UX Research Intern Internships
Ux research intern internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working UX researchers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across Technology & Software, with ByteDance, TikTok, and Guidewire among the employers posting roles now.
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Job Description:
The Intern Experience:
At Rakuten, we pride ourselves on giving interns a genuine, immersive experience that has a direct impact on company objectives. You will do meaningful work, and with us, you’ll be a true member of the team. We are also invested in your growth as an individual and professional. That’s why you can expect curated events such as professional development workshops, interactions with Rakuten leadership, and relationship building opportunities with other interns and professionals at the company.
You can visit rakuten.us and our Muse profile, to learn more about Rakuten’s culture and values, as well as hear from last year’s interns.
Business Unit Introduction:
Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global leader in internet services, offering a dynamic ecosystem of over 70 services across e-commerce, FinTech, digital content, and communications. Founded in 1997, Rakuten’s mission is to empower people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a vision of driving disruptive innovation globally, Rakuten integrates various services under a unified brand, supported by a unique ecosystem model that leverages data and AI. The company’s popular "Rakuten Points" program and “One ID” system enhance user engagement, providing seamless access to its diverse services. Headquartered in Japan, Rakuten has achieved 27 consecutive years of revenue growth and is recognized for fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, with English as its official language since 2012. In recent years, Rakuten has focused on AI and sustainability initiatives, aiming to drive further technological advancements and achieve carbon neutrality.
SUMMARY:
We are seeking innovative and dedicated Software Engineer to join the Rakuten AI User Experience team. Rakuten AI strives to be your Rakuten AI companion, providing the best AI user experience — generally, contextually, and personally. Rakuten AI aims to serve as the AI Core of the Rakuten ecosystem, enhancing interconnections between Rakuten services and users to delight customers worldwide more than ever before.
This role involves advancing the AI user experience to serve as the foundational core across the Rakuten products ecosystem by developing innovative AI user experience framework. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for building solid, flexible, and immersive AI user experiences using state-of-the-art technologies and will contribute to a unified vision that enhances Rakuten AI foundation at scale.
We also welcome exceptional engineers from diverse fields who may not have direct experience in AI. This role is an opportunity to gain critical skills and knowledge needed to transition into the AI space. We are dedicated to supporting career changers who bring unique perspectives and expertise. Our commitment includes offering mentorship and resources to facilitate your growth in cutting-edge AI domains.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and Maintain Web Applications: Design, build, and maintain front-end and back-end features for web applications, ensuring they are scalable and high-performing.
- Build AI Front-End User Experience: Use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue to create intuitive and responsive user interfaces.
- Develop AI Back-End Services: Build server-side logic and APIs using technologies like Node.js, Python, Java, or Ruby.
- Building highly flexible, scalable Agentic AI Framework by leveraging popular AI toolset like LangChain etc.
- Data schema design and database management: Design and manage databases, such as MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, or others, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval.
- Integrate APIs and Third-Party Services: Integrate external APIs and services, such as OpenAI APIs, payment gateways, social media APIs, or analytics tools, as needed.
- Perform Testing and Debugging: Write unit, integration, and end-to-end tests, troubleshoot issues, and resolve bugs across the full stack of the application. Optimize for Performance: Improve performance by optimizing application code, databases, and server configurations to reduce latency and increase efficiency.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Proficiency in front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with at least one modern front-end framework (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue).
- Proficiency in Back-End Development, knowledgeable of server-side languages such as C#, Java, Python, Node.js, Ruby, or PHP and familiarity with building RESTful APIs and knowledgeable of Web Development Frameworks
- Knowledge/familiarity with variety of data schema design, and database management, e.g. relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
- Proficiency in debugging and problem-solving across both front-end and back-end systems.
- Ability to write clean, maintainable code, adherence to coding standards and best practices, with a focus on creating well-organized, readable, and maintainable code.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn, ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree or above in Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with testing practices and experience with unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
- Experience in AI-related projects or products strongly preferred.
Five Principles for Success
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.
Always improve, Always Advance - Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen
Passionately Professional - Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best
Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika - Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
Maximize Customer Satisfaction - The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! - Always be conscious of time - take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team
Rakuten provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Rakuten considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial or local laws.
Job Description:
The Intern Experience:
At Rakuten, we pride ourselves on giving interns a genuine, immersive experience that has a direct impact on company objectives. You will do meaningful work, and with us, you’ll be a true member of the team. We are also invested in your growth as an individual and professional. That’s why you can expect curated events such as professional development workshops, interactions with Rakuten leadership, and relationship building opportunities with other interns and professionals at the company.
You can visit rakuten.us and our Muse profile, to learn more about Rakuten’s culture and values, as well as hear from last year’s interns.
Business Unit Introduction:
Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global leader in internet services, offering a dynamic ecosystem of over 70 services across e-commerce, FinTech, digital content, and communications. Founded in 1997, Rakuten’s mission is to empower people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a vision of driving disruptive innovation globally, Rakuten integrates various services under a unified brand, supported by a unique ecosystem model that leverages data and AI. The company’s popular "Rakuten Points" program and “One ID” system enhance user engagement, providing seamless access to its diverse services. Headquartered in Japan, Rakuten has achieved 27 consecutive years of revenue growth and is recognized for fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, with English as its official language since 2012. In recent years, Rakuten has focused on AI and sustainability initiatives, aiming to drive further technological advancements and achieve carbon neutrality.
SUMMARY:
We are seeking innovative and dedicated Software Engineer to join the Rakuten AI User Experience team. Rakuten AI strives to be your Rakuten AI companion, providing the best AI user experience — generally, contextually, and personally. Rakuten AI aims to serve as the AI Core of the Rakuten ecosystem, enhancing interconnections between Rakuten services and users to delight customers worldwide more than ever before.
This role involves advancing the AI user experience to serve as the foundational core across the Rakuten products ecosystem by developing innovative AI user experience framework. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for building solid, flexible, and immersive AI user experiences using state-of-the-art technologies and will contribute to a unified vision that enhances Rakuten AI foundation at scale.
We also welcome exceptional engineers from diverse fields who may not have direct experience in AI. This role is an opportunity to gain critical skills and knowledge needed to transition into the AI space. We are dedicated to supporting career changers who bring unique perspectives and expertise. Our commitment includes offering mentorship and resources to facilitate your growth in cutting-edge AI domains.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and Maintain Web Applications: Design, build, and maintain front-end and back-end features for web applications, ensuring they are scalable and high-performing.
- Build AI Front-End User Experience: Use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue to create intuitive and responsive user interfaces.
- Develop AI Back-End Services: Build server-side logic and APIs using technologies like Node.js, Python, Java, or Ruby.
- Building highly flexible, scalable Agentic AI Framework by leveraging popular AI toolset like LangChain etc.
- Data schema design and database management: Design and manage databases, such as MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, or others, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval.
- Integrate APIs and Third-Party Services: Integrate external APIs and services, such as OpenAI APIs, payment gateways, social media APIs, or analytics tools, as needed.
- Perform Testing and Debugging: Write unit, integration, and end-to-end tests, troubleshoot issues, and resolve bugs across the full stack of the application. Optimize for Performance: Improve performance by optimizing application code, databases, and server configurations to reduce latency and increase efficiency.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Proficiency in front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with at least one modern front-end framework (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue).
- Proficiency in Back-End Development, knowledgeable of server-side languages such as C#, Java, Python, Node.js, Ruby, or PHP and familiarity with building RESTful APIs and knowledgeable of Web Development Frameworks
- Knowledge/familiarity with variety of data schema design, and database management, e.g. relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
- Proficiency in debugging and problem-solving across both front-end and back-end systems.
- Ability to write clean, maintainable code, adherence to coding standards and best practices, with a focus on creating well-organized, readable, and maintainable code.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn, ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree or above in Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with testing practices and experience with unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
- Experience in AI-related projects or products strongly preferred.
Five Principles for Success
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.
Always improve, Always Advance - Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen
Passionately Professional - Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best
Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika - Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
Maximize Customer Satisfaction - The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! - Always be conscious of time - take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team
Rakuten provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Rakuten considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial or local laws.
UX Research Intern Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
Tips for Your UX Research Intern Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer internships
Large employers open summer ux research intern cohorts months before the internship starts, often as early as September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so roles appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single season keeps you ahead of most applicants.
Build a case study portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for ux research intern roles want to see how you think through a research problem, not just what tools you know. Document two or three complete projects with your research question, methods, findings, and any recommendations, and link directly to them from your resume so recruiters can review your process immediately.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool of ux research intern internships you can realistically reach.
Practice your research walkthrough out loud
UX research intern screens often ask you to walk through a past project or respond to a scenario, and interviewers weigh how you frame a problem, choose methods, and communicate trade-offs as much as the answer itself. Practice presenting a case study aloud, explaining your reasoning at each step, before your first interview.
Target structured research internship programs early
Larger employers run cohort-based or rotational UX research programs designed for candidates new to the field. These programs offer structured mentorship, exposure to multiple product teams, and clear return-offer processes. They recruit early in the academic year and fill fast, so identify the ones that fit your timeline and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 60% of the ux research intern internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start applying, then filter by location and work type so you focus only on roles you can actually take rather than sorting through the full listing set.
UX Research Intern Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a ux research intern internship?
Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A case study portfolio documenting your research process, methods, and findings gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a ux research intern internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for ux research intern interns is the quality of your work on real research projects, available headcount on the team, and return-offer timing set by the employer. Treat it as a real job from day one and position for conversion without counting on it.
When should I apply for ux research intern internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers recruit summer interns the preceding fall, meaning applications open months before the internship starts. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single recruiting season gives you the widest window.
Are ux research intern internships paid?
Most professional ux research intern internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements are less common in professional settings and are more typically found at nonprofits or academic labs.
What should a ux research intern internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three documented research projects that name the methods used, the tools involved, and link directly to your case studies so recruiters can assess your process. Add relevant coursework in research methods, cognitive psychology, or HCI, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote ux research intern internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 40% of the ux research intern internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill quickly, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
What is a UX research rotational internship?
Some larger employers run structured rotational or cohort-based internship programs that move participants across product teams or research verticals over the course of the program. These programs are designed for candidates new to the field, offer broad exposure to different research contexts, recruit early in the academic year, and are competitive, so apply in the first wave once applications open.
Can international students get ux research intern internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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