New Grad UX, UI and Product Designer Jobs

How often is this entry-level UI/UX job list updated, and are the listings still open?

This list is updated regularly as new entry-level UI/UX design roles are posted, so what you see reflects current openings rather than a static archive. Entry-level hiring moves quickly, so some roles may fill or close between visits — it's worth checking back often and applying early when a listing fits. Simplify pulls these openings together so you don't have to monitor dozens of company career pages yourself, and you can save and track the roles you've already applied to. If a posting looks stale, focus on the newer entry-level UI/UX and product design listings near the top of the list.

Can I apply to these UI/UX roles without a formal design degree?

Yes — many entry-level UI/UX design roles weigh a strong portfolio and demonstrated skills more heavily than a specific design degree. It's common for designers to enter the field from adjacent paths like graphic design, psychology, HCI coursework, bootcamps, or self-directed study. What employers usually want to see is that you grasp core user-experience principles and can show your thinking, not just a credential. That said, requirements vary by company, and some larger or more specialized teams may still prefer a degree or equivalent experience. Use Simplify to track which listings emphasize portfolio over formal education so you can prioritize the ones that fit your background.

What kinds of projects or experience do employers look for in entry-level UI/UX candidates?

Employers usually look for evidence that you can solve real user problems, so projects that show your full design process tend to matter more than where the work came from. Strong examples often include internships, freelance or volunteer work, redesigns of existing products, or detailed case studies from coursework, bootcamps, or self-initiated projects. Work involving real users — even small usability tests or interviews — frequently stands out more than purely visual concept pieces. For product design roles, examples tied to a product's goals can help; for research-leaning UX roles, research-heavy projects matter more. Clear reasoning generally beats quantity, though expectations differ by company.

What should my portfolio show if I'm applying with no professional UI/UX experience yet?

Focus your portfolio on a few complete case studies that walk through your process rather than a gallery of finished screens. For each piece, show the problem, your research or constraints, the options you weighed, and why you made the decisions you did — hiring teams often care more about how you think than how polished the final UI looks. Two to four strong projects usually communicate more than a long list of thin ones. Include artifacts like wireframes, user flows, or before/after redesigns, and note the tools you used, such as Figma. Without professional experience, well-documented personal, bootcamp, or concept projects can fill the gap when they're framed around real user needs.

Which companies and startups tend to hire entry-level UI/UX designers?

Entry-level UI/UX hiring comes from a wide mix of employers, so this list isn't limited to one type of company. You'll often find roles at large tech and product companies, design and digital agencies, and early-stage startups — including seed and Series A teams hiring their first or second designer. Startups can offer broader scope early on, while bigger companies often provide more structured onboarding and mentorship, depending on the team, and agencies expose you to many client projects quickly. The specific companies shown change as new roles are posted, so check the current listings to see who's hiring now rather than assuming a fixed set of employers.

What does an entry-level UI/UX designer actually do day to day?

Day to day, an entry-level UI/UX designer usually supports a product team by turning requirements into wireframes, prototypes, and polished interface designs, often in tools like Figma. Early on you'll likely iterate on existing flows, help maintain design consistency, and incorporate feedback from designers, product managers, and engineers. Some roles include lightweight user research, like usability tests or reviewing feedback, though research depth varies by company and whether the role leans more UI, UX, or product design. You generally won't own major product decisions at first; instead you'll build craft and context while contributing to real features. Responsibilities differ across companies, so read each listing for specifics.

Can someone switching careers move into entry-level UI/UX design through these roles?

Yes — career switchers regularly move into entry-level UI/UX design, and these roles are often a realistic entry point since they're aimed at people early in their design careers. Skills from previous work tend to transfer well: communication, research, project coordination, writing, or front-end basics all map onto UX work. The main thing employers look for is a portfolio that shows design thinking, so a few solid case studies usually matter more than your prior job title. Be ready to explain your transition clearly and connect past experience to design. Use Simplify to track applications across many openings at once, which helps when you're casting a wider net during a switch.