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Is it possible to work at Nike with a degree in Industrial Design?

I'm asking because i have always wanted to work at Nike and my teacher told me that industrial design is a really good career to choose. #design #industrial-design #nike

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Glenn’s Answer

Absolutely! As an ex-Nike designer, I know the vast majority of footwear and equipment designers at Nike have degrees in industrial/product design (conventional "product design" not to be confused with digital apps or experiences which have recently assumed that label too). This is a field of study that equips students to design and help develop everything from shoes to cars.

Glenn recommends the following next steps:

While an undergraduate degree should provide the comprehensive skills to approach any product form, many schools specialize or offer curricula supporting certain disciplines within ID (medical equipment, consumer products, automotive, etc.).
Nike pulls most of its product designers from 4-years design schools like Art Center (particularly), Pratt, Parsons and RISD that are strong in consumer product design. These are very rigorous and require a portfolio for admission and milestones for advancement through their programs. There are as well conventional 4-year state/tech universities that may cost less but are arguably as good -- University of Cincinnati, CalPoly, Georgia Tech, etc. I think University of Houston has a decent program near you as well!
Research disciplines, areas, tuition, etc. as there are many to choose from, starting with: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-worlds-25-best-design-schools-2012-11. Concentrate on those schools that most frequently place graduates or interns at Nike (or in footwear generally), and work hard for an internship should the opportunity arise; they are all paid, and having rigorously qualified for one you stand a great chance of getting hired too. A single design position posted at Nike can literally get thousands of applicants, so an internship is a great avenue for the talented and ambitious student.
Also, check out Pensole Academy, founded by ex-Jordan designer D'Wayne Edwards that is a new and exciting way to educate future "shoedogs": https://pensole.com
Lastly, practice sketching! No amount of CAD/3D instruction will replace one's organic ability to conceptualize with hands first, and often along the way. Best of luck!!!
Thank you comment icon Great advice and useful details and tips! Erica Altin
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Michelle’s Answer

Definitely! I studied Industrial Design at Art Center College of Design and although I didn't pursue shoe design, I went to Oregon and attended Dwayne Edwards Pensole Academy. A lot of my friends who went through Pensole Academy ended up working at Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
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Matt’s Answer

Hi Gino,

I agree with Glenn. I have friends who have industrial design background that work for Nike or consult for Nike.

Good luck!
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Stephanie’s Answer

I agree that google might be a good source to learn about industrial design. Nike hires a lot of people, in computers, design (product, web, industrial), business, tech, marketing since it's such a large company.

Since your teacher knows you better than us, they think that would be a great fit for you, so I encourage you to look at it and explore it. My tech company has hired many industrial designers in the past few years. Engineering might also be a fit if you want to physically make or design the shoes.

A good resource is to look at https://jobs.nike.com/corporate -- Look at the sections product development and design (or others) to explore what job you might want in the future.
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Margaret’s Answer

Or Product Design... I think a Google search will yield better answers than this site, IMHO.
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