Nike has created more than 2,000 jobs within Oregon in the last two years, according to The Oregonian. It also is expected to hire at least 500 full-time-equivalent employees by the end of 2016 to support the expansion of its main headquarters.
The added vacancies potentially leave room for one of LSU’s own.
After concluding her collegiate swimming career, junior diver Cassie Weil aspires to move back to her hometown of Portland, Oregon, to work for the brand as a shoe and clothing designer.
“I’ve heard from a lot of other people that [Nike treats] their employees really well,” Weil said. “Also, I think I can work my way up higher and make a decent amount of money. It’s something that will be fun for me, and I think having fun is more important than money.”
Weil said she enjoyed art and drawing throughout high school. After switching her major several times during college, Weil said she realized she wanted to go into the fashion merchandise field because of the opportunities that come along with it.
Growing up in Oregon, Weil said she acquired Nike gear at cheap prices and always felt Nike was a part of her entire life because the company caters toward athletes.
Weil said while Adidas and Columbia are popular global brands, Nike is more noticeable because its brand is everywhere in a multitude of ways, from its highly demanded shoes to its high-quality clothes and swimwear. Overwhelmed by the company’s many positives, Weil said she couldn’t even think of any improvements for Nike.
Weil said her creative mind and love for art originates from her mother, who was a painter and created many arts and crafts. Weil said crafting artwork was an activity she could do for hours.
Because of the freedom her parents gave her to think and say what she wanted, Weil became more creative and open. This increased leeway inspired her to further enhance her artistic side. Weil’s proudest work is her drawings of Vans shoes during her high-school days.
“I would draw on the white canvas Vans, and I would draw [these cool laces to] almost look like a real shoe,” Weil said. “People were like, ‘Wow, that’s awesome. If I gave you a pair, would you draw it and then I pay you?’ and I was like, ‘Sure.’ It was pretty cool because I made some money from it, and everyone seemed to love it. That made me feel really proud that people thought it was so cool.”
After watching her draw pictures on several occasions while traveling to meets, Weil’s diving teammates are well aware of her abilities and passions.
“Cassie enjoys fashion and likes to keep up to date with the new trendy trends,” said senior diver Daniel Helm, a childhood friend of Weil from Oregon. “I know it would be a dream come true if she could land a job at Nike. She has always wanted to work there since she was young.”
Helm said ever since he and Weil began swimming at the Tuallitan Hills Park and Recreational District back home, they saw the Nike headquarters, which was only five miles away from where they practiced. He said driving by the headquarters every day made Weil want to be a part of the organization and its culture.
“She loves fashion merchandising because it has a business side as well as a creative side,” Helm said. “I think Cassie has a creative and innovative side, and Nike would be a dream job for her and a fantastic opportunity to showcase her skills.”
Junior diver Allie Alter said she sees Weil’s passion for both Nike and fashion design every time they go to the mall because they can never walk by a store without her going to look at all of the Nike shoes. She said Weil would be a great member of the Nike committee when she finishes college.
Working at Nike may be Weil’s main objective after she graduates from college, but it’s her dream job for more than one reason.
“I think [the team and coaching staff] know family is important to me, and I do really, really want to go home and live around my family because that’s where Nike is,” Weil said. “I think they understand that that would be a good place to go because I would be home, and it’s a good job opportunity.”