Internship Program

Visit Papasidero; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Housing provided

Job summary

JSSI invites motivated students to kick-start their careers with a 10-week, hands-on internship at our Chicago headquarters. You’ll gain real-world experience, build meaningful connections, and contribute to projects that matter in a fast-paced aviation services environment.

Interns work onsite five days a week, participate in cross-department projects, and receive ongoing feedback, culminating in a capstone presentation. Housing is provided for non-local participants.

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree during the program.
• Demonstrate a strong academic record.
• Available to work onsite for the full 10-week program.

Responsibilities

• From day one, interns take on daily assignments and long-term projects guided by their department manager.
• Gain real-world experience through cross‑department collaboration and hands‑on work.
• Present learnings and project outcomes in a final capstone session.

Education

Enrolled in a college/university

Pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree

Strong academic record

Available to work onsite for 10 weeks

Job description

Kick-start your career in business aviation with a 10-week, hands-on internship at JSSI’s Chicago headquarters. You’ll gain real-world experience, build meaningful connections, and contribute to projects that matter - because growth begins here.

Please note our application window is open between January and April.

Since 2009, JSSI’s summer internship program has offered motivated students the opportunity to explore careers in aviation while developing the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a professional environment. Through real projects, cross-department collaboration, and exposure to industry leaders, interns build business acumen and discover where their passions can take them.

More than 100 students from universities across the country - including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Ohio State University, University of Michigan, University of Delaware, University of Wisconsin, and Purdue University - have completed the program. Over 20 have gone on to launch full‑time careers at JSSI.

Our internship program spans a wide range of JSSI business units and departments - including Parts & Engines, Client Services, IT, Aviation Capital, Conklin, Marketing, Sales, Data Analytics, and Underwriting. Whenever possible, we align internship placements with each student’s field of study and career interests, based on current openings and organizational needs. Interns contribute to meaningful work that supports our mission and drives real impact.

Hands-On Work and Projects

From day one, interns take on daily assignments and long‑term projects guided by their department manager. You’ll gain practical experience, sharpen your skills, and build a portfolio of work you can speak to in future interviews.

Professional Development & Industry Exposure

JSSI interns enjoy a dynamic summer filled with activities designed to enrich their experience. Past programs have featured visits to the JSSI Parts & Engines warehouse, volunteer opportunities, industry networking a day at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and more.

Interns work onsite at our Chicago office five days a week. This in-person environment fosters stronger relationships, deeper learning, and direct access to company leadership - ensuring you get the most out of your internship summer.

Performance Reviews and Feedback

Throughout the program, interns participate in regular performance check‑ins. These conversations highlight strengths, celebrate accomplishments, and identify opportunities for growth, giving each intern a clearer sense of their professional development.

Final Presentations

The program concludes with a capstone presentation, where interns showcase their projects and achievements to peers, managers, and company leadership. It’s a chance to demonstrate your impact, build confidence, and walk away with a strong sense of accomplishment.

Benefits of Our Program

JSSI’s internship is a paid opportunity, and housing is provided for students who are not local to Chicago.

Experience a Chicago summer like a local - living minutes from Lake Michigan and a short train ride from the office. Our immersive program encourages interns to embrace both the corporate environment and the energy of the city.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the program, applicants must:

• Be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree during the length of the program.
• Hold junior standing (third-year college student) or above.
• Demonstrate a strong academic record.
• Be available to work onsite for the full 10-week program.

What interns from past years are saying about their experience at JSSI.

My internship at JSSI was truly transformative, both professionally and personally. Experiencing Chicago for the first time alongside an incredible intern cohort made the summer unforgettable, and the hands‑on exposure I gained in my role helped me build confidence quickly. Even without a background in business aviation, I developed a strong understanding of the industry through meaningful projects and immersive learning opportunities. Highlights like visiting the parts warehouse, attending the Summer Aviation Summit and Oshkosh AirVenture, and participating in weekly lunch‑and‑learns allowed me to connect with experts, deepen my knowledge, and see the industry from every angle. JSSI genuinely invests in young talent, creating an environment where curiosity, leadership, and initiative are encouraged from day one. Being trusted to lead my own projects and contribute in a real way helped me grow as a professional and as a person. I would highly recommend this internship to anyone eager to learn, work hard, and be part of a team that truly supports your development.

Eden Melamed Class of 2025

My internship with JSSI was truly unforgettable. Living in Chicago with a small cohort of interns helped me build real friendships, explore the city, and give back through a meaningful volunteer day at Intentional Sports. Professionally, I grew in time management, problem‑solving, and confidence by learning from strong leaders, especially women who showed me what’s possible in aviation and corporate spaces. Highlights like visiting the Kentucky warehouse, attending EAA AirVenture, and presenting our work to more than 70 employees made me feel supported and inspired. JSSI helped shape my career path and motivated me to pursue my master’s in business management. I still stay connected with my managers, who have become true mentors.

Molly Faul Class of 2024

What stood out most during my internship was that I wasn’t just completing tasks — I was actively involved in real business processes and team decision‑making. Even from the interview stage, I felt respected as a potential team member rather than just a student, which immediately built my trust in the company. Living and working in Chicago gave me the chance to grow professionally while developing adaptability and business skills in a completely new environment. The work habits and sense of responsibility I gained became the foundation for my full‑time role, helping me contribute quickly and confidently from day one. This internship was more than a learning experience — it was a pivotal starting point that gave me the confidence to grow with the company.

Minhyung Kim Class of 2024

My internship at JSSI was truly transformative, both professionally and personally. Experiencing Chicago for the first time alongside an incredible intern cohort made the summer unforgettable, and the hands‑on exposure I gained in my role helped me build confidence quickly. Even without a background in business aviation, I developed a strong understanding of the industry through meaningful projects and immersive learning opportunities. Highlights like visiting the parts warehouse, attending the Summer Aviation Summit and Oshkosh AirVenture, and participating in weekly lunch‑and‑learns allowed me to connect with experts, deepen my knowledge, and see the industry from every angle. JSSI genuinely invests in young talent, creating an environment where curiosity, leadership, and initiative are encouraged from day one. Being trusted to lead my own projects and contribute in a real way helped me grow as a professional and as a person. I would highly recommend this internship to anyone eager to learn, work hard, and be part of a team that truly supports your development.

Eden Melamed Class of 2025

Kick-start your career in business aviation.

Gain real-world experience, build meaningful connections, and contribute to projects that matter. Growth begins here!

Because keeping you flying is what we do best.