Landing a Product Design Internship: Requirements and Strategies for Success

Aspiring product designers recognize the critical role of experience and a compelling portfolio in securing their future. A product design internship offers a valuable opportunity to build both. However, with increasing competition from graduates of UX bootcamps, online courses, and universities, standing out from the crowd requires a strategic approach. Many designers face the challenge of lacking real-world experience and relevant portfolio material. While an internship may not seem glamorous, it can significantly enhance a career, providing a stronger resumé and valuable projects for a portfolio.

Who Should Pursue a Product Design Internship?

An internship can be a valuable asset for any aspiring product designer. The field is becoming increasingly competitive, with fresh graduates, bootcamp alumni, and career-switchers vying for the same positions. Entry-level job descriptions often demand experience and a portfolio showcasing outstanding work. Internships offer a solution by providing real-world project experience and portfolio material, addressing two key requirements for landing a first full-time job.

The Advantages of Internships

Internships offer several key advantages that can significantly boost a product design career:

Developing Overlooked Skills

As an intern, you'll refine your product design skills by assisting senior designers in their daily tasks and contributing to the design process. The specific skills developed will vary depending on the company and the scope of the internship. Observing experienced designers in action is invaluable. Product designers do more than just design; they advocate for users and persuade stakeholders of the value of their proposals. Presenting ideas and findings effectively to stakeholders, who may not have the same level of expertise, is a crucial skill best learned by observing seasoned designers navigate stakeholder meetings.

Building a Professional Network

A strong professional network can greatly benefit a career. Many companies encourage employees to refer designers from their networks before posting job openings, sometimes offering financial compensation for successful referrals. As an intern, you'll meet designers at various career stages, as well as fellow interns. Building these professional relationships can open doors to future opportunities.

Unpaid Mentorship

While some designers pay for mentors, an internship offers a similar benefit without the cost. Interns work closely with senior designers who provide guidance in navigating the real world of product design, where deadlines are tight and budgets may be limited. Senior designers can share their experiences, helping interns learn from their mistakes and successes. This mentorship can provide valuable insights into where to cut corners and how to save time while still completing tasks effectively.

Finding Internship Opportunities

Start your internship search well in advance of your availability. Summer internships, for example, are often posted as early as January.

Networking and Meetups

Networking doesn't require an immediate job opening. Connect with product designers in your area, express your passion for the field, and seek their advice. They may not have an internship available right away, but they may reach out when an opportunity arises.

Attend meetups, but consider those related to professions closely aligned with product design, such as product management, development, UX research, and marketing. Your knowledge will be relevant in these settings, and you'll gain insights into the perspectives of professionals you'll collaborate with.

Direct Outreach to Companies

Inform companies that you admire their work and aspire to join their team. Share your academic pursuits and request to be notified of internship opportunities. Avoid being overly persistent or desperate.

Masterlist of Career Pages

Create a list of companies' career pages and check them regularly. Subscribe to career newsletters to save time. Focus on local businesses and save links with relevant filters applied (country, field, working hours, etc.). The more extensive your list, the greater your chances of finding an internship. Check your list around January, when internships are typically posted.

Direct Outreach to Hiring Managers

Reach out to hiring managers specializing in product design. They are often among the first to learn about open positions and are in direct contact with designers they've recruited. Designers often share open positions within their departments, indicating a positive company culture. If you find an opportunity, contact the designer to learn more about the job and how to improve your application.

A Practical Approach to Internships

Landing a product design internship is just the first step. To maximize the career benefits, take a proactive approach. Since most internships don't guarantee full-time employment, it's important to be strategic and make the most of the experience.

Document Your Internship

Record milestones throughout the internship. Note unique professional experiences, insights, and challenges. Consider keeping an internship diary. This documentation will be invaluable when updating your CV, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. It will make it easier to articulate your professional journey as a designer.

Keep Case Study Drafts

Portfolio material is a primary reason to pursue an internship. Aim to create at least one or two case studies from your experience. Case studies tell stories about obstacles and how you overcame them, using visuals to aid comprehension. Document your work as an intern. Create a case study draft and record your thoughts, challenges, and processes. Save screenshots and photos. Don't worry about organization initially; you can refine it later.

Focus on Unique Learning Opportunities

While you'll build a theoretical foundation and hone skills like wireframing and prototyping in school, focus on what you can't learn elsewhere during your internship. This includes working in cross-functional teams, advocating for design best practices in high-stakes situations, and identifying shortcuts. These are topics often addressed in product designer job interviews.

Concentrate on aspects of a professional designer's workday that you can't experience in school. Observe how designers communicate with colleagues, stakeholders, and developers. These are the skills that will enhance your professional value.

tags: #production #design #internship #requirements