Intern - Government Affairs (Summer 2027)

United Airlines; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Flight privileges

Paid holidays

Job summary

United Airlines is offering an internship in Global Government Affairs & Environmental in Washington, DC. You will support coordination of tasks, research regulatory issues, draft materials, and help coordinate events. The role provides hands-on experience across Congressional, Regulatory, and State & Local teams.

The 12-week summer program requires current undergraduates with strong writing, research, and teamwork skills, and offers hybrid in-office scheduling four days a week.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student with strong communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Able to manage multiple projects and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with writing reports and memos for Government Affairs.
• Research legislation, regulations, and stakeholder positions.
• Track federal and state legislative activity and prepare summaries.
• Draft talking points and background materials for internal/external use.
• Support stakeholder events and meetings hosted by Government Affairs.
• Monitor news and industry publications related to Government Affairs.
• Assist in UAPAC and grassroots advocacy activities.

Skills

Strong communication

Research skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Adapt to fast-paced environment

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together.

Description

At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you’re a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands‑on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You’ll also have a chance to build community through our employee‑run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

Our Global Government Affairs & Environmental team is the driving force behind our efforts to make change happen! By working closely with U.S, state and local and foreign governments and coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts, our Global Government Affairs & Environmental team represents United on regulatory, public policy and legislative issues. This team advocates every day for our airline, our employees, and the millions of customers we serve all around the globe.

Key Responsibilities:

The Government Affairs Intern will assist with the coordination and execution of tasks such as writing of reports and memos, research on legislative and regulatory issues, government outreach, stakeholder engagement and other projects as needed. This role works across the Congressional, Regulatory and State & Local Government Affairs teams.

• Conduct research and analysis on legislation, regulations, policy issues, legislative history, and stakeholder positions.
• Track federal and state legislation and regulatory developments; monitor Congressional hearings and other relevant activity; prepare reports and summaries, as needed.
• Draft correspondence, talking points and background materials for internal and external use.
• Support the coordination of stakeholder events and meetings hosted by Government Affairs.
• Monitor daily newsclips and industry publications for items relevant to Government Affairs priorities.
• Assist in UAPAC activities and grassroots advocacy activities.

This internship is designed solely to provide you with skill development and valuable work experience. This role will not convert to a full-time position at United upon the conclusion of the internship.

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Applicant must be a current undergraduate student
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Strong research skills
• Ability to handle simultaneous projects and adapt to a fast‑paced, changing environment
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

Additional Information:

• Intern duration is 12 weeks over Summer 2027
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship now and in the future
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualifications
• Reliable, punctual attendance is a crucial function of the position
• This role is based in Washington D.C. and follows a hybrid schedule, with four days per week in the office.

Posting dates: September 1, 2026 through September 8, 2026

The starting rate for this role is $20.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This position may also be eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail]