At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with the design team on innovative projects and assist in feature development.
- Company: Join Pocket Prep, an edtech company empowering career growth through study apps.
- Benefits: $35/hour, office snacks, free weekly team lunch, and mentorship opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, hybrid work setup, and a supportive small team environment.
- Why this job: Gain real-world experience and build a standout portfolio while making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: 1+ years of product design experience and proficiency in Figma.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Pocket Prep is looking for a Product Design Intern! We’re an edtech company that helps hundreds of thousands of people reach their career goals every day. Pocket Prep's design team is looking for a self-starter who is comfortable working independently, collaborating closely with others, and a prolific asker of questions. We’ll look for a strong eye for visual quality, user-centered design, and detail in your portfolio. Our ideal candidate can commit to 16-24 hours a week between August and December 2026. One of those days per week must be in person at our office in Durham's American Tobacco Campus.
About Pocket Prep: Pocket Prep creates study apps (iOS, Android, and web) to help people across a range of industries study for professional certifications and reach their career goals. Professional certification exams are often a stressful and expensive barrier to career advancement. We strive to prepare our users to pass their exams with confidence.
Details about the Role: As a Product Design Intern you will work closely with our design team and larger product team of product managers and developers. You will assist with feature development, Figma library maintenance, accessibility work, and other design projects. We will consider you part of the team and will invest in your growth as a designer and professional. Our goal is for you to leave the internship with at least one real-world, outcome driven portfolio case study and robust experience working on a product team.
What we offer:
- $35/hour for your time and talents (plus office snacks and a free weekly team lunch)
- Ownership of a part of Pocket Prep’s design deliverables; anything you produce for us can be used in your portfolio.
- Our ultimate goal is to support your career growth as a designer
- Training/mentorship in design thinking and industry best practices
- Small team environment where your work will be regularly and rigorously critiqued by professionals
- Experience working with Product Designers, Product Managers, Developers, and other departments
- Hybrid set up where you’ll work in an office (Durham) and remotely
- Technical experience with the nitty gritty of the product development process: communicating with stakeholders, working within a design system (Figma), integrating user needs with business needs, and working with developers to implement designs
- Work that is a net positive on society - we help hundreds of thousands of people elevate their skill sets and reach their career goals
Please note: this is a part-time internship for 16-24 hours a week, lasting from August 2026 through December 2026.
Required Skills & Qualifications: The right candidate will be passionate about our mission and enjoy working within a small team.
- Has 1+ years product design experience in a university, bootcamp, or self-guided setting (Note: no formal university level experience required)
- Comfortable with Figma
- Able to work 16-24 hours a week. Specific days can be set based on your schedule and preference
- Able to work from our Durham, NC office at least 1 day a week; WFH optional for remaining time.
Portfolio: Submission of a portfolio is mandatory for application. Portfolio should showcase skill with color, typography, systems thinking, user-centered design principles, and attention to detail. Strong portfolios include:
- 2+ projects that you have independently driven, demonstrating personal initiative and project ownership. If you have group projects, please make it clear what YOU did on the project.
- Projects that clearly illustrate your design process (research, ideation, prototyping), problem-solving approach, and the resulting UI/UX outcomes
- Insights into how you approach problem definition and solution generation
- Information about who you are as a designer and person!
We’re looking for curious, enthusiastic designers who are excited to learn in an edtech environment.
Soft skills:
- Is able to work collaboratively and isn’t afraid to ask questions
- Is willing to work within an existing brand and library visual system
- Strong work ethic: able to manage multiple deliverables at a time and hit deadlines reliably
- Can take a prompt and iterate upon multiple options to present to the larger team for critique and improvement
- Engaged team member who asks thoughtful questions and is an active listener
Product Design Intern in North East employer: Pocket Prep
At Pocket Prep, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture. As a Product Design Intern, you'll benefit from hands-on mentorship, competitive pay, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that help individuals achieve their career aspirations. Our vibrant office located in Durham's American Tobacco Campus provides a unique environment where creativity thrives, and your contributions will be valued as part of a small, dedicated team focused on professional growth and impactful design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design Intern in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at Pocket Prep on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your design process and problem-solving skills. Tailor it to reflect the user-centered design principles Pocket Prep values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common design questions and scenarios. Think about how you would approach a project at Pocket Prep and be ready to discuss your design thinking process in detail.
✨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 the team and are familiar with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design Intern in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it highlights your best work, especially projects where you took the lead. We want to see your design process, so include research, ideation, and the final outcomes.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take a moment to tailor your cover letter and CV to reflect how your skills align with our mission at Pocket Prep. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Ask Questions:We love curious minds! In your application, feel free to mention any questions you have about the role or our company. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn, which is exactly what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pocket Prep
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure your portfolio is polished and highlights your best work. Include at least two projects where you took the lead, showcasing your design process from research to final outcomes. Be ready to discuss your role in group projects clearly.
✨Know the Company and Its Mission
Research Pocket Prep and understand their mission in the edtech space. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their goal of helping people achieve their career aspirations. This shows genuine interest and enthusiasm.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Asking questions is key! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, design processes, or specific projects they’re working on. This not only demonstrates your curiosity but also your eagerness to learn and collaborate.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Thinking
Be ready to talk about your design thinking approach. Discuss how you define problems, generate solutions, and iterate on designs. Highlight your experience with Figma and any accessibility work you've done, as these are crucial for the role.
