Just Doing It: How an LSU Engineer Made His Mark at Nike
November 10, 2025
When Colby Faust, a mechanical engineering major graduating in May 2026, landed his internship at Nike’s North America Distribution Center (NADC) in Memphis, Tennessee, he knew he was stepping into something special. Out of more than 70,000 applicants, only about 200 were chosen — and Colby was one of them.
But what made the experience remarkable wasn’t just the brand name on his badge. It was the opportunity to apply his engineering skills in a setting that perfectly blended innovation, teamwork, and a shared passion for sport.
Engineering Meets Innovation
As a NADC Engineering Intern supporting Nike’s North America Supply Chain, Colby had the chance to take ownership of meaningful, results-driven work. Rather than observing from the sidelines, he was trusted to contribute ideas that would help improve operations and strengthen efficiency across the organization.
“I was given real responsibility and the freedom to make an impact,” Colby shared. “The experience taught me how to balance technical problem-solving with teamwork, communication, and creativity.”
That balance — between precision and passion — was what made the internship so transformative. Colby learned how engineering excellence can directly support a global brand’s mission to serve athletes and communities around the world.
Growth Through Collaboration
Throughout his internship, Colby strengthened his skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Working alongside engineers, managers, and vendors gave him the chance to see how collaboration drives results within a large organization.
“Being part of Nike’s culture taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of listening to different perspectives,” he said. “I came away more confident in my abilities and more aware of how engineering connects to a company’s larger goals.”
His supervisor, Jalyn Kuykendall, a senior university recruiter at Nike, said Colby’s authenticity and energy stood out from the start.
“He brought a fresh perspective to our operations and a deep sense of purpose to his work,” she said. “Colby didn’t just complete an internship—he left behind a framework for continued success.”
A Global Perspective
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Colby traveled to the Philip H. Knight Campus, Nike’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, where he participated in the Intern Combine — a three-day case study competition that challenged interns to develop innovative ideas for the brand’s future.
During this experience, he connected with peers from around the world, collaborated across disciplines, and even met industry leaders who helped shape his career outlook.
Experiencing the Nike Culture
One of the highlights of Colby’s summer was experiencing Nike’s unique culture firsthand — where sport, energy, and creativity are part of everyday life.
He had the opportunity to connect with senior leaders across the company, including Nike’s CEO Elliott Hill, and hear firsthand how innovation and community drive Nike’s success. “It was inspiring to see how leadership values people, purpose, and the power of sport in everything they do,” he said.
Colby also experienced how Nike’s campus culture keeps sport at the heart of the workday.
From team-building through athletic challenges to celebrating key moments like Nike’s
“Just Do It” Day, he saw how the company’s commitment to movement and motivation extends
far beyond the playing field.
Lessons for the Future
This experience reshaped how Colby sees his future as an engineer and professional. “Knowing that there were tens of thousands of applicants taught me that the impossible is never really impossible,” he said. “It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to keep pushing for opportunities that feel out of reach.”
Colby now plans to carry that same mindset into the next steps of his career — combining his technical knowledge with creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to making an impact.
Advice for Fellow Tigers
When asked what advice he’d give to other LSU students, Colby didn’t hesitate:
“Go for it and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Even if an internship feels out of reach, believe in yourself and apply anyway. You never know what doors it might open.”
Interested in exploring internships and careers at Nike? See the Nike Careers website to view open opportunities and visit the LSU Olinde Career Center to get information on career preparation!
About the LSU Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.