Design Apprentice Program
Design at the speed of conversation
Shopify is backing the next generation of designers to shape commerce’s future, build tomorrow’s tools, and make the new normal.
Apply now
What the program is
The Design Apprentice Program places a small group of ambitious designers directly onto product and brand design teams at Shopify. For six months you'll work with a mentor on real design challenges at real Shopify scale. No simulated projects. No sideline work. You'll be in the room where design decisions get made.
Our next cohort will run September 2026 to March 2027.
What you'll get out of it
Mentorship from Shopify's senior designers
Beyond just access, you’ll be establishing real working relationships with designers who will push your craft and give you honest feedback.
High-stakes product work
You'll ship to millions of entrepreneurs who use Shopify to build their businesses.
Fluency with AI-integrated design
Shopify moves fast with new tools. You'll build real proficiency, not just familiarity.
A cohort of peers
You'll go through the program alongside other strong designers, the kind of people who make you better just by being in the room.
Who we're looking for
Strong fundamentals
Typography, hierarchy, composition, systems thinking - and most importantly a point of view on how to leverage them to design software and brand experiences.
Deep care for your craft
You care about making things beautiful, not just functional. You ask whether someone would want what you’re designing, not just whether they could use it.
Hunger to build
You’re eager to build your vision from prototyping to production. You strive to get closer to code and learn how things actually ship. We care less about how much you've shipped and more about evidence you can take an idea from spark to something tangible.
Product curiousity
Beyond brief execution, you think through what makes a product or brand experience successful; articulate multiple paths, and design at the speed of conversation. You use prototypes to show your thinking and shape decisions in real time.
Tooling + AI attentive
You know where these tools are going and you're hungry to learn. AI-native isn't required; paying attention is.
Based in the US or Canada
Eligible to work full-time for the duration of the program.
The Application Process
Apply
Submit your portfolio and application. Portfolios should demonstrate your prototyping expertise; functional moving work that demonstrates how you think through complexity, not just static screens. Show us your best work and tell the story.
Portfolio Review
Work through a portfolio review with our team. We'll explore your design thinking and how you approach complex problems. You'll know exactly what to prepare.
Life Story
Chat with our recruiting team about your journey and what drives you as a designer. You'll get all the details beforehand - no surprises.
Apply now
Submit your application