12 answers
Ganesh
Student
Palakkad, Kerala, India
2
Questions
Updated
5657 views
How can I get into an UI UX internship?
I'm UI UX Design fresher. Struggling to get an internship. I tried applying to lots of companies but some of them are been ghosted after I gave interview. And some companies don't even give a job application submission feedback. It's been 2yrs struggling to get an internship without an experience for getting an experience in UI UX Design. I don't have any connection in the UI UX Design field to refer or help me and give some insights.
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10 answers
Rudy Gurrola
Game Designer
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rudy’s Answer
You're not failing you're still building.
This is not a race; it's a path. Your persistence for two years shows grit, which even experienced designers respect.
To get experience without a job, try volunteering or doing project-based work.
Volunteer on https://www.catchafire.org – this site connects designers with nonprofits looking for help.
Tip: Pick short-term projects (1–2 weeks) and treat them like paid work. Add these to your portfolio with full case studies.
Join https://www.adplist.org/ to talk to design mentors for free. Ask them to review your portfolio or give guidance on how to position yourself.
A strong portfolio matters more than a degree or job title.
Show 2–3 strong projects with a straightforward process: research → user flow → wireframes → final UI.
Include personal or hypothetical projects (e.g., redesign an app you use) but present them with structure and intent.
Use Notion, Wix, Webflow, or Behance to host your work cleanly.
Link your portfolio on every job application, LinkedIn profile, and email signature.
You don't need to have connections already—you can make them:
Follow UI/UX designers at companies you admire. Like and comment on their posts regularly.
Send a brief DM like this:
"Hi [Name], I'm starting my journey as a UI/UX designer and admire your work at [Company]. I'd love to learn how you got started. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat or portfolio feedback sometime soon?"
Ask others (mentors, peers, communities) to review your:
Portfolio
Resume
LinkedIn
Case study writeups
Keep improving based on that input. It helps you stand out massively.
Instead of applying to 50 jobs blindly:
Pick 5–10 companies a week that you're genuinely interested in.
Customize each application (mention their product, mission, or a design you like).
Reach out to a designer or recruiter at that company after applying.
Create content on LinkedIn or Instagram: post UI/UX tips, design breakdowns, or process reels. It builds visibility.
Look into freelance gigs on platforms like:
Contra
Fiverr (if you package small services well)
Internshala (India-based, suitable for remote internships)
Volunteer through Catchafire or nonprofits
Improve your portfolio with case studies
Reach out to designers via LinkedIn or ADPList
Apply with intention + follow up with real people
Iterate with feedback and stay visible online
This is not a race; it's a path. Your persistence for two years shows grit, which even experienced designers respect.
To get experience without a job, try volunteering or doing project-based work.
Volunteer on https://www.catchafire.org – this site connects designers with nonprofits looking for help.
Tip: Pick short-term projects (1–2 weeks) and treat them like paid work. Add these to your portfolio with full case studies.
Join https://www.adplist.org/ to talk to design mentors for free. Ask them to review your portfolio or give guidance on how to position yourself.
A strong portfolio matters more than a degree or job title.
Show 2–3 strong projects with a straightforward process: research → user flow → wireframes → final UI.
Include personal or hypothetical projects (e.g., redesign an app you use) but present them with structure and intent.
Use Notion, Wix, Webflow, or Behance to host your work cleanly.
Link your portfolio on every job application, LinkedIn profile, and email signature.
You don't need to have connections already—you can make them:
Follow UI/UX designers at companies you admire. Like and comment on their posts regularly.
Send a brief DM like this:
"Hi [Name], I'm starting my journey as a UI/UX designer and admire your work at [Company]. I'd love to learn how you got started. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat or portfolio feedback sometime soon?"
Ask others (mentors, peers, communities) to review your:
Portfolio
Resume
Case study writeups
Keep improving based on that input. It helps you stand out massively.
Instead of applying to 50 jobs blindly:
Pick 5–10 companies a week that you're genuinely interested in.
Customize each application (mention their product, mission, or a design you like).
Reach out to a designer or recruiter at that company after applying.
Create content on LinkedIn or Instagram: post UI/UX tips, design breakdowns, or process reels. It builds visibility.
Look into freelance gigs on platforms like:
Contra
Fiverr (if you package small services well)
Internshala (India-based, suitable for remote internships)
Rudy recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Sandeep Chenthamara
Talent Acquisition
10
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
You can always create your portfolio showcasing your design and sketching skills.
All the best....
All the best....
Aravind C
39
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Hi Ganesh,
To get a UI/UX internship, start by learning about the industry and showing off your skills. Build a strong portfolio with your design work, even if it’s from personal projects. Connect with designers on LinkedIn and go to industry events. Think about starting with smaller companies or unpaid internships to gain experience. Make sure to customize your applications for each company, showing your skills and excitement for their work.
To get a UI/UX internship, start by learning about the industry and showing off your skills. Build a strong portfolio with your design work, even if it’s from personal projects. Connect with designers on LinkedIn and go to industry events. Think about starting with smaller companies or unpaid internships to gain experience. Make sure to customize your applications for each company, showing your skills and excitement for their work.
Heather Juneau
UX/Product Design
3
Answers
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Hi Ganesh,
Getting into UX can seem challenging, but here are a few things I would suggest:
- Create a portfolio by redesigning apps or websites, or by working on projects you love. Show how you work, not just the end result. You can find real projects by helping nonprofits, small businesses, or joining design challenges. These are great additions to your portfolio!
- Take courses or earn certificates, like those from Google UX or Coursera, to learn the language of UX and feel more confident in interviews. Many courses are free!
- Get familiar with tools like Figma and research tools, as they are essential in the field.
Focus on building a strong portfolio, learning the necessary tools and methods, and joining communities to connect with others. This approach will help you stand out and find your first opportunity. Good luck!
Getting into UX can seem challenging, but here are a few things I would suggest:
- Create a portfolio by redesigning apps or websites, or by working on projects you love. Show how you work, not just the end result. You can find real projects by helping nonprofits, small businesses, or joining design challenges. These are great additions to your portfolio!
- Take courses or earn certificates, like those from Google UX or Coursera, to learn the language of UX and feel more confident in interviews. Many courses are free!
- Get familiar with tools like Figma and research tools, as they are essential in the field.
Focus on building a strong portfolio, learning the necessary tools and methods, and joining communities to connect with others. This approach will help you stand out and find your first opportunity. Good luck!
Steve Basmajian
Designer
15
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi Ganesh,
Creating your own opportunities can be challenging, but it's worth it. If you can get an internship or job in any area, take it. It's a great way to start.
I began my career in sales support, making pitch decks for the sales team. I used my design skills to make these decks really engaging. This included creating branding and logos for new clients and photoshopping images for signage and experiences. My work caught clients' attention, and they started asking me to handle their creative projects instead of their in-house teams. I kept learning and applying new skills, like motion content and designing microsites and apps. This experience eventually led me to consulting.
Consulting gave me the chance to work with many clients across different industries.
As others have mentioned, it's a journey. Start wherever you can and show your worth. Build a portfolio with personal projects. Use your skills whenever you can, and people will notice.
Creating your own opportunities can be challenging, but it's worth it. If you can get an internship or job in any area, take it. It's a great way to start.
I began my career in sales support, making pitch decks for the sales team. I used my design skills to make these decks really engaging. This included creating branding and logos for new clients and photoshopping images for signage and experiences. My work caught clients' attention, and they started asking me to handle their creative projects instead of their in-house teams. I kept learning and applying new skills, like motion content and designing microsites and apps. This experience eventually led me to consulting.
Consulting gave me the chance to work with many clients across different industries.
As others have mentioned, it's a journey. Start wherever you can and show your worth. Build a portfolio with personal projects. Use your skills whenever you can, and people will notice.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ganesh !
The awesome advice you have already received boils down to being qualified for the jobs that you apply to. Are you randomly applying for all jobs and reading the employment notice carefully ? Do you have a college degree because many times, employers will prefer candidates that do have a college degree as well as certifications for specific skills.
It's very important to apply only for jobs that you can do.
I don't know if you are in college (your profile says student) or what your education level is, but some colleges place students in Internships specifically during the student's Junior and Senior year in college or after they graduate with their college degree. Once you have your degree, however, and Internship is usually not necessary and a first career job can be applied for. It seems as though you already know that you need more experience.
Whichever school you attend as a Student, make much stronger connections with the Computer Science Department to get better insight. Someone who knows you and your work can accurately guide you. Advice for this is not generalized or random, so the strongest and most important connections you can make would be at your college. When you stated that you are a "UI UX Design fresher", do you mean that you are a FRESHMAN in college ? The more detailed you can be the more precise I can advise you. Work on being detailed oriented because you'll need to have that sharp skill in the field of computer work. If you are a Freshman, look for an on campus Work Study job through Federal Student Financial Aid instead of one at a corporation. If you are not a college student right now consider getting a degree. The other people that apply for the same jobs most likely have a Bachelors or Masters Degree that puts them in the forefront in the eyes of the employer.
The truth is, you do have some insight about this. Having a college degree shows that you've successfully completed formal training. Interview skills are crucial, also. During an interview, the employer does want to know that you can do the job, however, they are also assessing the chemistry and rapport and how well you'd add to the company. These are just some things to consider and are applicable to mostly all careers.
If you have your Bachelors Degree already, have spent two years without obtaining a computer job, I would suggest going for your Masters Degree for further skills, knowledge, opportunities, networking and having a degree that may push things forward for you. Take whatever job for the paycheck, but also read the job descriptions for the jobs you want and make sure you fit every qualification the employer is asking for. If it says you need experience, then you'll have to build experience and the advisors here have suggested lots of ways to do that. But right now it's time to make some decisions - take a paycheck job, go for your Masters, train for Certifications. You don't want to spend two more years or any more time just waiting to hear back. Keep active and busy and things will fall into place.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The awesome advice you have already received boils down to being qualified for the jobs that you apply to. Are you randomly applying for all jobs and reading the employment notice carefully ? Do you have a college degree because many times, employers will prefer candidates that do have a college degree as well as certifications for specific skills.
It's very important to apply only for jobs that you can do.
I don't know if you are in college (your profile says student) or what your education level is, but some colleges place students in Internships specifically during the student's Junior and Senior year in college or after they graduate with their college degree. Once you have your degree, however, and Internship is usually not necessary and a first career job can be applied for. It seems as though you already know that you need more experience.
Whichever school you attend as a Student, make much stronger connections with the Computer Science Department to get better insight. Someone who knows you and your work can accurately guide you. Advice for this is not generalized or random, so the strongest and most important connections you can make would be at your college. When you stated that you are a "UI UX Design fresher", do you mean that you are a FRESHMAN in college ? The more detailed you can be the more precise I can advise you. Work on being detailed oriented because you'll need to have that sharp skill in the field of computer work. If you are a Freshman, look for an on campus Work Study job through Federal Student Financial Aid instead of one at a corporation. If you are not a college student right now consider getting a degree. The other people that apply for the same jobs most likely have a Bachelors or Masters Degree that puts them in the forefront in the eyes of the employer.
The truth is, you do have some insight about this. Having a college degree shows that you've successfully completed formal training. Interview skills are crucial, also. During an interview, the employer does want to know that you can do the job, however, they are also assessing the chemistry and rapport and how well you'd add to the company. These are just some things to consider and are applicable to mostly all careers.
If you have your Bachelors Degree already, have spent two years without obtaining a computer job, I would suggest going for your Masters Degree for further skills, knowledge, opportunities, networking and having a degree that may push things forward for you. Take whatever job for the paycheck, but also read the job descriptions for the jobs you want and make sure you fit every qualification the employer is asking for. If it says you need experience, then you'll have to build experience and the advisors here have suggested lots of ways to do that. But right now it's time to make some decisions - take a paycheck job, go for your Masters, train for Certifications. You don't want to spend two more years or any more time just waiting to hear back. Keep active and busy and things will fall into place.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Landing a UI/UX internship as a newcomer might seem tough, but it's definitely within reach with the right steps. Begin by strengthening your basics and creating a portfolio that clearly shows your design process, including user research, wireframes, prototypes, and usability testing. Gain experience through redesigns, volunteer work, or virtual internships on platforms like Forage, Internshala, and Microverse. Taking short courses or earning certifications from Coursera, Google UX Design, or the Interaction Design Foundation can enhance your credibility. Learning niche skills like UX writing, accessibility, or mobile UX can help you stand out. Share your work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Dribbble, and Behance, and regularly document your process. Seek feedback from designers and apply broadly, especially to startups and nonprofits where entry-level opportunities are more plentiful.
To accelerate your growth, join active design communities and engage in real-world learning. Platforms like Design Buddies, Friends of Figma, and UX Coffee Hours offer mentorship and networking. Attend meetups, join clubs, and participate in competitions or design challenges on sites like Sharpen.design, UX Challenge, or Daily UI. Use tutorials from YouTube channels like The Futur and AJ&Smart, and practice on platforms like Frontend Mentor. Remember, rejections and ghosting are common, so view them as learning opportunities. Improve your resume, practice interviews, and customize your applications. Stay consistent, stay visible, and keep honing your skills. With perseverance, confidence, and a strong portfolio, your first UI/UX internship is on the horizon. You’ve got this!
To accelerate your growth, join active design communities and engage in real-world learning. Platforms like Design Buddies, Friends of Figma, and UX Coffee Hours offer mentorship and networking. Attend meetups, join clubs, and participate in competitions or design challenges on sites like Sharpen.design, UX Challenge, or Daily UI. Use tutorials from YouTube channels like The Futur and AJ&Smart, and practice on platforms like Frontend Mentor. Remember, rejections and ghosting are common, so view them as learning opportunities. Improve your resume, practice interviews, and customize your applications. Stay consistent, stay visible, and keep honing your skills. With perseverance, confidence, and a strong portfolio, your first UI/UX internship is on the horizon. You’ve got this!
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Ganesh,
It’s great to hear that you’re staying committed to getting an internship as it can be a very long process. What matters most of all is that you stay committed to doing what you need in order to find one. There are a few things you can do to go about gaining an internship.
Make sure to continue to progress your skills even during the internship search. This can be done while you search as to not waste possible opportunities. It is good to continue to improve your skills and projects. If they look at your portfolio and see a project that they like, it would be good to show something new from it, including an extension or continuation of the project.
Make sure to write a cover letter when applying to these internships. Talk about your skills and how you can participate within the company. Talk about what you want to learn and why you want to learn from them.
It is very important to not work, so make sure to make as many connections as you can. If you are able to, visit any local conventions that companies go to that might have UX and UI. Be sure to follow and reach out to companies on LinkedIn and by email. Try not to start by asking for an internship right away so your interest in possibly some questions. If you find a way to talk to some designers, ask them about their career journey.
Best of luck on your journey!
It’s great to hear that you’re staying committed to getting an internship as it can be a very long process. What matters most of all is that you stay committed to doing what you need in order to find one. There are a few things you can do to go about gaining an internship.
Make sure to continue to progress your skills even during the internship search. This can be done while you search as to not waste possible opportunities. It is good to continue to improve your skills and projects. If they look at your portfolio and see a project that they like, it would be good to show something new from it, including an extension or continuation of the project.
Make sure to write a cover letter when applying to these internships. Talk about your skills and how you can participate within the company. Talk about what you want to learn and why you want to learn from them.
It is very important to not work, so make sure to make as many connections as you can. If you are able to, visit any local conventions that companies go to that might have UX and UI. Be sure to follow and reach out to companies on LinkedIn and by email. Try not to start by asking for an internship right away so your interest in possibly some questions. If you find a way to talk to some designers, ask them about their career journey.
Best of luck on your journey!
Adam Morgan
VP brand at Twilio
5
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Adam’s Answer
The reality is that every UX internship is extremely competitive. Even when I've had a role like that on the team, we may get 900+ applications. It's impossible to read through every one. So many of the applicants are screened out through random criteria. Maybe your resume doesn't show any relevant experience.
But the good news is you can craft your resume to fit the job you want. Too often, people build a resume that is just showing past work or experience but it doesn't tell a story. If you are really doing all those things to get experience, then create a resume that expresses your passion, your learning, all the things you are doing. Show that you are the perfect fit for a UX role.
Put yourself in the position of the person who is hiring for that role. They want to find the best candidate. So make your resume show how it's you. Maybe don't put all the random jobs in there. Maybe share an opening section about you that tells the story of a person who is working their tail off to get experience. Share the right story and your chances of being picked are higher.
But the good news is you can craft your resume to fit the job you want. Too often, people build a resume that is just showing past work or experience but it doesn't tell a story. If you are really doing all those things to get experience, then create a resume that expresses your passion, your learning, all the things you are doing. Show that you are the perfect fit for a UX role.
Put yourself in the position of the person who is hiring for that role. They want to find the best candidate. So make your resume show how it's you. Maybe don't put all the random jobs in there. Maybe share an opening section about you that tells the story of a person who is working their tail off to get experience. Share the right story and your chances of being picked are higher.
Manoj Bitra
Product designer
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Manoj’s Answer
Concentrate on enhancing your portfolio by trying out new AI tools and becoming comfortable with them. Direct your job search towards specific sectors like healthcare, retail, or financial technology. You can do it!