REI Co-op X FAAS

Our application process utilizes the same video platform that we use when recruiting for REI Co-op internal roles. The online application will capture a video response to the prompt question (see "What is the application video?" FAQ). You will need a device with a forward-facing camera and microphone.

Starting Your Application:

To start your application, you will be prompted to sign up in the top right corner of the page. You will need to include your name, phone number, and email. If you would like to include any other optional documentation for consideration, you will need to upload it at this stage using the “upload resume” button (pdf, jpg, jpeg, png, or doc).  There will not be additional opportunities to upload documents later in the application.

Resumes and Additional Attachments:

The site offers the ability to upload additional attachments such as resumes or portfolio samples  on the application landing page under Sign Up information. Uploading additional documents is entirely optional.

Questions:

You will be asked to respond to the following four questions:

1. Submit your first and last name
2. Submit your preferred email address
3. Video response to the prompt (see "What is the application video?" FAQ)
4. Confirm your availability to complete both phases of the program, if selected

Practice Questions:

In the practice section you will have up to six opportunities to get comfortable with the technology before you record your submission. This practice rounds only allow for 3.5 minutes of response time, but you will have a full 5 minutes in the real video response. When exiting the practice questions, you will be asked if you would like to submit your response. Don’t worry, these practice responses will not be saved. We recommend using this section to practice your response to the prompt (see "What is the application video?" FAQ).

Application Video:

• When you proceed to the video response question you will have 4 minutes to review the prompt before you start recording.
• Recordings can be up to 5 minutes long.
• You will have up to four tries to record your response, and you will be able to review your response once you complete it.
• If you would like to retry your response your previous recordings are not saved. Whichever recording you have done last is the only one you will have access to for submission.
• Using all four tries is not necessary, you can submit your response as soon as you are happy with it.
• Once you submit your response you will not be able to come back and re-record a new response later.

The application video prompt is: How might your unique perspective influence how we design for a more inclusive outdoor community and better address unmet wants and needs in the outdoors?

At REI, we want to celebrate all the ways people find joy and meaning outside. To do so, we recognize that we must more actively reflect the perspectives of communities that have been historically underrepresented in outdoor culture by the industry and media.

While we've started that work (read our Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion commitments and progress here), we know there's a long way to go. A big part of achieving our goal is creating and delivering relevant products that suit everyone's needs, and help more people discover and do more of what they love outside.

In collaboration with FAAS Design Collab, this free online product design certificate program will help bring in the next wave of creatives.

We’re looking for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in design and research in outdoor industry from historically underrepresented groups, with a focus on the Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian American, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

We also welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community, cisgender women; non-binary and transgender people; and people with a disability. US citizenship is not required, but applicants must be currently living in, and eligible to work within, the United States. We are only accepting applicants 18 years or older.

Yes, we are looking for individuals who are interested in these fields, and who are passionate about solving for unmet needs in the outdoors. Prior career or educational experience in these areas is not a prerequisite.

Yes, if you can commit to the time required for the program, we would love to have you apply.

Yes, for applicants who require accommodations, please email  REI-FAASCollab@rei.com for more information.

Please email REI-FAASCollab@rei.com

• Creativity and originality of ideas presented about how an applicant’s unique perspective can influence the way we design for a more inclusive outdoor community
• Self-identifies as a member of an underrepresented or historically excluded group see “who can apply” above)
• Eligible to work in the United States (US Citizenship is not required) and is at least 18 years old

Our Advisory Council, comprised of community organizers, industry leaders, REI members and employees, brings professional experience in inclusive and equitable design. Many lead organizations and movements dedicated to advancing equity outside and in product creation fields; and all bring lived expeirences as members of historically excluded communities.

The Advisory Council plays a critical role in the application process; members work both independently and collaboratively to evaluate applications on a at the end of the application period, ensuring an equitable, transparent, and thorough review and ranking process.

The Advisory Council will remain closely connected throughout the duration of the certificate program, providing insight and guidance on program development. They will also be engaged in the program’s culminating presentations.

The four-week class portion of the program requires 30 hours of time per week (20 hours of instruction and 10 hours of working time outside of class). Classes will be live, and will run Monday- Friday 8:00am-12:00pm PT, starting on Monday, April 18^th, and ending on May 12th. The final presentations will be on the morning of Friday, May 20^th.

You also need to be able to complete the full-time paid internship if you are selected. The internship is 6 months and will run remotely from Mid-June to Mid-December 2022.

This program is held online at scheduled times.

Given the nature of the program, full participation is highly recommended and expected.

Applicants will be notified no later than March, 18, 2022.

This program is fully funded and supported by REI Co-op.

During the program you will be paired with mentors which provides an industry mentorship foundation for at least a year after the program.

Students will be selected for the Internship program following the final presentations, which will take place during the week of May 16, 2022. 

This program is a great educational opportunity for those looking to jumpstart their career, though it is not eligible for transferable credits.

If you are currently enrolled in a program that offers credit for work experiences, such as internships, we are happy to support however we are able.

Yes, the paid internship will be eligible for REI employee benefits. You can find out more information on the REI employee benefits page.