UPDATE: Harley's #FindYourFreedom Interns Announced

Jason Marker
Updated

UPDATE: Harley's #FindYourFreedom Interns Announced

After a tough competition, Harley-Davidson finally settled on eight promising candidates for its new summer internship program

Back in April 2018, we told you guys about Harley's sweet #FindYourFreedom summer internship program. Now, after being buried under nearly 10,000 entries since the competition was announced, The Motor Company announced the lucky winners. Let's let Harley tell you about them, shall we?

Press Release Follows
This summer, Harley-Davidson is turning a mundane rite of passage – the summer internship – into the experience of a lifetime. Eight social media savvy interns were selected to inspire new riders by taking to the road on a Harley-Davidson and documenting their journey, including: learning to ride at H-D Riding Academy, attending events ranging from motorcycle rallies to music festivals, and of course, experiencing the freedom of riding. Some will even take part in the Motor Company’s 115th Anniversary celebrations in Milwaukee and Prague – and all eight will of course get to keep their bike at the end of the summer.

More than 7,500 people applied from more than 30 countries including South Africa, Russia, China, Argentina, France, and Egypt, and shared what freedom meant to them, in 7,500 unique ways, including:

  • Grandchildren who were inspired to learn to ride because of a photograph

  • Hilarious videos from recent grads who are not quite ready to work in a cubical

  • Even a female rider in Pakistan who empowers women every day by teaching them how to ride

Below is information on the eight #FindYourFreedom interns selected:

  • Alejandro Garrido (Miami): Alejandro knows there is no greater freedom than riding on two wheels. A former police officer in Brevard County, and current student in Miami, Alejandro is excited to continue building his marketing skills with Harley-Davidson this summer.

  • Cassandra “Charlie” Grimbly (Cape Town, South Africa): As an established blogger, Charlie loves to share her passion for travel, fashion and living life to the fullest with her followers. When it comes to riding, Charlie knows there is no better feeling than feeling the breeze and enjoying the sights one can only see on a motorcycle.

  • Brock St. Clair (Starkville, Miss.): Whether it’s auditioning for an improv team, acting in a play or hosting a college radio show, Brock is no stranger to taking risks. A rising college senior, Brock has a unique talent for capturing audiences’ attention and sharing his passion for branching out of his comfort zone.

  • Emma Ogiemwanye (Long Beach, Calif.): After graduating in 2012, Emma has spent the past four years working in communication for some of the world’s most recognizable tech brands. Before going back to school this fall, Emma looks forward to throwing a leg over a motorcycle and sharpening her social media skills with Harley-Davidson.

  • Meghan Glova (Charlotte, N.C.): A recent graduate, Meghan is no stranger to the limelight. With experience as a television news reporter and producer, Meghan is looking forward to bringing her storytelling skills to Harley-Davidson’s social media team. Meghan’s freedom is living life to the fullest, seizing every memory and pursuing her dreams – all while on a motorcycle.

  • Anthony Peries (London, England): Growing up in central London, Anthony dreamed of the freedom of riding on the open road. His life motto is simple – “Live to ride, Ride to live” – and it pushes him to continue to inspire the next generation of riders.

  • Tessa Otto (Kennan, Wis.): From a small town in the north woods of Wisconsin, Tessa found her freedom through wearing a good pair of boots and exploring the outdoors. Tessa’s passion for Harley-Davidson started with her Dad’s own motorcycle, and now as a rising college senior she is looking forward to hopping on her own two wheels and enjoying the open road.

  • Weidong Han (Wuhan, China): Weidong came to the United States when he was 19 years old, and has totaled more than 70,000 Miles on his motorcycle – traveling to 49 of 50 states. A recent graduate, Weidong is looking forward to bring his marketing experience and love for exploring the open road to Harley-Davidson’s social media team.

The internship program, which aims to inspire the next generation of riders, is part of Harley-Davidson’s mission to grow the sport and create two million new riders by 2027.

Original Article Follows

The typical internship is pretty boring, and it sounds like Harley-Davidson thinks the typical internship is pretty boring as well. Since Harley's an atypical company—at least compared to, like, banks and tech companies and such—the company's internships are atypical as well. Take, for example, Harley's new #FindYourFreedom internship that offers eight youths a summer on the road instead of a summer organizing files.

CHECK OUT: Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary Promises Tons of Fun

Part of Harley's 115th anniversary celebration, #FindYourFreedom sounds pretty sweet. If selected, candidates will first learn to ride at Harley's top-notch Riding Academy. Once that's done, each one gets the keys to a brand new Harley and a mission—ride, explore motorcycle culture, and enjoy riding all summer while sharing the experience on social media. Sounds pretty great, right?

"We're continuously working to grow the sport of motorcycling," said Harley-Davidson CEO, Matt Levatich. "What better way to engage future riders than to have a whole team of newly trained enthusiasts share personal stories as they immerse themselves in motorcycle culture and community – all while gaining marketable career skills. I'm looking forward to following their journeys, learning about their experiences, and seeing them out on the road."

CHECK OUT: Is Harley-Davidson's New Electric Motor a Revelation?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Jason, how do I get in on this sweet, sweet internship action?" The program is open to " junior and senior level college students (or equivalent) or recent college graduates across the globe, 18 years old and above, looking to pursue a career in social media, communications, public relations or marketing." Interested and qualified candidates need to describe what freedom means to them by creating a piece of art—video, photo collage, essay, or some other piece of content—and submitting said content to Harley by May 11, 2018.

CHECK OUT: Harley-Davidson Announces 2018 Factory Flat Track Team

If you're interested (and qualified), submit your application and content to FreedomInternship@Harley-Davidson.com by May 11, 2018. If, like me, you're unqualified because you're An Old, you can follow the lucky youths throughout their summer adventures on Harley's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat channels.

Original article published April 20, 2018

Source: Harley-Davidson

Photos: Harley-Davidson