About Cole Haan:
Cole Haan became an independently owned company again in 2013 and is growing rapidly in the US and abroad. We have earned a unique leadership position in the marketplace as a pioneer of goods that are as functional and versatile as they are crafted—most notably through our ZerøGrand and GrandSeries products. We are reinventing the world of modern footwear, handbags and accessories for consumers who seek style, versatility, and innovative comfortable function in their products.
The company’s worldwide headquarters is in Greenland, NH, with offices in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, Amsterdam, Dubai and sourcing offices in Asia. Cole Haan is sold in more than 500 retail stores globally, digital platforms around the world and within our department store and specialty retail partners.
We seek hard-working team members who are entrepreneurial-minded, solutions-oriented who accept and own accountability, model integrity, value individuality and diversity, encourage teamwork and inspire creativity.
About the Internship
The Footwear Design Intern will support the design team across men’s and/or women’s footwear categories while gaining hands-on experience in the footwear design process. This internship is designed for college students who are eager to learn, develop their skills, and contribute creatively in a professional design environment.
What You’ll Do
· Support designers with concept development for men’s and women’s footwear
· Assist with hand sketches, Illustrator line work, and digital renderings
· Help with color, material, and finish (CMF) research and inspiration boards
· Conduct trend, consumer, and competitive research
· Organize and maintain design files, samples, and seasonal archives
· Prepare materials for design presentations and team reviews
· Observe and assist in sample reviews and design meetings
· Collaborate with cross‑functional partners including product development and merchandising
· Complete special projects that support seasonal design initiatives
Who You Are
· Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field
· Strong interest in footwear design for both men’s and women’s categories
· Basic proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
· Willingness to learn about footwear construction, materials, and fit
· Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks
· Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn
· Comfortable receiving feedback and applying it to your work
What You’ll Learn
· How footwear collections are developed from concept to sample
· Exposure to real-world design timelines and workflows
· Collaboration across design, development, and merchandising teams
· Professional design presentation and communication skills
· Portfolio-worthy projects and industry experience
