At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design and delivery of digital products while collaborating on real client projects.
- Company: Big Motive, a strategy and design consultancy focused on user-centred solutions.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, mentorship, flexible working, and access to learning resources.
- Why this job: Gain valuable skills in UX and service design while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Studying or recently graduated in design with a strong interest in UX.
- Other info: Join a collaborative studio environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About Big Motive
Big Motive is a strategy and design consultancy that helps organisations navigate change, simplify complexity, and deliver accessible, user-centred digital products and services. We combine inclusive, human-centred research with AI-powered insight to design digital products, services, and strategies that improve outcomes for people, planet, and business. Our work spans health, government, and social impact, from redesigning public services to launching digital tools and modernising legacy systems.
The Internship
We’re looking for a Design Intern to join our team. This role is ideal for a student or recent graduate in design who wants hands-on experience in service design, UX, and digital product development within a collaborative studio environment. You’ll work alongside experienced designers and researchers, contributing to real client projects while developing your skills through mentorship, feedback, and structured learning opportunities. This is not shadowing; you’ll be actively involved in meaningful project work from early on. The internship is offered for an initial 6-month period, with the potential to extend for an additional 6 months.
What You’ll Do
- Support the design and delivery of digital products and services
- Assist with UX research activities, including note-taking, synthesis, and insight development
- Contribute to wireframes, prototypes, UI components, and visual artefacts
- Help prepare workshop materials and participate in client sessions
- Support the development of case studies and communication materials
- Collaborate with designers, researchers, and project managers across live projects
- Contribute to studio culture and internal learning initiatives
What You’ll Learn
Over the course of the internship, you’ll gain experience in:
- Translating research into clear design decisions
- Creating and testing prototypes
- Working within multidisciplinary teams
- Designing for accessibility and public sector standards
- Communicating design thinking to clients and stakeholders
- Managing your time and contributing to live project delivery
You’ll receive regular 1:1 mentoring and feedback to support your development.
About You
- Currently studying (or recently completed) a degree in graphic design, interaction design, product design, service design, or a related discipline
- Strong interest in UX and digital service design
- A portfolio that demonstrates curiosity, problem-solving, and process, not just final visuals
- Familiarity with tools such as Figma, Miro, or Adobe Creative Cloud
- Comfortable working collaboratively and open to feedback
- Curious, thoughtful, and motivated to learn
What We Offer
- A supportive, collaborative studio environment
- Exposure to real-world projects
- Structured mentoring and development support
- Flexible, hybrid working
- Access to learning resources and team knowledge-sharing
How to Apply
To apply, please send the following:
- Your CV
- A short cover letter telling us why you’re interested
- A link to your portfolio
Design Internship in Newtownabbey employer: Big Motive
Contact Detail:
Big Motive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Internship in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the design field, attend events, and connect with alumni from your university. You never know who might have a lead on an internship or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your process and problem-solving skills, not just the final designs. Tailor it to showcase projects that align with what Big Motive is all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common design questions and scenarios. Think about how you can demonstrate your curiosity and motivation to learn, as these traits are key for a role at Big Motive.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to meaningful projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Internship in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your genuine interest in the Design Internship and how your background aligns with our mission at Big Motive. Keep it concise but impactful, showcasing your passion for UX and digital service design.
Showcase Your Portfolio: We want to see your creativity and problem-solving skills in action! Include a link to your portfolio that highlights not just the final designs, but also your thought process and the journey behind each project. This will give us insight into your design thinking.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the internship role. Focus on your design education, any projects you've worked on, and tools you're familiar with, like Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s super easy, and we love seeing applications come directly from our site. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Big Motive!
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Motive
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Big Motive's work and values. Familiarise yourself with their projects, especially those related to UX and service design. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your skills and experiences to what they do.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your ticket to impressing them. Make sure it highlights your problem-solving process, not just the final designs. Be ready to discuss specific projects, the challenges you faced, and how you approached them. This will demonstrate your thought process and creativity.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about their design process or recent projects. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn. It also gives you a chance to assess if their studio culture aligns with your values and aspirations.
✨Embrace Feedback
Since this role involves collaboration and mentorship, be open about your willingness to receive feedback. Share examples of how you've used feedback in the past to improve your work. This will highlight your growth mindset and adaptability, which are key in a design internship.