Summer 2027 People Learning & Development Internship

Southwest Airlines Co.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel privileges for intern

Laptop provided for internship

Job summary

Southwest Airlines is seeking a Summer 2027 People Learning & Development Intern to support recruiting, learning programs, and organizational development initiatives. The internship runs May 18 to August 8, 2027, at our Dallas, TX headquarters.

Expect 40 hours per week, on-site, with equipment provided and the potential for stipends based on eligibility. Paid at $21–$24 per hour, interns will engage in projects across Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, and organizational effectiveness,

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a full-time student during the internship.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA at the time of application.
• At least 3 semesters remaining at internship end.
• Progress toward degree in HR/Training/Organizational fields.

Responsibilities

• Assist in full-cycle recruiting activities.
• Participate in hiring events and support recruiting projects.
• Support Campus Programs through event planning and intern communications.
• Assist in delivering classes, workshops, and training events.
• Coordinate Culture events and departmental activities.
• Manage projects from intake to implementation and ensure stakeholder alignment.

Skills

MS Office

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Confidential information handling

Independent work

Education

HR Management degree

Learning Technology degree

Organizational Development degree

Undergraduate degree progress

Job description

Department:

Talent & Org Strategy

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

Summer 2027 People Learning & Development Internship

We are committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Additional Details

• Join Southwest as a Summer 2027 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 18 - August 8, 2027.
• Pay of $21-$24 per hour, corresponding with progress toward degree.
• Stipends may be offered based on eligibility and program criteria.
• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours (2702 Love Field Drive).
• Dedicate 40 hours each week (maximum of 8 hours per day) to your internship responsibilities and tasks.
• Receive free, unlimited space available travel privileges for yourself (taxes and fees may apply on international travel).
• Interns will be provided any required equipment, such as a laptop, for the internship
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Recruiting & Talent Acquisition Support
  • Assist in full-cycle recruiting activities.
  • Participate in hiring events and support various recruiting projects.
  • Support Campus Programs through event planning, Intern communications, and serving as a point of contact for the Intern class.
  • Participate in HR systems trainings and compile reports on recruiting and program performance.
• Learning Programs and Development Programs & Events Support
  • Access, analyze, document, and report findings for projects within a learning programs environment.
  • Examine participant feedback, training effectiveness, and key learning metrics to identify areas for improvement.
  • Identify gaps and opportunities in learning programs by documenting processes and recommending enhancements.
  • Update and edit coursework to ensure it reflects participant-centered adult learning principles.
  • Assist consultants and facilitators in delivering classes, workshops, and training events.
  • Manage projects from intake to implementation and ensure Stakeholders remain aligned.
  • Coordinate Culture events, meetings, and departmental activities as needed.
• Leadership & Employee Development Support
  • Conduct research and support special projects aligned with Talent & Leadership Development (TL&D) initiatives.
  • Prepare materials for meetings, presentations, reports, and program sessions.
  • Support leadership development programs, mentorship initiatives, onboarding efforts, and coaching programs.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of leadership classes, workshops, and enterprise-wide development programs.
  • Communicate with outside sources, vendors, internal Teams, and Customers via phone, written communication, and personal contact.
• Organizational Effectiveness Support
  • Meet with Leadership to support assigned organizational design and effectiveness projects.
  • Conduct gap analyses and capture accurate meeting minutes.
  • Support meeting facilitation, professional presentations, and workshops.
  • Create templates, presentations, and documentation for organizational initiatives.
  • Assist in planning and studying work problems and procedures related to organizational change, communication, information flow, processes, or cost analysis.
  • Prepare content and coordinate organizational design workshops, including agenda creation, facilitation support, and documentation.
  • Apply general rules and frameworks to specific problems to help produce logical, actionable solutions.
• All People Learning & Development Internship Support
  • Events, Programs & Project Management
    • Assist with special projects and events such as classes, workshops, conferences, and training programs.
  • Conduct research and handle unique assignments to support TL&D and HR objectives.
  • Organize materials and logistics for internal events, meetings, and development activities.
  • Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Provide insights, recommendations, and performance support to Leaders and Employees.
  • Coordinate communications aligned with Intern programs, learning initiatives, and department updates.
  • Collaborate with diverse Teams across the Company to maintain consistency, share best practices, and support departmental goals.
  • General Responsibilities
    • Expected to attend occasional in-office departmental events at Southwest's Headquarters.
  • Handle confidential and sensitive information professionally.
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders.

Knowledge, Skills, Work Style & Abilities:

• Experience in MS Office preferred
• Ability to work independently and the willingness to function as a part of a Team
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and complete assignments with tight deadlines
• Ability to lift and move items such as tables and chairs to set up and break down classrooms
• Strong oral and written communication skills are preferred
• Must handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost professionalism

Education:

• Progress towards a degree in HR Management, Training Development, Learning Technology, Organizational Development, Mathematics, Business, Project Management, Human Capital Management, Management Consulting, Strategic Projects, Organizational design, Organizational Effectiveness, or related degree
• Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred
• To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (as defined by your university) at the time of application and during the internship
• At least 3 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred
• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process

Experience:

• Involvement in campus organizations, clubs, or extracurricular activities is preferred.
• Previous Leadership positions are a plus.
• Previous internship or work experience is preferred, especially in a field related to HR or Learn/Development.
• Working knowledge of training, communications, human resources, or operations preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with a diverse Employee population.
• Knowledge of Adult Learning, e-learning, and Instructional design theory preferred. (Learning & Development Interns)
• Entry level experience, developing skills and knowledge in: The area of Screening, Unemployment and/or I-9 compliance (Compliance Intern)
• Event planning experience is preferred, particularly in a Talent Acquisition space/capacity

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.