Softball | 5/30/2025 12:00:00 AM
DURHAM, N.C. – Samaria Jackson's wish came true when she was selected to intern at Nike World Headquarters this summer.
Jackson, a softball starting shortstop for North Carolina Central, loves wearing Nike athletic shoes and apparel. So, imagine her joy when Jackson found out she was heading cross country to the Nike campus in Beaverton, Ore., for an internship, which is June 2 to Aug. 8, 2025.
She is the third NCCU softball student-athlete to be accepted as a Nike intern and the second in as many years.
"I'm super excited for this experience because it's been a long dream of mine to work for Nike," said Jackson, who plans to graduate early in December 2025. "I'm excited to be networking and meeting people who might open doors at just the right moment, not to mention the possibility of meeting some athletes. I'm super excited about that."
Her passion for Nike impressed the hiring managers, who chose her as one of approximately 190 interns out of 70,000 applicants. The hiring process included five interviews – three with Jackson recording herself answering questions and two on Zoom meetings.
"They could tell based on my responses to their questions, honestly," Jackson said about her enthusiasm for Nike gear. "They could tell I keep up with the brand and have a decent knowledge of it. Also, my experience with sports also helped when I spoke on leadership and teamwork."
Jackson will be in Oregon for 10 weeks with other interns and employees in Nike's marketing department. She will collaborate on a group project that will be presented to managers and executives toward the end of her internship.
A Highland Springs, Va., native, Jackson will gain invaluable experience at the iconic company known for its Just Do It motto and Swoosh logo.
"This is going to be a great opportunity to learn and have fun," said Jackson, who majors in political science with a concentration in pre-law. "I get to experience somewhere I've never been and learn how to be a responsible adult working at a competitive paying job while living across the country from my family. I can't wait to see where this internship takes me."
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