Southwest is one of the most popular airlines in the U.S. Working for them sounds like a dream come true! We brought in campus ambassador MaKayla to tell us all about the company, her experiences working for them, and how we can start our journey there.
Who Is Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines is best known for the incredible customer service on their flights. There’s more to this brand, though. As MaKayla told us, it’s not just a travel company.
Founders Herb Kelleher and Rollin King were on a mission to help people connect with one another and the things they valued. Since 1971 Southwest has sought to do just that by providing friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.
Many companies strive to replicate Southwest’s impeccable culture. Creating an environment loved by both customers and employees, it centers around nine core values:
Pride | Teamwork | Efficiency |
Integrity | Honesty | Discipline |
Humility | Service | Excellence |
Why Work at Southwest?
Both Forbes and Glassdoor have ranked Southwest Airlines among the best employers in the country. They’re known not only for their culture of caring but also for their competitive compensation and benefits packages.
For MaKayla, one of the job's highlights was the themed culture centers throughout the offices. These centers are like break rooms, except way more fun. She especially loved the Halloween culture center near the executive offices, where even the CEO could be seen kicking back in costume.
One of the greatest benefits of working in the airline industry is the access to unlimited free flights. Traveling nonrev standby can be tricky and takes an expert eye for availability, but that doesn’t stop the interns at Southwest. Some even compete to see who can make the most of this perk, with one intern hitting over 40 destinations in a single summer.
What is Campus Reach?
Campus Reach is Southwest’s program for college internships. Regardless of your future career path, Campus Reach has a position that will help you learn and grow to be your best self in the workplace.
Interns have access to all the benefits in the previous section, plus even more. You’ll meet Senior Leaders, take professional development classes, receive a mentor, participate in service projects, and more. If you need to temporarily relocate closer to the Corporate Campus in Dallas or upgrade your internet, you may be eligible for a $1,000 internet and housing stipend.
The Campus Reach Program also includes a Neurodiversity Internship Program designed to benefit students who identify as having autism. Participants will get all the benefits of a typical internship, plus access to a Job Coach. These roles include remote work with optional in-person visits to the Corporate Campus to work with your team.
You can learn more about the Campus Reach program by searching #CampusReach on Instagram.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re ready to start your journey with Southwest Airlines, start getting your resume ready for a Summer 2023 internship. Applications will be open October 1st through October 15th for the May 23rd to August 11th program. All positions are structured with 40 hours per week during Monday-Friday business hours, with most taking place in person with flexibility.
After submitting your online application, your resume will undergo a formal review. The next step for successful candidates is a phone screen, though you’ll be contacted regardless of whether or not you advance. Next steps include a panel interview, receiving an internship offer, and beginning your role at Southwest.
MaKayla recommends that applicants be ready to adapt and be flexible in the roles you’re willing to take on. She was offered a different position than she initially applied for but still loved her experience with Southwest.
To apply, visit careers.southwestair.com. You can also visit the Campus Reach website or contact CampusReach@wnco.com for more information.
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