Background:
Nike was apparently instructed by the Board of Directors in 2012-ish to go into the IT industry and recruit IT experts. This was to support a huge iniative to bring innovation, advancement and a "fresh" culture into Nike IT.
With this big push (e.g., Blackhat, etc.) they attempted to hire in external experts and did a good job - initially. However, Nike over promised and under delivered on all their verbal promises during the employment phases.
Results:
You would think that if the "Nike Lifers" couldn't deliver in 25yrs yet the external experts delivered in two the Board of Directors would take note. This group of individuals not only changed the entire company (IT) around, they fixed a multitude of contractual, vendor relationships, IT production and IT security problems - that existed for decades!
With such a dramatic and noticeable turn around in 2-3 yrs (vs. 25yrs) you would think the Nike board would praise and promote the external experts. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Nike Lifers have targeted all the external talent and are gradually removing them from employment. Internal efforts revolved around slander, defamation, creating mock-turmoil, etc.
Recruiters:
External recruiters fully admit to hire someone at Nike, in the IT field, is a "daunting task". Nike does not have a good reputation and they savage industry experts.
Personal Note:
This was one of the worse career decisions I have ever made for me and my family. I was told I could promote change, make a difference that there was nothing here "a blank slate" - which was very true. But once I started to innovate and make change the "Lifers-fangs" came out and the internal battle lines were drawn. I lost and so did my family.
I wish someone would have wrote this on GD before I got employed.
Be warned!!!!!
In summary:
- Nike lifers are threatened by outsiders
- If you are over 40yrs old forget long term employment
- IT Salary is below industry standards
- Few people of color are actually employed at Nike (especially in executive positions)
- Very high tech talent turn over rate w/in technology divisions
- Senior Managers in IT are non-technical bureaucrats
- Little (internal) career advancement opportunities for IT Pros
- No outside career enrichment opportunities (e.g., training, speaking engagements, etc.)
- Do not adhere to the Nike's "11 Maxims" (e.g., Evolve Immediately, Do the Right Thing, Simplify and Go, etc.)
- Beware of the "Dutch Mafia"
(Dutch hired in the '90s have evolved into an interconnected political powerhouse that protect each other. They will commit "career-assassinations" against anyone and all outsiders regardless of expertise to protect themselves and their jobs.)
- Management retribution is common-place
