How the adidas Group infuses its IT organization with new graduates

Typically, the first thoughts of IT are on employee workplaces and help desk support; while this is an important service of IT, it only just scratches the surface of Global IT at the adidas Group. IT has a critical role in supporting the adidas Group to reach its strategic goals.

For example, IT supports the retail stores by giving them state-of-the-art technology for registers and displaying in-store marketing. IT also implements and maintains supply chain applications to manage warehouses, development and shipping. At the other end of the spectrum, IT collaborates with the marketing teams to offer mobile applications for consumers, such as the miCoach iPhone app. These are just a few examples!

In order to be successful, IT requires passionate and engaged teams which can leverage innovative technologies while understanding the vision of the Group. As one way to support this goal the “Campus IT Program” was established. Its purpose is to develop young talents.

What it takes to become a “Campus IT” participant

IT had a big stake in developing the micoach App

The participants do not necessarily need to have a degree in an IT related subject but do need to have an affinity for IT topics. Campus IT is a 12–month program where the participants are assigned to different areas of IT – such as SAP Retail, e-Commerce, Mobile Application or Business Intelligence. In these respective IT units they gain hands-on experience by managing workstreams within major projects under the leadership of the project owner. During the program, they also receive specific training on topics which are essential to be successful as an IT professional – topics include project management and presentation skills. In addition, Campus IT participants jointly work on developing an Innovation project further. The last element of the program involves the personal development of each Campus IT participant. Each of them is assigned a mentor who is available to provide support and guidance as they begin their corporate journey within adidas Global IT.

What the young talents say about the IT development program

I talked to two of the current Campus IT participants about their new role after they have joined adidas three months ago. Here is what they said…

Monir Boubker received his Master’s Degree in Information Systems and Management and now works as a Campus IT Business Analyst for Business Intelligence in adidas Global IT.

“When I thought of adidas, I thought of soccer and all of the products that the company stands for – I would have never imagined that I could work for this company with my IT background. Being a trainee in the Campus IT program gives me the opportunity to get training ‘on-the-job’. I feel totally integrated in the overall team: I not only get to work on one system which I thought was SAP Business Warehouse; I am also exposed to 3-4 different systems within Business Intelligence. This way, I am able to expand my knowledge and also give better support to the projects I am involved in.”

Lisa Tyukodi received her B.A. in Multimedia & Communication and now works as a Campus IT Business Analyst for IT Innovation at adidas.

“During my Bachelor studies of Multimedia and Communication, I discovered my strong interest in web and mobile development. The adidas Campus IT Program gives me the opportunity to further develop my knowledge in this area as I am currently supporting the IT Innovation Team as User Experience Designer focusing on mobile applications. At the same time I am taking part in project management and soft skill trainings which are perfect preparation and guidance for my future career at adidas Global IT.”

If you are interested in joining the Campus IT program contact ITjobs@adidas-group.com