How to apply for Product Design Intern

About Kiva

Kiva is a global nonprofit founded in 2005 that crowdfunds loans for underserved borrowers in over 100 countries. Lenders can contribute as little as $25, and over $2 billion has been invested in more than 5 million borrowers. The team is remote-first with hubs in San Francisco, Nairobi, Bogota, and Bangkok.

About the role

As a product design intern, you will work on Kiva's digital products that connect lenders with borrowers. You will likely contribute to design projects that improve the lending experience for users and help expand financial access. This role supports Kiva's mission by ensuring products are usable and effective for a global audience.

A typical day

A typical day might involve attending a stand-up with the product team, working on wireframes or prototypes for a new feature, and collaborating with engineers or product managers. You might also conduct user research or usability tests and share findings with the team. Since the team is remote, much of the work happens asynchronously via tools like Slack and video calls.

Who Kiva is looking for

• Has a portfolio showing UI/UX design work, such as wireframes, prototypes, or user flows.
• Is comfortable working remotely and collaborating with a distributed team across time zones.
• Shows interest in financial inclusion, microfinance, or nonprofit technology.
• Can communicate design decisions clearly and is open to feedback.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects involving user research, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration.
• In your application, mention specific Kiva features or products you have used or studied, such as the lending flow or borrower profiles.
• Show that you understand Kiva's mission by referencing how design can support financial access for underserved communities.
• Since the role is remote, demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage time effectively in your cover letter or resume.
• Check Kiva's website and blog for recent product updates or design initiatives to reference in your application.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your motivation for supporting Kiva's mission of expanding financial access through crowdfunded loans.", 'Specific design skills you bring, such as user research, wireframing, or usability testing.', 'How you have worked remotely or in distributed teams, and how you stay organized.', 'Any experience or coursework related to fintech, nonprofit tech, or designing for global users.']

Research before applying

• Explore Kiva's website, especially the lending process, borrower profiles, and impact stats.
• Read Kiva's blog or press releases to learn about recent product changes or strategic priorities.
• Look up Kiva's values (Impact first, Extreme ownership, Be curious and bold) and think of examples where you demonstrated them.
• Check LinkedIn to see if any current or former Kiva designers share insights about their work.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a design project from your portfolio, focusing on your process and impact.
• How would you approach designing a feature to improve the lender experience on Kiva?
• Describe a time you received critical feedback on a design and how you responded.
• How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for users with different backgrounds?
• Why are you interested in Kiva specifically, and how does this internship fit your career goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic portfolio that does not show relevant UI/UX work or process.
• Ignoring Kiva's nonprofit mission and focusing only on design skills without connecting to social impact.
• Not demonstrating remote work readiness, such as lacking examples of self-management or virtual collaboration.