DURHAM, N.C. – Preparedness, effort and persistence are just a few of the qualities distance runners rely on when they approach the starting line. Alitza Dennard leaned on those same traits, ones that have carried her through countless races, to stay focused and confident throughout her internship application process. Dennard's determination paid off, as she was selected as a Nike Summer Intern.
"I feel really honored to be chosen for this opportunity," said Dennard. "I did a lot of research going into it; I also went to a lot of seminars. I feel like I worked really hard to get that."
The junior has competed on North Carolina Central's women's cross country and track & field teams for the past two seasons after transferring to the Nest prior to her sophomore year. Since arriving on campus, she has found a home and is coming off a successful cross country and indoor track season, helping the Eagles place third at both the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Cross Country and Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Dennard will serve as a Brand Marketing Undergraduate Intern, spending 10 weeks at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, beginning in June. During the program, she will collaborate on several group projects designed to support the company's continued growth within its branding division.
The steps Dennard took to reach this point showed how much she wanted the opportunity. Though the application process was demanding and detailed, she embraced the challenge with determination.
"I can't lie, it was stressful," explained Dennard. "It was a little hectic, mostly because you don't know if you will get the next interview and it would go on for months and months if you do advance."
After a representative from Nike visited NCCU's campus, Dennard applied for the internship that same day. From October to December, she completed multiple timed video question-and-answer submissions before advancing to live virtual interviews.
"One thing I realized that I feel made me stick out the most was taking initiative on everything that I did," said Dennard. "I would have 72 hours to complete this; I would complete it in the first hour it was given to me."
Though Dennard majors in psychology with a minor in criminal justice, she plans to apply what she has learned in the classroom to her internship experience. She believes her study of the mind helped her navigate the interview process, allowing her to put interviewers at ease and communicate with confidence.
Beyond her academic background, Dennard also brings hands-on experience in sneaker retail as a former salesperson at her local shoe store, making the opportunity a full-circle moment for the Lawrenceville, Georgia native.
"Back in high school, I used to work for a shoe company called Big Peach and I used to sell Nike shoes and different types of running and walking shoes, so I know the market around shoes," said Dennard.
Whether she's leading the pack on the course, advocating for her teammates and fellow competitors as a member of the MEAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), or excelling in the classroom, Alitza Dennard exemplifies Eagle excellence.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
