provide the firm new viewpoints and innovative ideas. They might be more diverse than the current team in terms of backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets, which might result in fresh ideas and breakthroughs.

Additionally, internships can be a useful tool for businesses to find future full-time employees. A company can learn about an intern's abilities, work ethic, and team fit by working with them for a few months. This can assist the business in finding top people to join the team and in making wise recruiting selections.

Finally, a UX research internship can be beneficial for both the organization and the intern. Interns can develop their professional networks, get hands-on experience, and learn more about the business. While this is going on, businesses can gain from interns' contributions, their novel viewpoints, and the chance to look for potential new hires.