Nike Internship: Types, Positions, Pay & How To Apply

Getting an internship is a great way to break into the workforce of your desired industry.

Whether you’re interested in gaining employment at a particular company after graduation or are looking for industry experience, an internship is a great stepping stone.

Nike is among the most desirable companies to intern at for college and graduate students.

Even though they’re a fashion brand, they offer internships in various sectors like HR, legal, merchandising, and so much more.

For those interested in an internship with Nike, there’s a lot to learn about the process, how likely you’ll have a job afterward, etc.

We’ve put together a guide that tells you everything you need to know about getting and being successful at a Nike internship.

Does Nike Have an Internship Program?

Yes!

Nike has a wonderful internship program that they offer to adults studying in an undergraduate or graduate program.

They have several positions that showcase the different facets of this company, where interns will get a fully immersive experience learning as much as possible in their desired position.

Types of Internships Offered by Nike

While many companies offer internships throughout the year for eager individuals, Nike is a company that currently only has one type of internship:

• Summer Internships: If you’re interested in interning with Nike, you’ll want to clear your summer so that you’re available since that’s the only time of year they offer an immersive internship experience.
• Student Internships: Nike only offers internships to those who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate schools.

How Many Interns Does Nike Have?

It’s unclear how many interns Nike brings on every summer, but with a large variety of internships across the company, it’s safe to say that there are at least a few in each area.

Nike Internship Positions

Nike offers a wide variety of internship positions that will appeal to people in several industries.

Here’s a look at the internship positions they fill for the summer:

• Finance
• Technology
• Supply Chain
• Legal
• Merchandising
• Digital
• Strategic Planning
• Design
• Marketing
• HR
• Procurement
• Global Sourcing and Manufacturing
• Analytics

What Does an Intern at Nike Do?

Depending on which department you intern in, your position will look a little different.

All Nike interns will help work on meaningful projects and collaborate with other team members to grow professionally, learn leadership skills, and push the brand forward.

What Does an Intern at Nike Usually Focus On?

Interns will focus on specific skills that their chosen department focuses on.

If you’re interning in legal, you’ll learn how significant corporations like Nike protect their brand with legal work.

For those interested in marketing, you’ll collaborate on marketing plans and discover the best tactics in the business.

Each intern will have a specific focus, and what you’ll learn will vary, but you’ll get to learn from some of the best in the business.

Who Does Nike Target for Internships?

Nike looks for interns who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university.

Beyond that, they look for individuals who are interested in the business.

Whether that’s fashion merchandising, finance, marketing, legal, or something else, they offer a wide variety of internships that aren’t only focused on designing Nike products.

What is a Nike Internship Like?

Interning at Nike is exciting and fast-paced.

You’ll be working on meaningful projects with your designated team to collaborate on ideas that will impact the Nike community.

Something interns love about interning with this company is that you’re not stuck behind a desk all day.

Even those interning in HR, legal, or similar sectors won’t be stuck behind a desk.

You’ll learn leadership skills and the ins and outs of the specific area you’re interning.

Nike Internship Process

If you’re interested in getting a summer internship with Nike, here’s a quick look at what the application process is like and what to expect:

• Step One: Located the internship you’re interested in applying for
• Step Two: Complete the application or applications
• Step Three: Interview with Nike
• Step Four: Follow-Up Call
• Step Five: Train for the internship

Is It Hard to Intern at Nike?

Interning at Nike is designed to challenge you as a professional and mold you into someone ready to tackle the professional world once you finish your degree.

Nike’s internships can sometimes be challenging, but most people wouldn’t consider it a hard internship to have.

They make it as fun as possible while giving you the tools you need to succeed.

What Notable Projects Can Interns Potentially Work On?

Some examples of notable projects that interns at Nike can work on include designing new products, choosing materials, and ad campaigns.

Of course, this might not happen for everyone, but it’s possible for those interning in this area of the business.

How Many Hours Do Nike Interns Work?

Generally, Nike interns are full-time interns for the summer.

This means they’ll be working roughly 40 hours per week.

Nike Internship Benefits

There are a lot of benefits you’ll reap when you intern with Nike.

The benefits are bountiful from valuable professional experience, making connections with industry professionals, and more.

What Do You Learn in a Nike Internship?

What you’ll learn in a Nike internship is the main benefit you’ll take away from your time with the company.

You’ll learn leadership skills and skills that will benefit you whether you’re going into marketing, legal, HR, fashion merchandising, or something else.

Other skills you’ll learn are working well with a team, standing up for your ideas, and not taking criticism personally.

Are Nike Interns Paid?

Absolutely.

Unlike other internships, Nike doesn’t offer unpaid internships and believes in paying all their interns for the dedication and work they do with the company during their time there.

It won’t be anything outrageous, but Nike always compensates their interns.

How Much are Nike Interns Paid?

How much Nike interns are paid will vary depending on the area and type of internship they are selected for.

According to Glassdoor, Nike pays their interns anywhere between $15 to $27 per hour.

The average pay is $19 per hour.

Requirements for Getting an Internship at Nike

Not everyone will land an internship with Nike, but knowing their requirements can help you have the best chance possible.

Nike Internship Acceptance Rate

There’s not a lot of information regarding the statistics of Nike’s internship program acceptance rates, but most people who’ve applied for traditional jobs with them are pretty hard to get.

So, it’s safe to say that landing an internship with the company is a little bit challenging since that’s where they get a lot of their full-time employees post internship.

Suggested Areas of Study for Nike Interns

Since Nike offers internships in many business areas, you can have majors in various fields.

Some of the suggested areas of study for Nike interns include:

• Human Resources
• Business
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Fashion Merchandising
• Fashion Design

Does Nike Care About GPA?

Your GPA isn’t the deciding factor in Nike’s decision to bring you on as an intern.

Your other skills, career experience, and personality are huge factors in Nike’s decision-making.

But those with higher GPAs are favored, but if you have many other qualities they’re looking for, but your GPA isn’t perfect, it’s still possible to land an internship.

Recommended Skills for Nike Interns

Besides specific skills for your chosen area of the business, here are some recommended skills that Nike interns should have:

• Ability to multitask
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• Leadership skills
• Public speaking
• Punctuality
• Ability to manage deadlines

Does Nike Background Check Their Interns?

Just like they do with all their job applicants, Nike will background check their interns.

They’re known to hire with certain convictions, but there will be a part on the application where you can disclose anything necessary.

It’s always best to inform the recruiters before it shows on a background check.

Does Nike Drug Test Their Interns?

Yes. Just like Nike drug tests all employees, interns will be subjected to a pre-employment drug screening.

It’s unclear what panel drug test they use, but we can assume it’s at least a five panel that tests for THC, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP.

Do Nike Interns Get Hire?

One of the main reasons people seek internships is to get a full-time position once they graduate after the internship is over.

So, does Nike hire their interns?

The simple answer is yes and no.

How Likely Will an Internship at Nike Turn Into a Full-Time Job?

It’s unlikely Nike will turn you down for a full-time job post-internship.

Nike’s internship program is a critical component of its talent pipeline.

They love hiring dedicated and talented interns once the internship is over.

As long as you work hard and show them you have the qualities they want and are eager, you’ll likely have a job with them.

How Do I Get an Internship At Nike?

If you’re interested in getting an internship with Nike, you first need to locate their internship opportunities and decide which ones you want to apply for.

Where to Find Nike Internship Opportunities

You can find Nike internship opportunities on Nike’s internship website and several job boards.

Sometimes their internships are posted on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and others, but most people go directly to Nike’s website to apply and see what internships are available.

People tend to find Nike internships on their website because they have a great tool to help you find the perfect internship with their company.

Nike’s find your fit tool allows you to browse the internships, evaluate your interests, and choose which internship or internships you want to try and get.

Interview for a Nike Internship

Before you think about getting a full-time job with Nike after your internship, you need to land an internship.

The only way you’ll be able to get an internship with Nike is to nail the interview.

When interviewing for an internship with Nike, you’ll want to go about the interview how you would do a job interview.

What Should I Wear to a Nike Internship Interview?

When interviewing for Nike, you’ll want to wear either business casual or business professional.

Business casual or professional means appropriate length dresses or skirts, shoulders covered with a blazer or other cardigan, and nothing too flashy.

How to Answer “Why Do You Want To Work at Nike?”

Answering this critical interview question can make or break your interview with Nike recruiters.

They use this question to help weed out the candidates who only want to work at Nike because it’s a famous brand and they’re huge fans.

The best way to answer this question is to not talk about how much you love the Nike brand but how you want to learn from the best in the business and use those tools to further your future career with Nike.

How Do I Prepare For a Nike Internship?

Preparing for a Nike internship is the best way to ensure you not only get hired for the internship but succeed while you’re there.

You’ll want to do your research, practice basic interview questions, make your resume look great, and come with a positive attitude every day.

Is Nike a Good Internship?

Nike is a great internship to have.

They pay all their interns and will help them develop their skills to enter the workforce post-graduation.

Is an Internship at Nike Worth It?

Most people who’ve interned at Nike will tell you it’s worth it.

The skills you learn, the connections you make, and even the potential job opportunity at the end make the summer internship worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions about interning with Nike, here are a few frequently asked questions that other eager applicants are asking.

Wrapping Up

Landing an internship at Nike is something that will benefit you in numerous ways.

Developing your skills, making industry connections, and potentially getting a full-time job at the end of your internship are more than enough reasons to apply.

You’ll be paid for your work and learn from industry experts for the duration of the summer.

Be sure to apply early to secure your spot at this excellent internship.