6 answers
Ganesh
Student
Palakkad, Kerala, India
2
Questions
Updated
1350 views
How can I get into an UI UX internship?
Hi, Few months back, I've Posted this "I'm UI UX Design fresher. Struggling to get an internship." and lots of people commented on it thank you, I really appreciate for that and I couldn't able to reply to everyone.
As a fresher, I'm still looking for an opportunity to get in to the industry with a mentor to improve my skills. Because I couldn't able to learn during my Master's. And my graduation which was not easy I struggled a lot and it was supposed to get on the year 2023 and I got it on this year Feb 2025. The graduation was mentioning 2023. Now it got created a gap. Actually they holded my certificate for no reason and there were lots of issue for me personally I was not getting right education so I was the one to stand against them to get right education and the whole department made a drama to protect themself to show they are providing education and finally I didn't get proper education, they delayed my degree. I can't go for another education because my family financially is very weak. Everyday I wake up by hearing advice and scolding from my parents. Each day is a worst day for around last two years and Its very hard to step outside my home because the culture according to my place is like the people talks behind me and it hurts when people ask - didn't you find job yet. and they will hurt my family only for one reason I'm jobless. and my problem is i'm not happy sitting at home. everyone will be jocking about me and giving advices they thinking I intentionally sitting at home in my dad's expense.
And family is depending on dad's income that too not monthly fixed salary, its a daily wages. I was keep trying for more than two years. I have updated my resume and portfolio and applied for thousands of job related to UI/UX freshers, internship, Junior position. but I don't know why there is I only see "Rejected" I didn't even get a callback and I tried lots of platforms then later I posted on here.
Someone commented by suggesting taproot. So I tried working on a volunteer based without any guidance that means stepping into the live project for the first time and now I completed designing the project which is a single donation page for a website. And I handed over the design to the development person it's now developing. This project I can showcase as an experience.
According to me, I'm from a village. People in my locality doesn't know about designing field they say don't do anything for free. Every work has a value. But I can't make everyone realize that I'm not getting an internship in UI/UX, Because I don't have any contacts to refer me. For a job or an internship they need an experience. and for experience I need a Job or live project work so to break this loop I should do It for free that without any guidance.
Thank you for the support.
*Note: question edited by admin to remove personal information and adhere to guidelines
5 answers
✨ Danuta Chapin, MFA
Designer and Art Director
17
Answers
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Updated
✨ Danuta’s Answer
Thank you for sharing your story. Your persistence shows real strength. Even though the path has been difficult, you're already doing many of the right things. Let’s build on that momentum.
1. Leverage Your Volunteer Project
You completed a live donation page design—this is huge!
• Document your design process: research, wireframes, iterations, final UI.
• Explain: Why did you choose certain layouts, colors, or interactions?
• Show before-and-after comparisons.
• Add this to your portfolio and LinkedIn with a clear, well-written description.
This turns your volunteer work into proof of experience.
2. Portfolio, CV, and LinkedIn profile.
Make sure your portfolio:
• Highlights 2–3 projects with clear problem-solving.
• Includes user flows, personas, wireframes, and final designs.
• Has a short bio that tells your story with resilience.
If you don’t have more projects, consider redesigning existing apps/websites (like a local store).
3. Network Creatively
You mentioned not having contacts—so let’s build them:
• Join free design communities like ADPList, Design Buddies, and UX Beginner.
• Attend virtual meetups, webinars, or portfolio reviews.
• Message junior designers or interns on LinkedIn and ask how they got started.
• Share your journey on LinkedIn—it builds visibility, but do not blame or complain, think constructive.
4. Apply Strategically
Instead of mass applying, try:
• Targeting smaller startups or NGOs—they often welcome passionate learners.
• Writing short personalized messages with each application.
• Mentioning your volunteer project and eagerness to learn.
• Asking for feedback when rejected (some will reply!).
5. Upskill With Free Resources
Since formal education wasn’t helpful, try:
• Google UX Design Certificate (free trial)
• Coursera, Interaction Design Foundation, Figma Community
• Practice challenges on Daily UI or Briefbox
6. Your Story Is Your Strength
You’ve overcome educational injustice, financial hardship, and social pressure. That’s not a weakness—it’s a superpower. Many companies value grit, empathy, and real-world problem-solving. Frame your story as a journey of growth.
You're not alone. Keep showing up, keep creating, and keep sharing. The right opportunity will come—and when it does, you’ll be more than ready.
Good luck!
1. Leverage Your Volunteer Project
You completed a live donation page design—this is huge!
• Document your design process: research, wireframes, iterations, final UI.
• Explain: Why did you choose certain layouts, colors, or interactions?
• Show before-and-after comparisons.
• Add this to your portfolio and LinkedIn with a clear, well-written description.
This turns your volunteer work into proof of experience.
2. Portfolio, CV, and LinkedIn profile.
Make sure your portfolio:
• Highlights 2–3 projects with clear problem-solving.
• Includes user flows, personas, wireframes, and final designs.
• Has a short bio that tells your story with resilience.
If you don’t have more projects, consider redesigning existing apps/websites (like a local store).
3. Network Creatively
You mentioned not having contacts—so let’s build them:
• Join free design communities like ADPList, Design Buddies, and UX Beginner.
• Attend virtual meetups, webinars, or portfolio reviews.
• Message junior designers or interns on LinkedIn and ask how they got started.
• Share your journey on LinkedIn—it builds visibility, but do not blame or complain, think constructive.
4. Apply Strategically
Instead of mass applying, try:
• Targeting smaller startups or NGOs—they often welcome passionate learners.
• Writing short personalized messages with each application.
• Mentioning your volunteer project and eagerness to learn.
• Asking for feedback when rejected (some will reply!).
5. Upskill With Free Resources
Since formal education wasn’t helpful, try:
• Google UX Design Certificate (free trial)
• Coursera, Interaction Design Foundation, Figma Community
• Practice challenges on Daily UI or Briefbox
6. Your Story Is Your Strength
You’ve overcome educational injustice, financial hardship, and social pressure. That’s not a weakness—it’s a superpower. Many companies value grit, empathy, and real-world problem-solving. Frame your story as a journey of growth.
You're not alone. Keep showing up, keep creating, and keep sharing. The right opportunity will come—and when it does, you’ll be more than ready.
Good luck!
I was going to suggest LinkedIN as well. I see a fair number of internships sprinkled among the job posts, so there may be something there in addition to professional networking opportunities.
And I agree--the job market is tough, and anyone who chides you for struggling hasn't had to look for a job for a while. The global economy is highly volatile and there's no sign that it will improve anytime soon. Many of us are having a rough go, whether young or not-so-young. Wishing you well.
Kim Matthews
Prema Sequeira
Engineering Manager
27
Answers
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Ganesh,
Reading your question, it seems like you are struggling with a lot of issues. So let me try and respond to some of your concerns.
UI/UX experience: Whoever gave you the suggestion to volunteer is a good one. While you are looking for a job, its good to gain experience even if you are not getting paid. Every project you work on is additional experience.
Job Market: You are in palakkad and that might not have lots of opportunities. I would recommend looking for jobs in bigger cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune etc. If you cannot move then look for remote jobs but companies nowadays want people at work so that might be difficult.
Google for sites like flexjobs etc and you may find part time projects that pay
Issues with your degree: That is in the past, move on. And do not criticize your college etc. This just makes employers concerned that you either are not that good or a troublemaker. If anyone asks, just say it was a personal issue.
Hope this helps
Prema
Reading your question, it seems like you are struggling with a lot of issues. So let me try and respond to some of your concerns.
UI/UX experience: Whoever gave you the suggestion to volunteer is a good one. While you are looking for a job, its good to gain experience even if you are not getting paid. Every project you work on is additional experience.
Job Market: You are in palakkad and that might not have lots of opportunities. I would recommend looking for jobs in bigger cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune etc. If you cannot move then look for remote jobs but companies nowadays want people at work so that might be difficult.
Google for sites like flexjobs etc and you may find part time projects that pay
Issues with your degree: That is in the past, move on. And do not criticize your college etc. This just makes employers concerned that you either are not that good or a troublemaker. If anyone asks, just say it was a personal issue.
Hope this helps
Prema
Jeff McMahon
Content Management
5
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Ganesh,
That sounds like an incredibly tough situation. Not only is the job market brutal but family and friends can make it worse by not offering any understanding.
I struggled for years to find good work. I graduated with a 4-year degree and I couldn’t find work in my field. Worse, I discovered that most of the available jobs were lower wage and very few made any good amount of salary. Those that did make good salary required years of experience. So, there I was, with little to now experience trying to find that experience.
What I had to do was work where I could and remain aware of the opportunities around me. It was helpful that I wasn’t living with my parents. Without intending to parents can be discouraging to be around. I would feel like I wasn’t measuring up to what my dad could do and my mom is a person who tends to worry a lot so it would only make me feel worst.
By working where I could I found out that life is an education that no one can replace. The life lessons learned along the way have made my current working situation so much better and gives me a perspective on my work that I completely understand now why experience matters.
I also learned in working other jobs outside my area of education showed me how I could move around the labor market. Most of it seemed like lateral moves but after years and several jobs later, the opportunities opened up. Today I am still not working in the area of my education but instead I find myself in an adjacent career and I am very happy. Being able to work and provide for oneself, no matter what that job is brings more satisfaction than meeting other people’s expectations.
The jobs I worked at gave me soft skills or transferable skills that would help me in the next job. Many times, I found myself working in a business that would have to turn out their employees because of difficulties. This happens and it isn’t your fault. The fact that you’ve been persistent for two years shows an amazing amount of dedication and resilience. Those are attributes that employers are looking for. If you have to relocate and move to another town or city, I’d recommend that. Whether you’re starting new or restarting afresh, sometimes that is the best. I only say that because it sounds like where you are now is only continuing with discouragement. Therefore, moving on may be the best thing to do.
Hope this helps,
Jeff
That sounds like an incredibly tough situation. Not only is the job market brutal but family and friends can make it worse by not offering any understanding.
I struggled for years to find good work. I graduated with a 4-year degree and I couldn’t find work in my field. Worse, I discovered that most of the available jobs were lower wage and very few made any good amount of salary. Those that did make good salary required years of experience. So, there I was, with little to now experience trying to find that experience.
What I had to do was work where I could and remain aware of the opportunities around me. It was helpful that I wasn’t living with my parents. Without intending to parents can be discouraging to be around. I would feel like I wasn’t measuring up to what my dad could do and my mom is a person who tends to worry a lot so it would only make me feel worst.
By working where I could I found out that life is an education that no one can replace. The life lessons learned along the way have made my current working situation so much better and gives me a perspective on my work that I completely understand now why experience matters.
I also learned in working other jobs outside my area of education showed me how I could move around the labor market. Most of it seemed like lateral moves but after years and several jobs later, the opportunities opened up. Today I am still not working in the area of my education but instead I find myself in an adjacent career and I am very happy. Being able to work and provide for oneself, no matter what that job is brings more satisfaction than meeting other people’s expectations.
The jobs I worked at gave me soft skills or transferable skills that would help me in the next job. Many times, I found myself working in a business that would have to turn out their employees because of difficulties. This happens and it isn’t your fault. The fact that you’ve been persistent for two years shows an amazing amount of dedication and resilience. Those are attributes that employers are looking for. If you have to relocate and move to another town or city, I’d recommend that. Whether you’re starting new or restarting afresh, sometimes that is the best. I only say that because it sounds like where you are now is only continuing with discouragement. Therefore, moving on may be the best thing to do.
Hope this helps,
Jeff
Shreeya Kankandula
Technical Account Manager
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Shreeya’s Answer
Hey, first I just want to say I really admire how honest and determined you are. You’ve been through so much, and still, you’re pushing forward and finding ways to learn that’s something to be proud of.
I completely understand how hard it can feel when you’re trying your best and not getting replies. But you’re doing the right things volunteering, learning through real projects, and building your portfolio. That Taproot project you mentioned? That’s already valuable experience you can showcase.
Here are a few ideas that might help you move forward:
Turn your volunteer project into a story.
When you apply for internships, highlight what you learned and solved in that project, for example:
“Designed a donation page for a live website on Taproot, collaborating directly with a developer to improve user flow.”
Employers love to see real problem-solving, even from unpaid or small projects.
Keep building small projects.
You don’t need someone to “hire” you to get experience. Pick a small challenge redesign a local shop’s poster, improve a non-profit’s site, or create a mock app for a problem you care about. Add each project to your portfolio. Over time, it’ll tell a story of growth and persistence.
Reach out personally to designers on LinkedIn or Dribbble.
Sometimes, a kind message like, “Hey, I really admire your work. I’m a fresher in UI/UX trying to learn, could you share one tip on what helped you land your first opportunity?” can open doors or even mentorships. Many designers love helping beginners.
Look for small design communities.
Join groups like Design Buddies, UXBeginner, ADPList, or Reddit’s r/UXDesign. There are people constantly sharing feedback, internship openings, and free mentorship sessions.
Lastly, please don’t be too hard on yourself. Your situation doesn’t define your talent. You’ve already shown grit, creativity, and courage — the kind of traits great designers have. Keep learning, keep building, and your opportunity will come.
You’re already doing more than most just keep going a little longer.
I completely understand how hard it can feel when you’re trying your best and not getting replies. But you’re doing the right things volunteering, learning through real projects, and building your portfolio. That Taproot project you mentioned? That’s already valuable experience you can showcase.
Here are a few ideas that might help you move forward:
Turn your volunteer project into a story.
When you apply for internships, highlight what you learned and solved in that project, for example:
“Designed a donation page for a live website on Taproot, collaborating directly with a developer to improve user flow.”
Employers love to see real problem-solving, even from unpaid or small projects.
Keep building small projects.
You don’t need someone to “hire” you to get experience. Pick a small challenge redesign a local shop’s poster, improve a non-profit’s site, or create a mock app for a problem you care about. Add each project to your portfolio. Over time, it’ll tell a story of growth and persistence.
Reach out personally to designers on LinkedIn or Dribbble.
Sometimes, a kind message like, “Hey, I really admire your work. I’m a fresher in UI/UX trying to learn, could you share one tip on what helped you land your first opportunity?” can open doors or even mentorships. Many designers love helping beginners.
Look for small design communities.
Join groups like Design Buddies, UXBeginner, ADPList, or Reddit’s r/UXDesign. There are people constantly sharing feedback, internship openings, and free mentorship sessions.
Lastly, please don’t be too hard on yourself. Your situation doesn’t define your talent. You’ve already shown grit, creativity, and courage — the kind of traits great designers have. Keep learning, keep building, and your opportunity will come.
You’re already doing more than most just keep going a little longer.
Lesley Kriebel
Sr. Product Designer
1
Answer
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Lesley’s Answer
Hello!
I read your post and wanted to share some guidance that might help you grow as a UX/UI designer and stand out in today’s industry.
First, one project alone isn’t enough to showcase your skills. Consider building multiple projects and sharing them on Instagram, Behance, or Dribbble. You can use resources like [Daily UI](https://www.dailyui.co/) to get daily design challenges and create real-world case studies for your portfolio. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and design process.
Knowledge is key. Read free UX/UI e-books, like those from UXPin ([https://www.uxpin.com/studio/ebooks/](https://www.uxpin.com/studio/ebooks/)), and complete free courses like Google’s UX/UI course. AI is shaping the future of UX, so learning AI-powered design tools and adding certificates to your LinkedIn can give you a real edge.
Stop focusing only on internships—companies today look for designers with strong knowledge, a solid portfolio, and real-world projects. Decide what kind of company or role you want, and tailor your portfolio to that niche.
Timing is crucial when applying. Recruiters often only review the first 50–100 applications. **The faster you get your application in, the sooner you’ll be noticed.** If you apply past that window, your application may be sidelined, even if you’re qualified. Setting job alerts and applying immediately increases your chances of being seen. LinkedIn usually posts jobs faster than other platforms, so keep a close eye there.
Also, learn how to hand off projects properly to developers and understand basic coding—it’s often a key interview topic. Practice interviews, adjust your strategy if something isn’t working, and stay consistent. Daily effort and persistence will pay off.
In an AI-driven world, you’ll need to be a hybrid. Don’t just focus on UX/UI—learn to use AI for research, marketing, and project management. Having multiple skills will make you especially valuable to startups and fast-growing companies.
Make sure your resume is **ATS-friendly**. Some HR platforms offer free trials where you can test your resume on a real applicant tracking system. This helps you understand what recruiters are looking for and how they screen applicants.
Consider reaching out to recruiters. Companies like Robert Half and other local recruiting agencies have contracts with major corporations, and it’s their job to find candidates. Be prepared: know your pay range, have a strong portfolio, an updated resume, and references ready.
Lastly, get involved in local UX/UI and tech events in your area or nearby cities. Check out platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup. Attending these events allows you to network, meet other designers, and sometimes even connect with recruiters directly.
The only thing holding you back is doubt. You won’t apply if you think it’s impossible. You won’t try if you think you’ll fail. Learn, become stronger, and keep improving—and you will land an amazing opportunity!
Wishing you all the best,
Lesley
I read your post and wanted to share some guidance that might help you grow as a UX/UI designer and stand out in today’s industry.
First, one project alone isn’t enough to showcase your skills. Consider building multiple projects and sharing them on Instagram, Behance, or Dribbble. You can use resources like [Daily UI](https://www.dailyui.co/) to get daily design challenges and create real-world case studies for your portfolio. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and design process.
Knowledge is key. Read free UX/UI e-books, like those from UXPin ([https://www.uxpin.com/studio/ebooks/](https://www.uxpin.com/studio/ebooks/)), and complete free courses like Google’s UX/UI course. AI is shaping the future of UX, so learning AI-powered design tools and adding certificates to your LinkedIn can give you a real edge.
Stop focusing only on internships—companies today look for designers with strong knowledge, a solid portfolio, and real-world projects. Decide what kind of company or role you want, and tailor your portfolio to that niche.
Timing is crucial when applying. Recruiters often only review the first 50–100 applications. **The faster you get your application in, the sooner you’ll be noticed.** If you apply past that window, your application may be sidelined, even if you’re qualified. Setting job alerts and applying immediately increases your chances of being seen. LinkedIn usually posts jobs faster than other platforms, so keep a close eye there.
Also, learn how to hand off projects properly to developers and understand basic coding—it’s often a key interview topic. Practice interviews, adjust your strategy if something isn’t working, and stay consistent. Daily effort and persistence will pay off.
In an AI-driven world, you’ll need to be a hybrid. Don’t just focus on UX/UI—learn to use AI for research, marketing, and project management. Having multiple skills will make you especially valuable to startups and fast-growing companies.
Make sure your resume is **ATS-friendly**. Some HR platforms offer free trials where you can test your resume on a real applicant tracking system. This helps you understand what recruiters are looking for and how they screen applicants.
Consider reaching out to recruiters. Companies like Robert Half and other local recruiting agencies have contracts with major corporations, and it’s their job to find candidates. Be prepared: know your pay range, have a strong portfolio, an updated resume, and references ready.
Lastly, get involved in local UX/UI and tech events in your area or nearby cities. Check out platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup. Attending these events allows you to network, meet other designers, and sometimes even connect with recruiters directly.
The only thing holding you back is doubt. You won’t apply if you think it’s impossible. You won’t try if you think you’ll fail. Learn, become stronger, and keep improving—and you will land an amazing opportunity!
Wishing you all the best,
Lesley
Delete Comment
Flag Comment