Intern - UX/UI Designer - Starting Spring 2027

Location: Madison, WI

Our Vision: We make dreams possible.

Yes, we’re a student loan servicer. We’re also a technology company, idea incubator, start-up accelerator, and K-12 and higher education expert. At Nelnet, we’re so much more than what you think—and we’re just getting started. So, no matter what you want to do in life—build codes or build brands—we’re the best place to do it.

Join Nelnet as an intern and do real work that matters to our business. All Nelnet interns receive one-on-one mentorship, competitive pay, casual dress, flexible schedule, intern-specific programming, and meaningful work experience.

Apply to one of our internships today. Your career awaits.

As a UX/UI Designer Intern at Nelnet, you'll gain hands-on, production-quality experience designing in Figma alongside our UX Design team, contributing to active product and design system work — not just coursework simulations.Job Responsibilities

Create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes in Figma for active product and design system initiatives.

Apply and help maintain design system components, variables, and styles within Figma files.

Participate in design critiques and reviews, both giving and receiving feedback.

Collaborate with UX Designers, and the UX and Accessibility Leads to produce implementation-ready designs.

Learn foundational UX practices: visual hierarchy, typography, responsive design (desktop/tablet/mobile), and basic accessibility considerations (contrast, focus states, touch targets).

Present design work to the team for feedback and iterate based on input.

EDUCATION

Actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Interaction Design, Digital Media, Information Science, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

No professional experience required.

Portfolio or coursework demonstrating Figma proficiency preferred.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES

Working proficiency in Figma (components, auto layout; variables a plus).

Foundational understanding of visual design principles: typography, color, layout, hierarchy.

Willingness to give and receive design feedback in a team setting.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Curiosity about accessible and inclusive design.

Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple small design tasks concurrently.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or [email protected].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring