What skills do you need to work at Nike?

To work at Nike, you generally need a combination of foundational qualifications, relevant professional experience, and strong interpersonal abilities, alongside a passion for innovation and sport.

Foundational Requirements

At its core, working at Nike begins with meeting basic educational and professional standards.

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most entry-level positions. For more specialized or corporate roles, a bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields like marketing, finance, design, technology, or supply chain management is often preferred or necessary.
• Professional Experience or Qualifications: Candidates should possess relevant experience or qualifications in the field they are applying for. This means previous work history, internships, certifications, or a portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in the required area. For example:
  • Retail Roles: Experience in sales, customer service, inventory management, or visual merchandising.
  • Corporate Roles: Demonstrated expertise in specific functions like finance, human resources, legal, or project management.
  • Creative/Design Roles: A strong portfolio showcasing design skills, software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), and understanding of product development.
  • Technology Roles: Proficiency in programming languages, data analysis tools, cybersecurity, or cloud platforms.

Essential Soft Skills for Nike Roles

Beyond technical expertise, Nike places a significant emphasis on an individual's interpersonal and adaptive skills, which are crucial for thriving in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

• Strong Communication Skills: The ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively is paramount. This includes:
  • Verbal Communication: Engaging in clear, concise, and persuasive conversations with colleagues, leaders, and customers.
  • Written Communication: Crafting well-structured emails, reports, and presentations.
  • Active Listening: Understanding and responding appropriately to feedback and input from others.
• Strong Customer Service Skills: While often associated with retail, customer service is vital in all Nike roles. It encompasses:
  • External Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of consumers.
  • Internal Customer Focus: Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and supporting colleagues.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and providing solutions that enhance satisfaction and efficiency.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Nike's culture is highly collaborative, requiring individuals who can work effectively within diverse teams, share knowledge, and contribute to collective goals.
• Adaptability and Learning Agility: The sports and fashion industries are constantly evolving. Employees must be agile, open to new ideas, and capable of quickly learning new technologies or processes.
• Passion for the Brand and Innovation: A genuine enthusiasm for sport, fitness, and Nike's mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* is highly valued. This passion often drives creativity and dedication.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions is critical for success in various roles.

Summary of Key Requirements

The table below summarizes the core skills and qualifications generally sought after by Nike:

Important Application Note

There is no fee to apply for a job at Nike. All legitimate job applications are free of charge. You can explore career opportunities and apply directly through Nike's official careers portal, such as the Nike Careers website.

• ("If you have a body, you are an athlete.")