INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: CREATIVE DIRECTION AND INNOVATION
Adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
Applications to this opportunity are considered for all available Creative Direction and Innovation roles:
CREATIVE DIRECTION As an intern in the Creative Direction area, you will be embedded within a dynamic creative studio. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a creative environment, working closely with producers, designers, and cross-functional teams to bring brand campaigns and product storytelling to life.
APPAREL INNOVATION
As an intern in our Innovation area, you will assist and support the Innovation product and material design team to create performance innovations which drive the advanced product process from opportunity identification through production reality.
GROW YOUR CAPABILITIES THROUGH MEANINGFUL TASKS & PROJECTS
Creative Direction roles:
Assist project managers in coordinating timelines, resources, and deliverables across multiple creative projects.
Support the studio’s daily operations, including scheduling, asset tracking, and documentation.
Help ensure smooth communication between creative teams and stakeholders.
Participate in creative reviews and production meetings, capturing notes and action items.
Contribute to process improvements and organizational tools to enhance studio efficiency.
Innovation roles:
Work with the product and material design team to create design solutions of adidas Innovation Apparel
Assist and observe the entire design phase from concept creation to final product
Gather relevant trend and consumer information for a product category
Creation of sketches for MATERIAL / APPAREL concepts
Assist the product and material design team in the design of new Apparel concepts for the relevant season supporting the creative phases: Brainstorm, Sketch and Render
Assist the Design Team in the creation of presentations for innovation milestones, product designs, tech packs and material/innovation research
Learning full process of product concept creation phase from hypothesis to validated product
Support the execution phase of the process: creating and delivering design / tech packs
Complete CAD revisions, color updates and technical packages
Create Material design renderings
WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU A MATCH
Creative Direction roles:
Student of Graphic Design/ Visual Communication/ Art Direction/ Photography, Management or similar
Fluent in English (written & spoken)
Project management skills
Strong presentation skills
Passionate about creativity, branding, and organization.
Strong communicator with attention to detail.
Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.
Eager to learn and contribute to a team that values innovation and storytelling.
Innovation roles:
Student of Product Design, Footwear Design, Sportswear Design, Industrial Design, 3D Design or similar
Fluent in English (written & spoken)
Fluent in Illustrator and Photoshop programs preferably on a Mac environment
Knowledge in working with 3D programs is a plus (Blender, Rhino, Grashopper , Clo3D or similar) and for Innovation Design Strong 3D visualization abilities on different platforms
Good sketching and renderings skills to communicate concepts and ideas
Functional technical understanding of textile material constructions
Ability to think conceptually
Previous Design experience is a plus
Previous 3D and CAD work experience is required for Innovation Design
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
Employee discounts on products
Chances to attend and take part in on-campus events and sponsored adidas events/games
Structured training and development, access to LinkedIn Learning, Language Training and adidas Learning Portal
Possibility to join our mentorship program, networking opportunities or employee resource groups
International intern community and work environment
Regular development conversations as part of your role
Inspiring campus with canteens, cafes, reflection rooms and sport facilities including an on-site gym (25€/month) and many more sports facilities
Company sports program including classes and events focusing on sports and mental health
Flexible and agile working arrangements (40% home office possible)
Monthly gross allowance: non-compulsory internship 2.350,00€, compulsory internship 1.780,00€ (Difference due to different taxation, net will be the same)
ELIGIBILITY
Enrolled as full-time student for the complete duration of the internship
Or in the so-called gap year between Bachelor and Master’s degree (gap year regulation only applicable to EU citizens due to working permit regulations)
Candidates in penultimate year of study preferred (following the internship, students should have maximum one year to graduate)
Availability for the full duration of the internship from March 2026 – September 2026
Ability to relocate to Herzogenaurach in Germany for the full duration of the internship
KEY FACTS
Application Deadline: October 31st, 2025, 11:59 PM CET
Start Date: March 1st, 2026
Duration: 6 months
Location: adidas Headquarters in Herzogenaurach (near Nuremberg)
NEXT STEPS
To apply to the role, please submit your CV and Portfolio. You don't have to write us a motivation letter, but if you have something to say, let us know.
Please apply in English.
If we feel like it is a match, you'll be invited to a video interview - don't worry we'll fully brief you on this.