2026 MBA Intern, Design & Innovation Strategy (Summer)

AI overview

Support early-stage product innovation and strategic design initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional teams at Samsung's innovation lab in San Francisco.

Lab Summary: Samsung Design Innovation Center (SDIC) is one of Samsung’s leading innovation labs, located in San Francisco, CA.  Our mission is to understand people and lifestyles to deliver meaningful experiences, through beautiful yet functional design, enabled by innovative cutting-edge technologies.

At SDIC, we work across advanced product experiences and categories—including smartphones, wearables, televisions, computers, and next-generation device concepts—partnering with cross-functional teams to shape business-driven, user-centered innovation strategies.

Our work appears on smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions, wearables, and other devices we can’t describe yet. See some of our work at http://design.samsung.com/global/contents/sdic/

Position Summary:

We are seeking an MBA Intern with a strong business and analytical or design background to support early-stage product innovation and strategic design initiatives. This role is ideal for a current MBA student with experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, venture building, design or business innovation, who is looking to apply their business acumen to design-driven innovation. As an intern, you will work alongside strategists, designers, and technologists to:

Perform Strategic Research & Business Analysis

  • Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting to identify new product and business opportunities.
  • Use quantitative and qualitative research methods to validate strategic decisions.
  • Assess business feasibility, revenue potential, and risk for new experience-driven products.
  • Define and develop business models for future innovations.
  • Advocate for data-informed, user-centered decision-making across teams.

Concept Development & Early Prototyping

  • Develop strategic vision decks, experience frameworks, and analysis that guides and underpins concept and feature creation.
  • Apply data-driven insights and business frameworks to guide product strategy.
  • Collaborate on product concept prototypes to validate ideas.

Storytelling & Executive Communication

  • Craft compelling narratives that communicate vision, strategy, and market impact to senior stakeholders.
  • Use storytelling techniques, scenario modeling, and journey mapping to make complex concepts clear and persuasive.
  • Present insights and recommendations to executive leadership and global business units.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Analyze market trends, business opportunities, and emerging technologies to shape Samsung’s innovation strategy.
  • Perform TAM/SAM/SOM analyses to assess market opportunity and prioritize innovation investments.
  • Develop business models for new experience-driven innovations, incorporating unit economics, revenue strategies, and go-to-market feasibility.
  • Develop strategic narratives and vision frameworks to guide early-stage product concepts.
  • Translate research insights into business-driven design opportunities through compelling storytelling.
  • Collaborate with designers, engineers, and executives to bridge business, technology, and user needs.

Who You Are:

  • A strategic thinker who combines business acumen with design and technology expertise.
  • A data-driven problem solver who can use analytics and qualitative insights to inform product direction.
  • A storyteller who excels at executive communication and persuasion.
  • A collaborator who thrives in cross-functional environments and works well with ambiguity.
  • A visionary who is passionate about consumer technology, emerging experiences, and new business models.

Required Skills:

  • Currently pursuing an MBA
  • Experience in management consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain etc), corporate strategy, venture capital, innovation consulting (IDEO, Frog etc.) or corporate innovation labs
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills—ability to analyze data, synthesize insights, and build business cases
  • Experience developing strategic narratives, vision decks, and innovation roadmaps
  • Strong storytelling and executive communication skills—expertise in tools like Keynote, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint
  • Ability to translate research into actionable product strategies and early-stage prototypes
  • Comfortable in an exploratory, fast-paced innovation environment with ambiguity
  • Passion for emerging technologies, future business models, and user-centered design

We will consider qualified applicants for employment with arrest and conviction records.

Our total rewards programs are designed to motivate and engage exceptional talent. The hourly pay rate range for roles at this level is listed below, but may be higher or lower in other states due to geographic differentials in the labor market. Within the hourly pay rate range, individual rates depend on a number of factors—including the role’s function and location as well as the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education and training. This is part of our comprehensive compensation package with annual bonus eligibility and generous benefits to help you live life well.
Hourly Pay Rate Range
$34$38 USD

Additional Information

Disclosure of Trade Secrets

Samsung has a strict policy on trade secrets. In applying to Samsung and progressing through the recruitment process, you must not disclose any trade secrets of a current or previous employer.

Essential Job Functions

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Samsung Research America is committed to complying with all Federal, State and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the recruiter or email [email protected].

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Samsung, we believe that innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We aim to create a global team where everyone belongs and has equal opportunities, inspiring our talent to be their true selves. Together, we are building a better tomorrow for our customers, partners, and communities.

Samsung Research America is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and  provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information regarding protection from discrimination under Federal law for applicants and employees, please refer to this link: Pay Transparency

Salary
$34 – $38 per hour
Report this job
Apply for this job