Junior Uxui Designer Intern

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Junior UX/UI Designer Intern at Basis Technologies — Research Report

Introduction

The Junior UX/UI Designer Intern role at Basis Technologies offers hands-on experience in crafting user interfaces for cutting-edge ad tech platforms. This internship for the upcoming season runs remotely or in a hybrid format, ideal for students eager to blend creativity with real business impact. Securing this spot launches your career in digital design, connecting you to a network of innovators in programmatic advertising.

Overview of Basis Technologies

Basis Technologies stands out as a leader in ad tech, providing enterprise software that streamlines digital advertising for major brands. Founded in 2003, the company empowers marketers to manage campaigns across display, video, connected TV, and audio channels through its flagship Basis DSP platform.

In a competitive landscape with rivals like The Trade Desk and Google DV360, Basis carves a niche by focusing on automation, transparency, and self-service tools for agencies and brands. Its platform processes billions in ad spend annually, serving clients like Coca-Cola and Disney.

The company has shown steady growth, expanding its Chicago headquarters and opening offices in New York and London. Recent funding and acquisitions underscore its market strength, with a valuation pushing past $1 billion.

Basis fosters a collaborative culture emphasizing work-life balance, innovation, and employee growth. Remote-friendly policies and perks like unlimited PTO draw talent, earning high Glassdoor ratings around 4.5 stars. Professionals flock here for the chance to shape tools that drive global marketing strategies.

Junior UX/UI Designer Intern Role

Role Overview

As a Junior UX/UI Designer Intern, you'll contribute to user-centered designs that make complex ad tech accessible for marketers worldwide. Your work directly influences the Basis platform, used by thousands of users managing multimillion-dollar campaigns. Expect to collaborate with product managers and engineers, turning user feedback into intuitive interfaces that boost platform adoption.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and create wireframes for dashboard features.
• Design high-fidelity mockups using Figma for campaign management tools.
• Collaborate on A/B tests to optimize UI elements for better user engagement.
• Assist in prototyping responsive designs for web and mobile ad platforms.
• Document design decisions and contribute to style guides for consistency.
• Gather feedback from stakeholders and iterate on designs iteratively.

Day-to-Day Workflow

Your day starts with stand-up meetings to align on sprint goals, followed by diving into Figma for wireframing new features. Mid-morning involves user interviews or reviewing analytics from live tests. Afternoons focus on critiques with the design team, refining prototypes before handing off to developers. Remote tools like Slack and Zoom keep hybrid collaboration seamless, wrapping up with documentation or learning sessions.

Tools and Technologies

Basis relies on Figma and Adobe XD for core design work, paired with Sketch for advanced prototyping. You'll use Jira for task tracking, Zeplin for developer handoffs, and Miro for brainstorming. Familiarity with HTML/CSS basics helps in usability testing, while analytics tools like Google Analytics inform data-driven designs.

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Figma or Adobe XD is essential, along with understanding UX principles like information architecture and accessibility standards. Knowledge of responsive design and basic prototyping is key. Bonus points for experience with ad tech concepts or tools like Amplitude for user behavior analysis.

Soft Skills

Strong communication shines in presenting designs to non-designers, while adaptability helps navigate fast-paced sprints. Team players thrive here, collaborating across time zones in a hybrid setup. Problem-solving under ambiguity turns vague requirements into polished deliverables.

Experience Expectations

Basis targets rising juniors or seniors in UX/UI, graphic design, or HCI programs, with a GPA above 3.3 preferred. A standout portfolio with 3-5 projects showcasing process—from research to final mocks—is non-negotiable. Prior internships or freelance gigs in digital design add edge, but passion projects count heavily.

Salary and Benefits

For the upcoming season, expect a competitive stipend of $25-$35 per hour, translating to $10,000-$15,000 for a 10-12 week internship, aligned with Chicago market rates for ad tech roles. Remote/hybrid flexibility eliminates relocation costs.

Perks include a $500 learning budget for courses on Udemy or Coursera, plus access to mental health resources and team-building events. Many interns transition to full-time roles, with 60% conversion rate based on performance.

Additional benefits feature swag kits, volunteer days, and mentorship pairings, making this more than a summer gig—it's a career accelerator.

Basis Technologies Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

1. Application: Submit resume, cover letter, and portfolio via Lever ATS.
2. Screening: 30-minute recruiter call to assess fit and motivation.
3. Assignment: Complete a 4-6 hour design take-home challenge.
4. Interviews: Two 45-minute rounds—one with design lead, one cross-functional.
5. Offer: Final chat with manager, including comp discussion.

Application Timeline

Applications open in early spring for the upcoming season, with rolling reviews. Aim to apply by mid-May for summer starts; the full process spans 3-5 weeks. Early birds get priority, as spots fill fast amid a 4% intern hiring uptick industry-wide.

Screening Methods

The ATS scans for keywords like "Figma," "UX research," and "wireframing." Portfolios must link to case studies detailing your process. Video intros via HireVue may gauge communication early.

Interview Preparation

Example Interview Questions

• Walk us through your portfolio—pick a project and explain your design decisions.
• How would you improve the UX of a cluttered dashboard for ad campaigns?
• Describe a time you incorporated user feedback into a redesign.
• What accessibility features would you prioritize in our platform?

How to Answer

Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to structure responses, tying back to Basis's ad tech focus. For design critiques, reference principles like Nielsen's heuristics. Practice aloud, quantifying impacts like "reduced clicks by 30%."

What Recruiters Evaluate

They prioritize process over polish, seeking curiosity and collaboration. Portfolio depth reveals problem-solving; cultural fit shows through enthusiasm for ad tech. Technical chops and adaptability to feedback seal the deal.

How to Get Selected

Practical Tips

• Tailor your resume with Basis-specific keywords from job descriptions.
• Build a portfolio site highlighting ad-related projects, even speculative ones.
• Network on LinkedIn with Basis designers—mention shared alma maters.
• Practice take-home challenges timed, iterating based on self-critique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting generic portfolios without process documentation.
• Ignoring ad tech context—research Basis DSP first.
• Rushing take-homes; quality trumps speed.
• Skipping follow-ups post-interview.

How to Stand Out

Create a speculative redesign of Basis's public demo dashboard for your portfolio. Attend ad tech webinars and reference them in apps. Request informational chats with alumni via Handshake. Deliver polished take-homes with Loom walkthroughs.

Final Thoughts

Landing the Junior UX/UI Designer Intern role at Basis Technologies positions you at the intersection of design and high-stakes advertising tech. With real projects and mentorship, you'll emerge ready for full-time impact. Polish your application today—opportunities like this don't wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the salary for Junior UX/UI Designer Intern at Basis Technologies?

A: Stipends range from $25-$35/hour for the upcoming season, roughly $10,000-$15,000 total, competitive for remote ad tech internships.

Q: How competitive is it to get hired at Basis Technologies?

A: Highly competitive with 50-100 apps per spot, but strong portfolios and timely apps boost odds amid growing intern demand.

Q: What skills are most important for this role?

A: Figma proficiency, UX research, and wireframing top the list, paired with communication for cross-team collaboration.

Application Tips

• • Reference specific company initiatives mentioned in the research
• • Align your experience with the role requirements
• • Prepare questions that show you've done your homework
• • Practice explaining how you can contribute to their goals

Interview Preparation

• • Study the company culture and values
• • Understand the industry challenges and opportunities
• • Prepare examples that demonstrate relevant skills
• • Research recent company news and developments