Summer Intern, XQ Institute: Design Researcher

3 days ago
Internship
Remote · Oakland, CA, US... more
Overview 
Emerson Collective is a company that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators driven by purpose and a sense of possibility, working to create a world of abundance for future generations. 
 
As with the whole of Emerson Collective, what matters most is that we work with people who are not only the very best at what they do, but also the kindest.

Emerson Collective Internship Program
Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places college-aged students in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our affiliate partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.

Candidates can apply to a maximum of three positions. Any additional applications will not be considered.

The Opportunity
XQ Institute is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to rethinking the high school experience so every student graduates ready to succeed in college, career, and real life. 

We are seeking a Design Researcher intern to work closely with our Products and Tools team to gather and analyze data that informs the design of impactful educational solutions. This role offers hands-on experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, synthesizing insights, and directly contributing to product innovation that supports XQ’s mission to transform high school education.


Role and Responsibilities

  • Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability tests, to gather insights from educators, students, and community members.
  • Analyze research data and create comprehensive reports that inform design decisions.
  • Collaborate with the design and product teams to translate research findings into actionable strategies.
  • Assist in planning and executing field studies and focus groups.
  • Develop personas and journey maps to understand and communicate user needs.
  • Support the team in implementing human-centered design methods throughout the product development lifecycle.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

  • Rising undergraduate juniors, seniors, or recent college graduates studying psychology, sociology, human-centered design, or a related field.
  • Graduate students with relevant backgrounds are welcome to apply.
  • Experience with research methodologies and tools such as surveys, interviews, and user testing.
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise reports.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Passion for improving education and addressing systemic challenges through research.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Location 
Emerson Collective is a Bay Area-based organization with offices in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. This position is located in Oakland, CA, and is onsite 40 hours/week between June 9th and August 1st, 2025. 

Key Dates
November 18 - January 10: Internship applications accepted, and interviews commence on a rolling basis. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.
January 10 - March 7: Interviews continue, and offers are extended.
June 9: Internship program begins.
August 1: Internship program concludes.

Compensation
All EC Interns are paid $25/hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 9th to August 1st (eight weeks). Interns may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.

This position requires being up to date on COVID vaccination consistent with current CDC guidelines, subject to documented religious and/or medical exemptions.

Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our mission and values as we strive to create systemic change and open possibilities for all of the communities we serve. To that end, we provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.