Harley-Davidson seeks summer interns to ride motorcycles – and maybe even keep one
A recent posting for an internship should have young motorcycle enthusiasts buzzing and perhaps clearing their summer calendars.
Harley-Davidson is seeking applicants for an internship that will combine media marketing with open-road riding, according to a posting on its official website.
With the company looking for "passionate social media enthusiasts," the 40-hour-a-week, 12-week paid position will teach eight college students how to ride at the H-D Riding Academy. They'll also get a "crash course" in marketing at Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee headquarters before taking their motorcycle on the road and to events and showcases, documenting the journey while taking photos and videos for Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter.
At the end of the internship, they'll not only have experience — they'll get to keep a bike, Harley-Davidson says, but only if they pass the H-D Riding Academy course and secure a motorcycle endorsement within a certain time frame.
The internship is open to college juniors, seniors and recent grads 18 or older.
Harley-Davidson's goal, according to the job listing, is to "grow the sport of motorcycling."
The application deadline is May 11. More details about the deadline can be found on the Harley-Davidson website.
A few media reacted by calling it an incredible deal or a once-in-a-life-time opportunity.
Some aren't convinced, though, that the internship is a good idea. A reaction published Friday by auto interest blog Jalopnik called it a "boondoggle of the most epic proportions," saying Harley-Davidson is trying to "lure" youths to motorcycle culture. The blog also noted the possible liability issue of giving young adults expensive motorcycles: "God would it suck for Harley if any of these eight new riders dropped their bike. #ouch."
Harley-Davidson established its Riding Academy in an effort to attract new customers and offers a training site in Sacramento.
This story was originally published April 21, 2018 at 8:25 PM with the headline "Harley-Davidson seeks summer interns to ride motorcycles – and maybe even keep one."