Columbia Sportswear Company - IT Support/Helpdesk Internship - Lancy

Reports to: Sr IT & Facilities Specialist

6-month internship

CHF 2’500.- for Bachelor’s students / CHF 3’000.- for Master’s students

EMEA HQ, Geneva (Petit-Lancy), Switzerland

Start date : February 2025, depending on candidates' availability

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia Sportswear, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving

Discover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands' engaging in-store and online experiences.

Nestled at the heart of the Alps in Geneva, Switzerland, our European headquarters hosts the Executive Committee, go-to-market functions, and Planning and Logistics teams. In Schiltigheim, near Strasbourg, our shared services center thrives with over 100 professionals managing Finance and Operations/Customer Service. Our distribution center in Cambrai ensures swift delivery to customers, while our 30+ Columbia stores adorn major European outlet centers. Finally, the Sales and Trade Marketing teams are displayed in 3 regions across Europe, close to their customers and markets.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE TEAM AND THE POSITION

The IT and Facilities Services team, represented by Xavier, the Sr IT & Facilities Specialist, is responsible for ensuring seamless operations of our computer systems and equipment for the headquarters office in Geneva and our colleagues across Europe. The goal is to guarantee that every digital interaction and physical workspace functions flawlessly, empowering our teams to achieve their daily tasks without interruption.

To assist Xavier in his daily job here in Geneva, we are today looking for an intern who’s passionate about IT, always eager to provide user assistance, and looking for a first experience during their studies. You will provide essential support to make sure our computer systems are always operational and our facilities are well-maintained. You’ll help set up new workstations, assist with technical projects, and troubleshoot a variety of IT issues.

You’ll gain exposure to everything from basic IT support to infrastructure projects and even facilities management, all in a dynamic, supportive environment.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Your days here will be filled with a variety of tasks—each one important to keeping our office environment running smoothly. Here’s what you’ll be doing:

• User Support: You’ll be the first point of contact for your colleagues when they have IT issues. Whether it’s a problem with their laptop, setting up new software, or troubleshooting connectivity issues, you’ll be there to provide Level 1 and 2 helpdesk assistance. This includes both on-site help in the Geneva office and remote support for our teams across Europe. The goal is to solve issues quickly so everyone can get back to doing their job without disruptions.
• Infrastructure Projects: You’ll assist with important infrastructure work across our European sites, such as helping set up servers, routers, and switches. These projects are crucial for keeping everyone connected and ensuring our systems are up to date and reliable. Expect to roll up your sleeves and work alongside Xavier to learn the ropes of managing IT infrastructure in a real-world setting.
• Facilities Coordination: You’ll assist with setting up new workspaces, including moving equipment, setting up new desks, making sure all devices are connected, and ensuring that network and power connections are properly configured. In short, you’ll be helping with anything that makes our office environment functional and comfortable for everyone.
• Equipment Management: Installing and configuring laptops, smartphones, printers, and other devices will be a big part of your role. You’ll ensure that every new hire has a working setup and that any broken or outdated equipment is replaced or repaired.
• Procedural Updates: We have processes in place to ensure everything runs smoothly—but there’s always room for improvement. You’ll help update and maintain IT procedures to make them clearer and more efficient, based on what you learn day to day.
• Inventory Control: Keeping track of our IT assets is a crucial part of managing our resources. You’ll help ensure our inventory is accurate, whether that’s logging new equipment or keeping track of what’s already in use.
• Team Engagement: You’ll be part of a small, friendly team, and we’ll count on you to contribute your ideas and insights. You’ll participate in team meetings, assist in ongoing projects, and share your thoughts on how we can continue to improve. We want you to feel comfortable pitching in wherever you can make a difference.

ABOUT YOU

You’re more than just a tech enthusiast—you’re the kind of person who sees a problem and immediately wants to solve it. Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Current Student: Enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in IT.
• Tech-Savvy: You know your way around Microsoft Office/Windows, Microsoft Teams, iOS, video conferencing systems, and SharePoint.
• People Person: You’re approachable, respectful, and great at building relationships, even when someone’s laptop just crashed.
• Proactive Learner: You don’t wait for instructions; you jump in, ask questions, and figure things out.
• English Whiz: Fluent in English (written and oral).

Got some experience in IT support or infrastructure projects? That’s a big plus, but we’re happy to teach you if you’re eager to learn

⚠ IMPORTANT⚠

It is mandatory that the internship is a part of your studies, and you must provide an internship agreement from your school or university. Full-time availability for 6 months is required.

ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS

1️⃣ Ready to unlock your potential at Columbia Sportswear Company? Apply now to help us connect active people with their passion! The hiring team will review your application in the following weeks.

2️⃣ If your application is selected: a 30-45mn introductory interview with our Talent Acquisition Team to talk about yourself, your motivations and the role

3️⃣ Interview with the hiring manager in our premises

4️⃣ Your unique strengths align perfectly with our team: we are thrilled to extend you an offer!

PERKS & BENEFITS

Significant discounts on Columbia and Sorel products

Soft mobility policy (Geneva office only)

‍⚕️ Health insurance allowance for employees in Switzerland

‍♀️ Running groups and other sports activities

Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning

A monthly Learning Hour for training, discovery and learning

‍ Unlock your potential: access to in-house training courses (feedback, leadership, Insights®…)

DEI initiatives to exchange and strengthen our involvement around these themes

ABOUT THE CULTURE

• At Columbia Sportswear, we value an inclusive and open culture that emphasizes the absence of barriers between team members. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging by encouraging personal connections at all levels, which creates a cohesive and supportive work environment.
• Team members serve as ambassadors for our brand, finding motivation in being part of an organization dedicated to activities they are passionate about. This dedication reflects our commitment to building a team that takes pride in our products and values.
• We offer the opportunity to work for a US-based company within a multicultural environment, where your job has an impact across different countries.
• Our "Always Be Learning" culture of continuous learning enables our employees to identify and develop skills that will enable them to continue to grow within the company.
• "Unlock Your Potential" is the spirit that characterizes our vision of employees' development: to offer them opportunities to grow, in their job, in their team or even to change jobs completely. We grow our people to grow our business.

To learn more about us and our culture, visit our page on Welcome To The Jungle: https://bit.ly/49bl1i5

#LI-LA1

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.