University of Georgia Athletics
Senior Kelly Skoglund concludes summer internship with Nike
August 28, 2017 | Equestrian
By: Molly King
This summer, Georgia's Kelly Skoglund returned to her home state of Oregon to pursue a childhood dream of working for Nike. Skoglund, one of 200 corporate interns for Nike, reflects on her 12-week intensive journey as one of clarity for her future goals.
A rising senior studying Management and Information Systems with a Fashion Merchandising minor, Skoglund credits both interests with preparing her for the prestigious opportunity. With an analytic background in technology, and a creative understanding for merchandising, Skoglund entered into her position eager to expand her education.
"Growing up in Oregon, you are in the heart of Nike culture," said Skoglund. "You grow up knowing who Bill Bowerman is—who Phil Knight is. Working with a company that is so fostered around improving the student-athlete and being rooted in inspiration and innovation has been a dream of mine for a very long time."
Assigned to several different projects over the course of the summer, Skoglund worked specifically with the Women's Training team. One of her day-to-day tasks included participating in category alignment meetings as an effort to work cross functionally with Nike's various women's departments. The goal was to cater to the consumer in a cohesive manner while offering different specific functions.
Skoglund touched numerous stages of product development during her internship, contributing to samples from upcoming seasons all the way through Holiday 2018 collections.
Skoglund was given the opportunity to pursue a project of her choosing to deliver to her team at the end of the summer with the help of her manager. With hopes to travel internationally, and a keen regard for global markets, Skoglund wanted to deliver something of merit that would also compliment her interests.
"I did a global consumer research project in 12 hub cities, outlining those cities and how the women's line preformed in each city," said Skoglund. "Anything from what their most popular workout is, to what their average income is, what they are enjoying, as well as if they are interacting with current applications and offers such as Nike Running Club and Nike Training Club."
In line with Nike's commitment to working cross functionally, the company hosted what is known as the Nike Intern Combine at the end of the summer. At the Combine, interns were divided into teams with representatives from various departments, including marketing and product line management. They were then given a problem by the Global Community Impact department and tasked with reinventing the Nike Community Ambassador program.
"The Combine was one of my highlights from the summer," said Skoglund. "I worked with interns that ranged from tech to Football Marketing America to International Football, to pretty much any internship position they offered. My team ended up coming in second out of the eight teams. We presented to a man named Nelson Farris who was the third employee of Nike, way back in the seventies."
After her unique summer experience, Skoglund hopes to advance her skills by finishing out her coursework at the University of Georgia this May. She plans to pursue a position as an Associate Product Line Manager or Merchandiser.
"I had never pictured myself going into a more fashion-oriented role," Skoglund said. "But having a desire to be creative while also knowing that technology is increasingly prevalent in today's society; I think my major and minor will help me reach my goal."
Eventually, Skoglund would like to work internationally; capitalizing on the work she completed this summer in both her final research project and product development experience.
Molly King is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Consumer Journalism with a minor in Communication Studies. She is in her third year as a student assistant with the UGA Sports Communication office.
This summer, Georgia's Kelly Skoglund returned to her home state of Oregon to pursue a childhood dream of working for Nike. Skoglund, one of 200 corporate interns for Nike, reflects on her 12-week intensive journey as one of clarity for her future goals.
A rising senior studying Management and Information Systems with a Fashion Merchandising minor, Skoglund credits both interests with preparing her for the prestigious opportunity. With an analytic background in technology, and a creative understanding for merchandising, Skoglund entered into her position eager to expand her education.
"Growing up in Oregon, you are in the heart of Nike culture," said Skoglund. "You grow up knowing who Bill Bowerman is—who Phil Knight is. Working with a company that is so fostered around improving the student-athlete and being rooted in inspiration and innovation has been a dream of mine for a very long time."
Assigned to several different projects over the course of the summer, Skoglund worked specifically with the Women's Training team. One of her day-to-day tasks included participating in category alignment meetings as an effort to work cross functionally with Nike's various women's departments. The goal was to cater to the consumer in a cohesive manner while offering different specific functions.
Skoglund touched numerous stages of product development during her internship, contributing to samples from upcoming seasons all the way through Holiday 2018 collections.
Skoglund was given the opportunity to pursue a project of her choosing to deliver to her team at the end of the summer with the help of her manager. With hopes to travel internationally, and a keen regard for global markets, Skoglund wanted to deliver something of merit that would also compliment her interests.
"I did a global consumer research project in 12 hub cities, outlining those cities and how the women's line preformed in each city," said Skoglund. "Anything from what their most popular workout is, to what their average income is, what they are enjoying, as well as if they are interacting with current applications and offers such as Nike Running Club and Nike Training Club."
In line with Nike's commitment to working cross functionally, the company hosted what is known as the Nike Intern Combine at the end of the summer. At the Combine, interns were divided into teams with representatives from various departments, including marketing and product line management. They were then given a problem by the Global Community Impact department and tasked with reinventing the Nike Community Ambassador program.
"The Combine was one of my highlights from the summer," said Skoglund. "I worked with interns that ranged from tech to Football Marketing America to International Football, to pretty much any internship position they offered. My team ended up coming in second out of the eight teams. We presented to a man named Nelson Farris who was the third employee of Nike, way back in the seventies."
After her unique summer experience, Skoglund hopes to advance her skills by finishing out her coursework at the University of Georgia this May. She plans to pursue a position as an Associate Product Line Manager or Merchandiser.
"I had never pictured myself going into a more fashion-oriented role," Skoglund said. "But having a desire to be creative while also knowing that technology is increasingly prevalent in today's society; I think my major and minor will help me reach my goal."
Eventually, Skoglund would like to work internationally; capitalizing on the work she completed this summer in both her final research project and product development experience.
Molly King is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Consumer Journalism with a minor in Communication Studies. She is in her third year as a student assistant with the UGA Sports Communication office.
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