How to Actually Land a UX Internship in 2025 (No BS Guide)
Let's be honest – getting a UX internship in 2025 is definitely more competitive than it was even two years ago. With so many people discovering how amazing this field is, you're up against more candidates for the same spots. But here's the encouraging news: most people are still approaching it the same old way, which means there's a real opportunity to stand out.
If you've been sending out applications and not hearing back, or you just want to make sure you're taking the smartest approach to landing that UX design, UX research, UI design, or content strategy internship, this guide is here to help.
What's Actually Happening Out There
First, let's talk about reality. Companies aren't just looking for someone who can make things look pretty anymore (though visual skills are still important!). Even for internships, they want people who can think through problems and contribute meaningfully from the start. This might sound a bit intimidating, but it's actually great news if you know how to show your potential.
The UX field has grown up, which means there are more opportunities than ever – but they're also more specific. Companies know exactly what they need, whether that's someone who can run user interviews, design with accessibility in mind, or create content that actually converts users.
Skills That Actually Matter Right Now
Let's cut through the noise about what skills you "should" have. Here's what's actually getting people hired:
For UX Design: You'll definitely want to know Figma well (Sketch has become much less common). But even more importantly, you'll want to show you can think systematically. Companies love seeing that you understand design systems, can work within real constraints, and know how to improve your designs based on feedback. It's also super helpful if you understand basic front-end concepts – you don't need to be a developer, but knowing what's technically possible makes you a much stronger designer.
For UX Research: It's not just about running user interviews anymore. You need to show you can handle both the touchy-feely qualitative stuff and the numbers-heavy quantitative analysis. Remote research skills are basically required now since that's how most companies operate. And if you can work with analytics tools or help make sense of user data, you're golden.
For UI Design: This is where the technical bar has really risen. You need to think in components and systems, not just individual screens. Understanding how your designs work in code is huge. CSS knowledge isn't required, but it definitely helps. Most importantly, show that you can create designs that work across different devices and accessibility needs.
For Content Strategy: Writing copy is just the starting point. You need to show you understand how content fits into the bigger user experience, how it affects SEO, and how to organize information so people can actually find what they need. If you've worked with any content management systems or understand basic analytics, mention it.
Your Portfolio Needs to Tell Stories, Not Just Show Pretty Pictures
Here's where a lot of people could improve their approach: they treat their portfolio like an art gallery instead of a story about their problem-solving process. Hiring managers don't just want to see your final designs – they're really curious about how you think and approach challenges.
Each project should walk someone through your entire process. Start with the real problem you were trying to solve (not some made-up scenario), show your research and discovery work, explain how you came up with your solutions, and be honest about what worked and what didn't.
Include work that shows you can handle real-world messiness. Academic projects are fine, but try to include at least one project where you had to deal with actual constraints – tight deadlines, limited budgets, difficult stakeholders, technical limitations. This shows you can work in the real world, not just in perfect classroom conditions.
And please, be specific about what you actually did. If you worked on a team project, don't make people guess which parts were your contribution. Recruiters need to know what skills you personally bring to the table.
Networking Without Being Weird About It
Networking gets a bad rap because most people do it wrong. It's not about collecting LinkedIn connections or sliding into DMs asking for jobs. It's about building genuine relationships with people who do work you find interesting.
Start by following UX people whose work you actually admire. Engage with their posts thoughtfully – ask good questions, share relevant experiences, add value to the conversation. When something they share helps you with a project, let them know. Most UX people love hearing that their work made a difference.
Join communities where UX people actually hang out. Designer Hangout on Slack is huge. Local UX meetups (even virtual ones) are great for meeting people in your area. UXPA chapters often have student rates and lots of experienced people who are specifically interested in helping newcomers.
The key is to focus on learning and contributing, not just asking for help. When you do eventually ask for advice or feedback, you'll already have relationships with people who know and like your work.
Don't Just Apply – Create Opportunities
Here's something most people don't do: look beyond traditional internship postings. Some of the best opportunities come from companies that need UX help but haven't formalized an internship program yet.
Research startups and growing companies in your area. Look at their products and identify UX problems you could help solve. Reach out with specific ideas about how you could add value. This takes more effort than just applying through job boards, but it also sets you apart from everyone else.
Freelance projects, even tiny ones, can be goldmines for experience and portfolio pieces. You don't need to quit your day job, but taking on small projects shows you can work with real clients and constraints. Plus, happy clients become references and sometimes even lead to full-time opportunities.
Design challenges and hackathons are everywhere now, and many are virtual so you can participate from anywhere. Even if you don't win, you get practice working under pressure and presenting your work. Plus, you meet other designers and potentially some judges who work at companies you're interested in.
Making Your Applications Actually Stand Out
When you do apply through traditional channels, your application needs to show you actually care about that specific company and role. Generic applications are obvious and get deleted immediately.
Do your homework. Understand what the company does, what their products are like, who their users are, and what their design team has been working on recently. Reference specific things about their work in your cover letter. Show that you've thought about how your skills and interests align with their needs.
Customize how you present your portfolio for each application. Your core case studies might stay the same, but emphasize different aspects depending on the role. Applying for a research-heavy position? Lead with your research process. Going for something more visual? Make sure your design skills are front and center.
The Interview Process Is No Joke
UX interviews have gotten pretty intense. Expect multiple rounds, design challenges, presentations, and lots of questions about your thinking process. The good news is that this gives you more opportunities to show what you can do.
Practice explaining your design decisions out loud. You'll need to walk interviewers through your case studies and defend your choices when they ask tough questions. The ability to take feedback well and incorporate it into your thinking is often more important than getting everything perfect the first time.
Many companies will give you a design challenge to complete before or during the interview. These usually involve solving a realistic problem under time constraints. Practice working through design problems quickly and communicating your process clearly.
Actually Succeeding Once You Get There
Landing the internship is just the beginning. The best interns don't just complete their assigned tasks – they become valuable team members who contribute ideas and build relationships that last beyond their internship.
Ask lots of questions, but make them good ones. Instead of "What should I do next?" try "I'm thinking about approaching this problem in X way because of Y reason – what do you think?" This shows you're thinking critically, not just waiting for instructions.
Volunteer for stretch assignments that push you out of your comfort zone. These are often where you learn the most and make the biggest impression on your team.
Document everything you learn and work on. This becomes invaluable when you're updating your portfolio, preparing for future interviews, or just reflecting on how much you've grown.
The Real Talk About Building a Career
Getting your first internship is exciting, but remember it's just the first step. The UX field changes fast, and the skills that get you your first role won't necessarily carry you through your entire career.
Stay curious and keep learning. The best UX people are constantly picking up new skills, trying new tools, and questioning their assumptions. Use your internship to figure out what aspects of UX you're most passionate about, but stay open to exploring different areas as you grow.
Build relationships with your fellow interns and junior designers too. These people will be your peers throughout your career, and supporting each other makes everyone stronger.
Bottom Line
Landing a UX internship in 2025 takes more strategy than it used to, but it's absolutely doable if you approach it thoughtfully. Focus on building real skills, creating a portfolio that shows your thinking process, building genuine relationships in the UX community, and applying strategically rather than just blasting out generic applications.
The companies that are worth working for want interns who can think, contribute, and grow. Show them that's exactly who you are, and you'll find your place in this amazing field.