Getting Ahead of the Game: How to Score a Nike Internship

Nike recruiter presents to a large auditorium of students. There is a large presentation screen where alumni panelists have joined virtually.

Nike’s University Relations recruiter recently came to campus to share all about their Nike Summer Internship Program and insights into how to elevate your application and nail the interview. Duck alums and current Nike employees Samantha Little, Brice Kanehira, and Alyssa Huque also joined to share their perspectives to ensure our students can prepare for the fall application season and secure a Nike internship of their own!

Prepare Your Documents Early (Over The Summer) 

Nike’s hiring timeline moves quickly. Applications for undergraduate internships open in September and are due October 7, so it’s important to prepare your documents over the summer so the early fall term deadline doesn’t sneak up on you. 

Revamp Your Resume 

Your resume is the first way you can start conveying who you are to the recruiting team, so make it count. Nike encourages applicants to prioritize storytelling in their resumes by providing information about who you are, what experiences you’ve had, plus when and where they occurred.

Nike also emphasized the importance of showcasing a clear career trajectory with your resume; recruiters will be looking for a narrative that indicates that you would make a good fit in the role you’re applying for. They recommended strengthening your experience section with strong action verbs and numeric data or meaningful metrics. For help crafting effective bullet points to describe your experiences, reference our resume guide and action verb list

Build Your Portfolio 

If you’re interested in applying for a creative role, a portfolio can take your application to the next level. An online portfolio is a living, breathing space where your creative work can exist and be visible to recruiters. Your portfolio should demonstrate your personal brand and aesthetic; let it be a representation of who you are as a person and as a creative. If you’re not sure what your personal brand is, use our “Build Your Personal Brand” worksheet. 

Ace Your Interview 

When preparing for your interview, answer the following questions:

  • Who is interviewing you?
  • What competencies are they looking for?
  • What skills and experiences do you have that align to their needs?

Once you’ve answered those questions, build an interview story bank using our guide so that you can pick stories and experiences that will align most with the company’s needs. If you want to practice before the actual interview, schedule a mock interview with a professional advisor at Mohr Career Services or utilize Big Interview. As you talk with the interviewer, remember to be authentic! Don’t be afraid to use humor and bring energy to the conversation; it will help you stand out. 

Of course, you don’t have to do any of this alone. We highly recommend booking an appointment with one of our experienced and approachable career advisors who can help review your materials and provide tailored feedback to strengthen your application.

By Avery
Avery Career Peer Educator