Product Manager, AI User Experience - Intern

Job Description:

Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global leader in internet services, offering a dynamic ecosystem of over 70 services across e-commerce, FinTech, digital content, and communications. Founded in 1997, Rakuten’s mission is to empower people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a vision of driving disruptive innovation globally, Rakuten integrates various services under a unified brand, supported by a unique ecosystem model that leverages data and AI. The company’s popular "Rakuten Points" program and “One ID” system enhance user engagement, providing seamless access to its diverse services. Headquartered in Japan, Rakuten has achieved 27 consecutive years of revenue growth and is recognized for fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, with English as its official language since 2012. In recent years, Rakuten has focused on AI and sustainability initiatives, aiming to drive further technological advancements and achieve carbon neutrality.

Product Manager Intern – AI User Experience

The Intern Experience:
At Rakuten, we pride ourselves on giving interns a genuine, immersive experience that has a direct impact on company objectives. You will do meaningful work, and with us, you’ll be a true member of the team. We are also invested in your growth as an individual and professional. That’s why you can expect curated events such as professional development workshops, interactions with Rakuten leadership, and relationship building opportunities with other interns and professionals at the company.

You can visit rakuten.us and our Muse profile, to learn more about Rakuten’s culture and values, as well as hear from last year’s interns.

Business Unit Introduction:
Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global leader in internet services, offering a dynamic ecosystem of over 70 services across e-commerce, FinTech, digital content, and communications. Founded in 1997, Rakuten’s mission is to empower people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a vision of driving disruptive innovation globally, Rakuten integrates various services under a unified brand, supported by a unique ecosystem model that leverages data and AI. The company’s popular "Rakuten Points" program and “One ID” system enhance user engagement, providing seamless access to its diverse services. Headquartered in Japan, Rakuten has achieved 27 consecutive years of revenue growth and is recognized for fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, with English as its official language since 2012. In recent years, Rakuten has focused on AI and sustainability initiatives, aiming to drive further technological advancements and achieve carbon neutrality.

SUMMARY:

We are seeking a passionate and innovative Product Manager Intern to join the Rakuten AI User Experience team. Rakuten AI strives to be your Rakuten AI companion, providing the best AI user experience — generally, contextually, and personally. Rakuten AI aims to serve as the AI Core of the Rakuten ecosystem, enhancing interconnections between Rakuten services and users to delight customers worldwide more than ever before.

This role involves advancing the AI user experience to serve as the foundational core across the Rakuten products ecosystem by developing innovative AI user experience framework. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for building solid, flexible, and immersive AI user experiences using state-of-the-art technologies and will contribute to a unified vision that enhances Rakuten AI foundation at scale.

We also welcome exceptional engineers from diverse fields who may not have direct experience in AI. This role is an opportunity to gain critical skills and knowledge needed to transition into the AI space. We are dedicated to supporting career changers who bring unique perspectives and expertise. Our commitment includes offering mentorship and resources to facilitate your growth in cutting-edge AI domains.

Responsibilities:

• Product Strategy and Vision: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and execute the product vision and strategy for AI user experiences.
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research to identify customer needs, market trends, and competitive landscape to inform product decisions.
• Roadmap Planning: Assist in developing and maintaining the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer needs.
• Feature Definition and Prioritization: Define and prioritize product features and requirements, working closely with engineering, design, and other stakeholders.
• User Experience Design: Collaborate with UX/UI designers to create intuitive and engaging user interfaces for AI-driven products.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data and analytics to make informed product decisions and measure the success of product features.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate product plans, progress, and results to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Project Management: Assist in managing product development projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• Customer Feedback: Gather and analyze customer feedback to continuously improve the AI user experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong interest in AI and user experience design.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies.
• Basic understanding of product management principles and practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in AI-related projects or products.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.

Five Principles for Success
Our worldwide practices describe specific behaviors that make Rakuten unique and united across the world. We expect Rakuten employees to model these 5 Shugi Principles of Success.

Always improve, Always Advance - Only be satisfied with complete success - Kaizen
Passionately Professional - Take an uncompromising approach to your work and be determined to be the best
Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika - Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
Maximize Customer Satisfaction - The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! - Always be conscious of time - take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team

Rakuten provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Rakuten considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial or local laws.