**Why Mayo Clinic** Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans (https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/benefits/) – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic. You’ll thrive in an environment that supports innovation, is committed to ending racism and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, and provides the resources you need to succeed. **Responsibilities** We are seeking a passionate and driven (JOB TITLE) to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to understanding the needs and pain points of healthcare providers who use VR-based distraction techniques to improve patient care. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting research in a highly innovative and impactful domain, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and shaping the future of VR in healthcare. Key Responsibilities + User Research: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand the needs, workflows, and challenges of healthcare providers (e.g., doctors, nurses, techs) utilizing VR distraction tools in clinical settings. + Contextual Inquiry: Observe healthcare providers in action to document how VR is integrated into patient care. + Stakeholder Engagement: Interview key stakeholders, including providers, patients, and caregivers, to gather insights about their experiences with VR solutions. + Data Analysis: Synthesize research findings into actionable insights by identifying patterns, unmet needs, and opportunities for design improvements. + Persona Development: Create detailed personas and journey maps that represent the experiences of healthcare providers using VR technology. + Prototyping Collaboration: Partner with designers and engineers to provide research-based recommendations for enhancing usability, accessibility, and efficiency in VR distraction tools. + Reporting & Presentation: Deliver compelling research reports and presentations that clearly articulate findings and proposed solutions to internal teams and stakeholders. The primary purpose of the Graduate Internship is to provide an intern with relevant field experiences in their chosen field of study. One or more mentors will be assigned to the intern to provide instruction, guidance and to assess performance. The intern is responsible for observing the functions and processes of the assigned work unit. In addition, the intern may be given selected work assignments to reinforce the learning experience, to assess the performance levels and to provide benefit to the work unit. The intern will be responsible for completing all internship-related assignments and reports for both Mayo and the participating educational facility. The duration and timing of the internship will be arranged with the intern. **Qualifications** The incumbent must be enrolled in a masters or graduate degree program from a college or university. Typically, this internship would occur after the student has taken most of the courses required by the graduate degree program. Where applicable - the degree program must require an internship as a graduation requirement (or offer as a credit option). Must have authorization to work and remain in the United States, without necessity for Mayo Clinic sponsorship now, or in the future (for example, be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, refugee or asylee). Preferred Qualifications: + Currently pursuing a degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Industrial Engineering, Public Health, or a related field. Graduate students are encouraged to apply. + Strong interest in healthcare, virtual reality, and user experience research. + Knowledge of UX research methods, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis. + Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively. + Empathy for healthcare providers and patients, and a passion for improving healthcare experiences. + Previous experience in healthcare, VR, or related industries is a bonus but not required. **Exemption Status** Nonexempt **Compensation Detail** This position has a predetermined rate of $17.68 per hour. **Benefits Eligible** No **Schedule** Full Time **Hours/Pay Period** 80 **Schedule Details** Monday – Friday regular hours This position has an anticipated start date in the late spring, and will at the end of August 2025. **Weekend Schedule** none **International Assignment** No **Site Description** Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. (https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/alllocations) **Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer** As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Mayo Clinic is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Women, minorities, veterans, people from the LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available. **Recruiter** Jill Squier **Equal opportunity** As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Mayo Clinic is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Women, minorities, veterans, people from the LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available.