Utility Product Development Internship
This is not your ‘go grab coffee’ internship!
As one of the fastest growing brands in the outdoor industry, we’re offering college students a unique opportunity to view KEEN from the inside out. Our summer KEENtern program provides students relevant and valuable hands-on work experience in 9 busy weeks at the global headquarters in Portland, Oregon.
We’re looking for students who have a strong passion for: creating their own opportunities, seeking innovative solutions, playing any place without a ceiling, and caring for the world around them. Having a diverse background and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced, innovative environment is a plus.
This program includes:
- A cross-departmental group project with 5-10 other KEENterns
- The opportunity to work on meaningful projects and present to senior staff
- Living in Portland – hip city life, easy access to all your outdoor favorites, and the best place to be if you’re interested in the footwear and outdoor industry
- Paid housing, travel stipend, and transit pass
- Mentoring and career building workshops lead by industry experts
- Experience our values by participating in company volunteer event
Program Requirements
- Work experience preferred, including but not limited to: work study, volunteer, internships, hospitality industry, administrative or office work, etc.
- Current student or recent graduate; Junior, Senior, or Grad student preferred
- Eligible to work in the US
- Must be able to participate in 9-week program from June 17 through August 16, 2019
General Summary:
KEEN Utility is a division of KEEN Footwear that is focused on providing protective footwear for our fans who work in their KEENs, with features like steel toes and non-slip soles. As an intern for the Utility Team, you will learn about footwear and the development cycle including hands on experience in a manufacturing facility. After 9 weeks you’ll understand how to bring a shoe to market. A successful candidate in this role will be interested in the development process and not just design. This internship is ideal for industrial designers, engineering, materials and science or architecture students looking for experience outside the box.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create & improve and expand the KEEN Utility materials library by partnering with the KEEN materials department
- Create a product story board as a presentation piece for the Utility Brand that would use in various presentations as we merchandise the line and look to make seasonal sales presentations
- General departmental support and coordination
Knowledge/Skills Required:
- Strong analytical skills
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience with Illustrator and Photoshop a plus
- Able to learn new software programs quickly
- High level of communication skills
- Can work independently and on calendar timelines
- Able to sit at a desk and use computer for extended periods of time
Employee Conduct: It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through: mutual trust and respect; personal accountability and integrity; desire for growth and learning opportunities; teamwork; positive, honest and effective communication and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and partners.
Why KEEN: Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal, and has donated more than $17 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place. Learn more at https://www.keenfootwear.com/our-purpose.html
KEEN is an equal opportunity employer, who values an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or disability.