Current student, Nancy Yang, shared the following about being a Summer Intern at Markit AI …
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
As a UX Design Intern at Markit AI, I led the design of the company’s new AI Clone feature, created to help creators scale engagement by automating repetitive conversations transparently and authentically. My work included conducting user interviews to uncover adoption barriers, performing competitive analyses of 10+ AI tools, and translating insights into user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes in Figma. I also developed a scalable design system to support implementation and produced detailed research reports on competitors, pricing, and product strategy, which were adopted by the team to inform both design and business decisions. In addition to design, I gained experience with marketing and outreach, connecting with potential users and contributing to growth initiatives. This internship gave me valuable hands-on experience in building human-centered products while collaborating across design, engineering, and business teams.
How did you find this internship?
Handshake
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
What I enjoyed most about my internship was the opportunity to work in a small, collaborative team where communication was efficient and I felt closely connected to the founders. I appreciated working under a linear ticketing system, which kept tasks organized each week by priority and effort, and gave me valuable insight into how a company operates. I also enjoyed the networking opportunities I gained through the internship, which helped me build connections and learn more about the startup ecosystem. On a lighter side, I had a lot of fun making trending TikTok videos with the team, which gave me a creative outlet and showed me another side of building brand presence. Most importantly, I grew technically as a UX designer by learning how to approach design not only from the perspective of page layout but also by considering business priorities and the overall impact of each design decision.
What did you find challenging?
One of the biggest challenges of my internship was learning how to adapt to the fast pace and shifting priorities of a startup environment. With a small team, I often had to move quickly between research, design, outreach, and even marketing, which sometimes felt overwhelming at first. In addition to my UX responsibilities, I also took on tasks such as writing email reach-outs and speaking with potential users to understand whether they would be willing to use our product. Another challenge was learning how to balance user needs with business goals. As a UX designer, I wanted to create the most intuitive and inclusive experience, but I also had to think about feasibility, company resources, and priorities from the business side. Finally, working on a brand-new feature meant facing ambiguity and limited precedents, so I had to rely on competitor research, user interviews, and iteration to find the right direction. These experiences pushed me to become more adaptable, resourceful, and confident in navigating uncertainty, skills that I know will serve me well in future roles.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
The best advice I would give is to communicate as much as possible and never be afraid to ask questions. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my boss is that you can never be overly communicative. Being transparent about your situation, your goals, and the challenges you are facing not only helps you get the support you need but also shows initiative and professionalism. Clear communication builds trust with your team and ensures that you get the most out of the internship experience.
