Harley-Davidson to give free motorcycles to summer interns

Motorcycle enthusiasts and social media gurus looking for a different kind of summer internship could be riding high on their own – free – Harley-Davidson.

The iconic American motorcycle manufacturer is seeking eight people for its 12-week “Find Your Freedom” internship. Recruits will receive a “crash course” in marketing at the corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, given a motorcycle and taught how to ride it at a local Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. The requirement: to share their experiences on social media and bring more people into the sport of motorcycling.

“We're continuously working to grow the sport of motorcycling," Harley-Davidson CEO Matt Levatich said in a statement. "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.”

Unlike most internships, and perhaps the coolest part of the gig, is that interns – acting as “digital content creators” – will be able to keep the bike when the program concludes. They also get paid for their time.

The application criteria for prospective interns is somewhat free range, as they can create a video, write an essay, make a photo collage or “whatever you want” – creativity is the key, the company said.

Harley-Davidson’s program is open to college juniors and seniors or recent graduates who are at least 18 years old and looking to pursue a career in social media.