What's Happening?
NIKE, Inc. has launched a Global Sustainability Graduate Internship program, inviting MBA and Environmental Science graduate students to contribute to the company's efforts in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. Recognizing sustainability as a competitive
advantage, NIKE, Inc. is innovating to help athletes perform while protecting the planet. Interns will work within the Global Sustainability team, focusing on areas such as Climate & Environment, Engagement, Geo Sustainability, Marketplace Sustainability, People & Human Rights, Supply Chain Compliance, and Sustainability Compliance & Reporting. They will lead projects that require critical and strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration to embed sustainability into business, manufacturing, operations, and marketplace initiatives across the company's value chain.
Why It's Important?
This graduate internship program is critically important for NIKE, Inc. as it directly supports the company's enterprise mandate for sustainability and compliance. In a world increasingly affected by climate change, integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic business necessity. By recruiting graduate-level talent, NIKE, Inc. aims to accelerate its progress in reducing emissions, eliminating waste, conserving water resources, and developing cleaner chemistries. For the interns, it offers a significant opportunity to apply their expertise in environmental science and business to real-world challenges within a global corporation, contributing to impactful solutions. This initiative reinforces NIKE, Inc.'s leadership in corporate sustainability and its commitment to a more responsible and resilient future for both its business and the planet.
What's Next?
The 10-week paid internship includes relocation assistance. Interns will lead one or more projects, working with teams globally to embed sustainability into various business functions. Previous project examples include developing strategies for incorporating carbon offsets, elevating Nike's sustainability presence at running races, and enhancing sustainability efforts at North America distribution centers. These projects will require interns to exercise critical and strategic thinking, problem-solving, and to deliver insights that move the business forward. Potential full-time positions following graduation are expected to be located at the Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, OR.
Beyond the Headlines
NIKE, Inc.'s comprehensive approach to sustainability, encompassing climate, environment, human rights, and supply chain, reflects a growing understanding among global corporations that sustainability is not a siloed function but an integrated aspect of business strategy. The program's focus on areas like circularity and cleaner chemistries highlights a shift towards a more holistic and regenerative economic model. By investing in graduate talent with specialized knowledge in these fields, NIKE, Inc. is not only addressing its own environmental footprint but also contributing to the broader development of sustainable practices within the industry. This initiative underscores the evolving role of businesses as key players in addressing global environmental challenges and driving systemic change towards a more sustainable future.
