Alaska Airlines Celebrates National Intern Day with Transformative Aviation Internship Experiences

This National Intern Day, Alaska Airlines showcases the experiences of four interns, highlighting their transformative journey within the aviation industry. The company's 12-week paid summer internship program spans across 15 divisions, offering hands-on experience that aims to nurture future aviation professionals.

Interns at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are at the heart of many facets of the airline's operations, gaining in-depth exposure by participating in activities such as jump seating and safety planning. This commitment to developing their professional skills is celebrated as they embark on an unparalleled journey during this summer program. In the words of Gary, a pilot intern, one of the standout experiences was the opportunity to jump seat across the country, giving him a perspective of the professional aviation world in real-time. This experience aligns with Alaska's deeply ingrained safety culture that permeates throughout the organization.

A pilot intern's experience is dynamic, involving flight scenario practices in simulators and gaining firsthand knowledge through jump seating, which offers them an auxiliary seat in the cockpit. Finn's operational support role at Alaska Airlines exemplifies the broad vista of career paths within aviation. Working closely with safety reports from airport operations and customer service, Finn contributes to Alaska's stringent safety program. There is a door-opening experience afforded by the internship, as Finn's understanding of aviation has expanded beyond initial aspirations.

Lucia, an intern within Horizon's Financial Planning and Analysis sector, illustrates the impactful role of data in driving customer experience improvements. Her engagement with financial data fosters insights into cost control innovations and resource allocation, demonstrating the substantial influence of data-driven strategies on operational efficiencies.

The author, another summer intern, articulates a multifaceted daily experience focused on communications. Engaging in storytelling and brand image promotion alongside teamwork both internally and externally, the intern is rooted in Alaska's core values of culture and belonging. Selecting Alaska Airlines for its emphasis on growth and inclusivity, the intern expresses gratitude for leadership support in enhancing critical thinking and communication skills—an experience marked by personal and professional transformation.

As Alaska Airlines celebrates National Intern Day, it not only acknowledges the remarkable journey of its interns but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering growth and innovation within aviation by investing in developing the next generation of industry leaders.