Apply for Abode's first-ever Early-Career Engagement Awards. Learn More
DICK'S Sporting Goods is among the top 20 programs in the country to be recognized for excellence in Early-Career Engagement. Their application demonstrated excellence in crafting intentional keep-warm strategies, building community, preventing reneges, fostering mentorship, and successfully converting interns to full-time roles. Below, you’ll find the highlights of their award-winning application including the proudest achievements of their early-career engagement strategies.
Abode is proud to recognize DICK'S Sporting Goods for their strong approach to early-career engagement.
Read what this organization had to say about their winning strategies.
“Our Keep Warm Strategy is designed to build excitement and connection among incoming interns as they prepare to join our organization and relocate to Pittsburgh. The program fosters early cohort community, strengthens engagement, and helps reduce reneges. Key components include:
1. Monthly newsletters to maintain consistent communication. Every newsletter contains content related to each of the following: something to learn, something Pittsburgh, something DSG, and something fun
2. Optional bi-monthly engagement events (e.g., DSG 401(k) information session)
3. Social media intern spotlights to build visibility and connection4. Abode journeys featuring biweekly resources, tasks, and guided communications to support onboarding readiness”
“Our team understands that personal connection can build brand loyalty, so we deploy many different tactics to engage with incoming interns before they arrive. Select interns are invited to our office for site visits, we host virtual meet ups, and leverage technology and social media to build connection. Before interns arrive, they're introduced to their summer roommates, training manager, and mentor to further foster a sense of belonging.”
This organization had one of the lowest renege rates among their peers who applied.
In their application, they cited providing relocation or logistical support early, hosting pre-start programming or events, and connecting new hires with mentors or buddies before the start date as the top 3 reasons for their low rate.
“For purposes of creating a welcoming experience, modeling professionalism and company culture, and providing early career guidance, we've expanded our mentorship program from post-grad to internship programming as well. It's really exciting to see former interns step into this mentor role and share with our new hires how to navigate corporate life and provide an additional resource for the interns to feel connected to.”
This organization had one of the top internship to full-time conversion rates among their peers.
“DICK'S Sporting Goods prides ourselves by creating a best-in-class experience such that interns not only have the opportunity to earn a full-time job, they're thrilled to come back post-grad. By exposing them to impactful work, building DSG and Pittsburgh pride, and connecting interns to the right people, interns see what can be possible. When they realize work can be meaningful, fun AND provide them a competitive total rewards package, it's easy to say yes.”
