If you are searching for a placement that combines sports, business, design, marketing, and technology, then a Nike internship might be exactly what you need. This company is not just a sportswear company but is a global brand that influences everything from fashion to performance innovation. Interning here is a dream for many college students because it offers real-world experience working with top industry professionals, cutting-edge technology, and some of the biggest athletes in the world. This is not an internship where you sit back and take notes. Nike interns get hands-on projects, collaborate with teams that shape the future of sports, and gain access to exclusive company perks that make the experience even better.
Nike internships are also super competitive, which is why students from all over the world apply for a chance to work at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, or other global offices. With opportunities in marketing, finance, product design, data analytics, and digital innovation, there is something for students from various academic backgrounds. The competition is fierce because the company looks for creative, motivated, and passionate individuals who want to push boundaries and bring new ideas to the table. If you are someone who loves innovation, collaboration, and the energy of a fast-paced industry, a position here could be your introduction to an incredible career.
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Nike Internship | How to Apply & What to Expect
Nike – Company Overview
Nike is one of the most recognizable sportswear brands in the world, known for its iconic swoosh logo and “Just Do It” slogan. Founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, the company started as a small sneaker company and has grown into a global powerhouse in athletic apparel, footwear, and sports technology. Today, it owns popular brands like Jordan, Converse, and Sportswear, expanding its reach beyond just shoes. This brand is not just about making products, it is about inspiring athletes, driving innovation, and pushing the boundaries of sports performance. Whether it is self-lacing sneakers, sustainable footwear, or digital running apps, Nike is always working on the next big thing in sports innovation.
Nike’s Global Presence & Innovation
Nike is everywhere. With operations in more than 170 countries and a workforce of over 79,000 employees, it is one of the biggest sportswear brands in the world. The company is constantly evolving, with a major focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and athlete partnerships.
- Sustainability: The company is committed to making products using eco-friendly materials and reducing its environmental impact through initiatives like the Move to Zero campaign.
- Innovation: It constantly pushes the limits of sports science and technology, creating gear that helps athletes perform at their best. Examples include Flyknit technology, Adapt self-lacing shoes, and the Vaporfly running shoe series.
- Athlete Partnerships: It sponsors some of the biggest names in sports, including LeBron James, Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé. The company plays a massive role in major sporting events like the Olympics, World Cup, and NBA Finals.
Nike Headquarters & Intern Locations
Nike’s main headquarters are located in Beaverton, Oregon, which is the heart of the company’s operations. Their World Headquarters is a massive campus featuring state-of-the-art sports facilities, design labs, innovation centres, and offices where employees and interns collaborate on exciting projects. If you land an internship at HQ, you will be working in an environment that is designed to inspire creativity, teamwork, and innovation. The company also has other major office locations around the world, including:
- Los Angeles, California – Focuses on digital marketing, entertainment partnerships, and brand strategy.
- New York City, New York – Home to its fashion collaborations, influencer marketing, and retail innovation.
- London, UK – A major hub for European marketing, digital commerce, and sports partnerships.
- Shanghai, China & Tokyo, Japan – Centers for the company’s expansion in the Asian market, digital innovation, and manufacturing operations.
Overview of Summer Internships at Nike
Nike’s Summer Internship Program is one of the best opportunities for college students and recent graduates to gain real-world experience in the sports and business industry. The program is designed to help interns develop their skills, network with professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that impact the company. The internship typically lasts 10 to 12 weeks, runs from May to August, and is open to undergraduate and graduate students in various fields. Interns work in different departments, depending on their interests and qualifications. These internships are highly competitive, so getting your application in as soon as possible is important.
Key Details:
- When do applications open? The company usually starts accepting applications for summer internships in the fall of the previous year, around September or October.
- How to apply? Visit their Careers Page and search for internship positions that match your skills and interests.
- What to expect? The internship program is expected to include in-person, hybrid, and remote roles, depending on the department. Some roles may require interns to work at Nike HQ in Oregon, while others might be based in regional offices or available remotely.
Since the competition is tough, it is important to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strengths, leadership experience, and passion for the brand’s mission. You should also network with the company’s employees on LinkedIn, attend virtual career fairs, and gain relevant experience in your field before applying.
Types of InternshipsÂ
Nike offers a wide variety of internships, giving students a chance to work in different areas that help shape the future of sports, fashion, and business. Whether you are into marketing, product design, finance, data science, supply chain, software engineering, or human resources, there is an internship that fits your skills and interests. Interns here are not just observers. They are active contributors who work on real projects that impact the company, the athletes, and millions of consumers worldwide. Below are the top seven internships, what they involve, and the skills needed to succeed in each role.
Marketing Internships
If you are passionate about branding, advertising, and digital campaigns, a Nike Marketing Internship might be the perfect fit. The company’s marketing team is responsible for creating innovative ad campaigns, managing athlete sponsorships, and engaging millions of fans across social media and digital platforms. Interns get to work on projects that define how the world sees the brand.
What to Expect:
- Assisting in the development of social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and digital storytelling.
- Working with the sponsorship team to manage partnerships with top athletes and sports teams.
- Helping with market research to understand consumer behaviour and trends.
- Collaborating on creative projects to develop ad content and digital promotions.
Skills Required:
- Strong communication and creativity skills.
- Experience with social media platforms, content creation, and branding strategies.
- Ability to analyze marketing data and consumer trends.
This internship is a great choice for students in marketing, communications, business, or digital media.
Product Design & Innovation Internships
For those who love sneakers, apparel, and sports technology, a Nike Product Design & Innovation Internship is an amazing opportunity. The company is always working on the next big thing in performance gear, and interns in this area help bring those ideas to life.
What to Expect:
- Assist with the design and development of new sneakers, athletic apparel, and sports accessories.
- Collaborating with engineers, material experts, and athlete testers to refine product designs.
- Using advanced tools like 3D modelling software and rapid prototyping to create and test concepts.
Skills Required:
- A background in industrial design, fashion design, or engineering.
- Proficiency in design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD software.
- Strong problem-solving skills and an eye for detail.
This internship is perfect for students who want to combine creativity and technology to shape the future of sports fashion and performance gear.
Finance Internship
It is a multi-billion-dollar company, so keeping track of budgets, forecasts, and financial strategies is critical. A Nike Finance Internship allows students to get hands-on experience in financial planning, investment strategy, and business analytics within the sports industry.
What to Expect:
- Assist with financial forecasting, budgeting, and risk analysis.
- Working with teams to analyze the company’s revenue, expenses, and market trends.
- Helping develop pricing strategies for products and sponsorship deals.
Skills Required:
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
- Experience with financial tools like Excel, Tableau, or SAP.
- Knowledge of business strategy and financial modelling.
This is an ideal internship for finance, accounting, and economics students looking to gain experience in a global company.
Data Science & Analytics Internships
The company uses big data and AI to understand consumer trends, predict market demands, and create personalized shopping experiences. A Nike Data Science Internship puts students at the intersection of sports, business, and technology, working with some of the most advanced data-driven strategies in the industry.
What to Expect:
- Analyzing consumer behaviour, product sales, and performance trends.
- Working on AI-powered solutions that help optimize the company’s digital platforms and e-commerce.
- Assisting with predictive modelling, machine learning, and automation projects.
Skills Required:
- Strong skills in Python, SQL, or R for data analysis.
- Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
- A background in statistics, analytics, or computer science.
This is a great opportunity for students in data science, analytics, or computer engineering who want to apply their skills in a fast-moving industry.
Supply Chain & Operations Internships
This company produces and ships millions of products around the world, so its supply chain needs to be fast, efficient, and sustainable. A Nike Supply Chain & Operations Internship allows students to learn how the company manages inventory, logistics, and global distribution.
What to Expect:
- Learn how they manage inventory and product distribution across different regions.
- Helping streamline warehouse and shipping operations to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
- Working with sustainability teams to develop eco-friendly supply chain strategies.
Skills Required:
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in logistics, supply chain management, or industrial engineering.
- Ability to work with data and analytics to optimize operations.
If you are interested in logistics, business strategy, or sustainability, this internship is a perfect match.
Software Engineering & Tech Internships
This brand is not just about shoes and apparel. It is also a leader in digital experiences, sports tech, and e-commerce. A Nike Software Engineering Internship allows students to work on app development, digital retail platforms, and wearable technology.
What to Expect:
- Working on apps, e-commerce platforms, and software solutions.
- Assist with UX/UI design, coding, and software testing.
- Collaborating with product teams to create new digital tools for consumers and athletes.
Skills Required:
- Knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript.
- Experience with app development and front-end or back-end coding.
- Understanding of user experience (UX) and interface design (UI).
This internship is great for computer science, IT, and software engineering students looking to gain experience in tech-driven retail and sports innovation.
Human Resources & Talent Development Internships
The employees here are the backbone of the company, and HR interns play a key role in hiring, training, and workplace culture initiatives. A Nike HR Internship is perfect for students interested in employee relations, diversity programs, and leadership development.
What to Expect:
- Assisting with hiring strategies, intern recruitment, and onboarding programs.
- Working on employee engagement, workplace culture, and training initiatives.
- Helping with diversity and inclusion programs to support the brand’s global workforce.
Skills Required:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A background in human resources, psychology, or business administration.
- Ability to analyze employee engagement data and workplace trends.
This is an amazing opportunity for HR, business, or psychology students who want to work in talent management at a world-class company.
Nike Internships for College Students
Nike’s internship program is designed for current college students and recent graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in sports business, marketing, technology, and design. Most positions are open to students in their junior or senior year, but some internships are available for sophomores as well. Depending on your degree program, you may find opportunities in various departments, including:
- Business & Marketing – Perfect for students in business administration, marketing, advertising, or communications.
- Design & Innovation – Best for those studying fashion design, industrial design, or product development.
- Finance & Accounting – Great for students majoring in finance, economics, or business analytics.
- Tech & Data Science – Ideal for computer science, engineering, or AI/machine learning majors.
Nike Undergraduate Internships
Nike offers specific undergraduate internships for students at different levels in their academic journey. The opportunities available depend on your year in school and level of experience.
- Freshmen & Sophomores – Early talent programs and pre-internship opportunities may be available, though these are rare.
- Juniors – This is the prime time to apply for summer internships, as the brand often hires juniors and offers them full-time roles after graduation.
- Seniors & Recent Graduates – These internships can sometimes lead to full-time positions, making senior-year internships extremely valuable.
When Do Nike Internships Open?
The internship programs at Nike are highly competitive, and applications open months in advance, so timing is everything. If you wait too long to apply, you might miss your shot. The company typically starts recruiting interns in the fall of the previous year, meaning that applications for summer internships will likely open in September or October. The hiring process continues through the winter and early spring, but applying as early as possible gives you the best chance of landing an internship.
Moving on, it updates its internship openings on its careers page, and most positions are posted on the Nike Workday portal, which is the company’s official hiring platform. To stay ahead, it is a good idea to set up job alerts on Workday so you get notified as soon as new internships become available. If you are applying for a summer internship, you should have your resume, cover letter, and application materials ready by early fall so you can submit everything as soon as applications open.
Eligibility Criteria
Nike has a wide range of internships, but there are some general requirements that apply to most roles. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate, you need to meet the company’s expectations in terms of education, skills, and leadership qualities.
- You must be enrolled in an accredited college or university or have graduated within the last year.
- The company typically looks for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, though exceptions may be made for students with strong experience or leadership skills.
- Your major should align with the internship role. For example, marketing internships favour students in business, communications, or advertising, while engineering internships require a background in software development or data science.
- It values creativity, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, so having extracurricular activities, previous internships, or sports experience can help boost your application.
Nike Internship Acceptance Rate & Competitiveness
Nike internships are extremely competitive, and thousands of students apply for a limited number of spots each year. While the brand does not publicly release its internship acceptance rate, it is estimated to be below 5%. That means out of every 100 applicants, only a handful get selected.
- It receives thousands of applications from students across the world.
- The competition is even tougher for marketing, product design, and finance internships.
- Internships at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon tend to be the most sought-after.
The best way to increase your chances is by having relevant experience, a strong resume, and a standout application. Make sure to highlight your skills, leadership, and passion for the company’s mission when applying.
Nike Internship Salary & Benefits
An internship at Nike is paid, and the salary varies depending on the role, location, and level of experience. On average, Nike interns can expect to earn:
- $20 to $30 per hour for most positions.
- Higher pay for technical and engineering roles, which can go up to $40 per hour.
- Some internships may offer stipends or bonuses for relocation assistance.
Additional Benefits for Nike Interns
Interning at Nike is not just about a paycheck. This company offers some incredible perks and benefits that make the experience even more rewarding.
- Employee Discounts – Interns get access to exclusive discounts on Nike gear, making it easier to stock up on sneakers and apparel.
- Networking Opportunities – Interns get to connect with executives, designers, and professionals, opening doors to future job opportunities.
- Relocation Assistance & Housing – Some internships offer housing stipends or assistance with moving expenses for out-of-state interns.
- Nike Campus Perks – If you intern at their World Headquarters, you get access to the gym, basketball courts, soccer fields, and fitness classes, which makes it one of the best work environments for sports lovers.
How to Apply for a Nike Internship?
Applying early and having a well-prepared application for a Nike internship will help increase your chances of joining one of the world’s most recognized sports brands. If you want to apply, here are the steps you need to follow.
- Visit the Nike Careers Page and find open internship positions.
- Sign up for Nike Workday, which is their official hiring portal for job applications.
- Set up job alerts to get notified when new internships open.
- Filter by location, department, and eligibility to find the best internship for you.
- Prepare a strong resume and cover letter, showcasing your experience, skills, and passion for the brand.
- Submit your application online through the Workday portal.
- Complete any required online assessments or assignments, depending on the role.
- Attend internship interviews, which may include behavioural and technical questions.
- Wait for selection results and accept the offer if chosen.
Summary:
An internship at Nike is an incredible opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in areas like marketing, product design, finance, data science, and technology while working for one of the most innovative sports brands in the world. Interns contribute to meaningful projects, receive competitive pay, and enjoy exclusive perks like employee discounts, networking opportunities, and access to Nike’s world-class campus facilities. Applications for summer internships typically open in the fall, with roles available for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates. Since these internships are highly competitive, early application, relevant experience, and a strong resume are key to being considered.