Kyle Owens

Life After L&C, June 2019 Update

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?

Lewis & Clark prepared me for life after college in a couple ways. I learned how to creatively think and solve problems. Throughout my four years, I also understood the importance of networking and building relationships with people. 

What have you been doing since graduation?

I was recently hired to work at Nike World Headquarters in merchandising. I work in North America Running Merchandising as a footwear associate.

What are your career goals?

I plan to develop my career in merchandising at Nike. I hope to travel as much as I can, live in other cities, and meet new people along the way.

Now that you’re out of college, what would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

The most important thing I learned at Lewis & Clark is that relationships are the key to success. I experienced a lot of ups and downs during my four years, but there is nothing more valuable than relationship building. I also found that determination and hard work goes a long way. The time spent in and out of the classroom all contributes to your future success and achieving your goals. Lastly, one thing I constantly asked myself at Lewis & Clark was, “Why not shoot for the stars?”

Life at L&C, Summer Internship Q&A

Can you tell us what you’re doing this summer? What are your basic duties as an intern?

I am interning at Nike in the men’s footwear global merchandising department, and my main duty is to support the team in any way I can. This summer I have worked on a variety of things, including analyzing consumer trends to maximize marketplace growth for Nike. Additionally, I worked with a team to draft new product descriptions about the inspiration behind specific products and their design. I was also given the opportunity to work on a project with a small team of interns focused on Nike’s Made to Play initiative, which is a program that inspires kids to be physically active by linking play with digital solutions.

How has Lewis & Clark supported you in the process of finding, securing, and funding your internship?

Lewis & Clark has supported me in a number of ways, which ultimately helped me land my internship. First, I consulted with the Career Center about my desire for a summer internship in athletic apparel far in advance of when I hoped to start my internship. From there, they pointed me to the right resources and alumni based on my specific interests.

Additionally, I utilized the Lewis & Clark alumni network on LinkedIn. I reached out to an alum who has worked at Nike for many years, which proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. At that point in time, I was only interested in learning about the athletic apparel industry and receiving feedback on my resume. Luckily, the alum invited me to Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton where I got to capture a small glimpse of the company’s culture from the inside. The alum I met with is now my mentor and consistently gives me advice that I find to be extremely valuable.

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

This internship has helped me confirm what I want to do after graduation. Specifically, I want to stay connected with sports and my strong passion for fashion and athletic apparel. Heading into my senior year, I am better equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections to begin my career on the right foot. This internship has taught me a tremendous amount about what it takes to secure a new job and be successful in that job.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience thus far?

My internship at Nike helped me realize, to an even greater extent, that fostering and developing relationships is essential to building your career!