Hey everyone! So, you're eyeing an Atlassian Product Designer Internship? Awesome! That's a fantastic goal! Landing a role at Atlassian is a big win for any aspiring designer. They're a powerhouse in the tech world, known for their collaborative tools like Jira, Confluence, and Trello. But, let's be real, competition is fierce. To help you stand out, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know to ace your application and interview. This article is your guide to understanding the role, preparing your portfolio, and nailing the interview process. We'll cover what Atlassian looks for, what you can expect, and how to position yourself as the perfect candidate. Ready to dive in? Let's get started!

What Does an Atlassian Product Designer Intern Do?

Alright, first things first: what exactly does an Atlassian Product Designer Intern do? This role is all about supporting the product design team in creating user-friendly and effective products. Think of it as a hands-on learning experience where you get to contribute to real-world projects. As an intern, you'll be involved in various stages of the design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing. You'll work closely with other designers, product managers, engineers, and researchers to understand user needs and translate them into design solutions. The day-to-day can be pretty varied, but generally, you can expect to be involved in:

• User Research: Conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing to gather insights and understand user behavior. This is crucial for empathizing with users and understanding their pain points. You'll learn how to ask the right questions and interpret the data to inform design decisions.
• Ideation and Concept Development: Brainstorming new ideas, sketching wireframes, and creating low-fidelity prototypes to explore different design solutions. This is where you get to unleash your creativity and experiment with different approaches.
• UI/UX Design: Creating high-fidelity mockups and prototypes using design tools like Figma or Sketch. You'll work on designing the visual interface and user experience, ensuring that the product is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
• Collaboration: Working closely with other designers, product managers, and engineers to iterate on designs and ensure that they meet the product requirements. Communication is key, so you'll be actively participating in meetings, presenting your work, and receiving feedback.
• Usability Testing: Conducting usability tests to gather feedback on the design and identify areas for improvement. You'll learn how to analyze user feedback and iterate on your designs to create a better user experience.

Atlassian interns typically work on real projects, contributing to product features that are used by millions of users worldwide. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience, build your portfolio, and learn from experienced designers. You'll also get a sense of Atlassian's design culture, which is known for its collaboration, innovation, and user-centered approach. By the end of your internship, you'll have a solid understanding of the design process and a portfolio filled with impressive projects.

Building a Killer Portfolio

Okay, so you know what the role entails. Now, how do you showcase your skills and experience to land that Atlassian Product Designer Internship? The answer: a killer portfolio. Your portfolio is your chance to shine, demonstrating your design abilities and the impact you've made on past projects. Here's how to build a portfolio that stands out:

1. Select Your Best Work: Quality over quantity, guys. Don't just dump everything you've ever designed into your portfolio. Choose 3-5 of your best projects that best showcase your skills and the type of work you want to do. Make sure each project aligns with the type of work Atlassian does. Think collaborative tools, user-friendly interfaces, and solving complex problems.
2. Tell a Story: Each project should tell a story. Instead of just showing the final design, walk through your design process. Explain the problem you were trying to solve, the research you conducted, the iterations you went through, and the final solution. This helps the reviewer understand your thought process and how you approach design challenges. Make sure to use clear and concise language. Don’t be afraid to describe the challenge and what you were hoping to solve. This will help them understand your process.
3. Highlight Your Process: Don't just show the pretty pictures. Show your process. Include sketches, wireframes, user flows, usability test results, and any other artifacts that demonstrate your thinking and the steps you took to arrive at your final design. This is super important because it shows the reviewer how you think and work. The iterative process is important.
4. Focus on Impact: What impact did your designs have? Did they improve user engagement, increase conversion rates, or solve a specific user problem? Quantify your results whenever possible. This shows the value you bring to a team.
5. Use High-Quality Visuals: Make sure your visuals are polished and professional. Use high-resolution images, clean layouts, and a consistent design aesthetic. Your portfolio is a reflection of your design skills, so make it look good!
6. Optimize for Online Viewing: Most people will view your portfolio online, so make sure it's easy to navigate, loads quickly, and is mobile-friendly. You can use platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or build your own website using a tool like Webflow or Squarespace.
7. Tailor Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio for the Atlassian Product Designer Internship. Highlight projects that align with Atlassian's products and design principles. If possible, include a project that addresses a similar problem that Atlassian tackles.

Ace the Atlassian Interview

Alright, you've got the portfolio, now it's time to nail the interview. The interview process at Atlassian typically involves several stages, including a resume screen, a portfolio review, and multiple rounds of interviews. Here's how to prepare:

1. Research Atlassian: Know your stuff. Before the interview, research Atlassian's products, design principles, and culture. Understand their mission, values, and design philosophy. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the company and that you've done your homework. Check out their design guidelines and see what they look for in designers.
2. Practice Your Storytelling: Be prepared to talk about your projects in detail. Practice explaining your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experiences in a clear and concise manner.
3. Be Prepared for Design Challenges: Be ready to solve design problems on the spot. The interview might include design exercises, whiteboard challenges, or case studies. Practice these types of exercises to hone your design thinking and problem-solving skills. Ask your friends and family for help.
4. Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Atlassian values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experience working with others. Describe how you collaborate with designers, product managers, and engineers. Give examples of how you handled conflicts or disagreements. Show them that you can be a good team player.
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest and helps you learn more about the role and the company. Ask about the team's culture, the design process, and the opportunities for growth. This is your chance to show your interest. Be prepared to ask questions about the products, the teams, and the culture at Atlassian.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice: Do mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career coaches. This will help you get comfortable talking about your work and answering design-related questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
7. Understand Design Principles: Be well-versed in design principles. You should know the basics like user-centered design, information architecture, visual hierarchy, and accessibility. You should be able to explain how you apply these principles in your designs. Brush up on your knowledge of UX/UI design. Show that you know the fundamentals. Make sure to brush up on these design principles.

Additional Tips for Your Atlassian Product Designer Internship

• Emphasize User-Centered Design: Atlassian's products are all about helping users get things done, so emphasize your user-centered design approach. Show how you prioritize user needs and how you validate your designs with user testing.
• Show Passion and Enthusiasm: Let your passion for design shine. Atlassian is looking for designers who are passionate about their craft and excited about the opportunity to contribute to their products.
• Be Authentic: Be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. Show your personality and let your passion for design come through. Authenticity is really important. Be yourself and let your enthusiasm shine. Be true to yourself.
• Follow Up: Send a thank-you note to the interviewers after each interview. This is a small gesture that can make a big impact.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! This guide is packed with tips and strategies to help you nail that Atlassian Product Designer Internship. Remember to showcase your skills, highlight your process, and demonstrate your passion for design. Good luck, and go get 'em! You've got this! By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful application and interview process. Don't give up, and always keep learning and improving your skills. Make sure you practice and give it your all. With hard work and dedication, you'll be well on your way to starting your career at Atlassian! And remember, the journey of a thousand designs begins with a single click. Keep creating and keep designing, guys!