At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our design team to create impactful study apps and enhance user experiences.
- Company: Pocket Prep, an edtech company helping people achieve their career goals.
- Benefits: $35/hour, office snacks, free weekly team lunch, and mentorship in design.
- Other info: Flexible hours, hybrid work setup, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain real-world experience and build a standout portfolio while making a difference.
- 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 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, the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that help individuals achieve their career goals, and a flexible hybrid work environment in the vibrant American Tobacco Campus of Durham. With competitive pay, regular team lunches, and a commitment to your professional growth, we ensure that your internship experience is both rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects where you took the lead. Highlight your design process and how you tackled challenges – this will show Pocket Prep that you're a proactive designer.
✨Tip Number 2
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. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common design questions. Think about how you would explain your design choices and the impact of your work. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the team and show your passion for design.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Pocket Prep team and contributing to our mission of helping others achieve their career goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design Intern
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 excited about this role and how you can contribute.
Ask Questions:We love a curious mind! In your application, feel free to mention any questions you have about the role or our team. 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.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Pocket Prep's mission to help people achieve their career goals through education. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Demonstrate your curiosity by preparing insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This shows you're engaged and eager to learn, which is exactly what they’re looking for in a self-starter.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with others, taken feedback, and iterated on designs to improve outcomes.
