About the role#
This is a 16-week paid co-op position for undergraduate students looking for practical experience in enterprise software design. You will work within the Design and UX department, collaborating with researchers, developers, and product managers to build intuitive and accessible experiences. This role requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week.
What you'll do#
- Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
- Contribute to UI components, icons, and layouts that follow the Carbon Design System.
- Document reusable design components and interaction patterns.
- Work with UX researchers to gather insights and test design concepts.
- Apply accessibility standards and design system guidelines to your work.
- Participate in design critiques, ideation sessions, and Design Thinking workshops.
- Present your design concepts and rationale to cross-functional stakeholders.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program with plans to return to school after the co-op.
- A portfolio that shows your design thinking, UI/UX fundamentals, and visual design skills.
- Experience using design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Illustrator, or Photoshop.
- Understanding of user-centered design, accessibility, and responsive design principles.
- Familiarity with collaborative tools like FigJam, Miro, or Mural.
- Exposure to HTML/CSS or front-end development, motion design tools like After Effects or Lottie, and an interest in design systems or product metrics.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Enthusiasm for learning and an openness to feedback.
- Availability to work full-time (40 hours/week) for 16 weeks between January 19 and May 7, 2027.
- Ability to start a full-time role between December 2027 and August 2028.
Location & details#
- Location: Durham, North Carolina.
- Work Modality: Hybrid.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Note: This position requires a full-time commitment, and students cannot be enrolled in concurrent coursework during the co-op term.
About IBM
IBM provides IT services and consulting to a global client base. The company develops technology solutions across areas such as cloud computing, security, analytics, and infrastructure. It operates as a public organization with more than 10,001 employees. The corporate headquarters are located in Armonk, New York.
How to get in at IBM
Applying early at IBM gives you a measurable advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials before the pile grows. Being among the first candidates seen helps you stand out in a large applicant pool. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind the roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific contacts for IBM positions so you can ask about the role or a referral. This direct approach often works better than sending your resume into a queue.
