Recruiting FAQs:
What schools does Campus Reach visit?
The universities Campus Reach visits change each semester, depending on a variety of factors. To find out if or when we are visiting your campus, please visit careers.southwestair.com/campus-reach and facebook.com/campusreach. Please also feel free to check your school's Handshake Account, as updates are often posted there.
If I work at a university, who do I contact about a partnership with Campus Reach?
To discuss recruitment opportunities with Southwest Airlines®, please reach out to campusreach@wnco.com. Due to limited capacity, Campus Reach is not able to accommodate all requests.
The universities Campus Reach visits change each semester, depending on a variety of factors. To find out if or when we are visiting your campus, please visit careers.southwestair.com/campus-reach and facebook.com/campusreach. Please also feel free to check your school's Handshake Account, as updates are often posted there.
If I work at a university, who do I contact about a partnership with Campus Reach?
To discuss recruitment opportunities with Southwest Airlines®, please reach out to campusreach@wnco.com. Due to limited capacity, Campus Reach is not able to accommodate all requests.
Interviewing FAQs:
What does the interviewing process look like?
After Applicants submit their applications, Recruiters on our Team will review all applications. If an Applicant moves forward, next steps will include a phone screen and an in-person interview at our Headquarters in Dallas. All Applicants will receive communication regarding their application via email.
What information is needed to apply?
A current resume is all that is needed to apply on careers.southwestair.com. If you move forward in the in interview process, you will be asked for your transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a “Why Southwest®?” essay. Certain positions may also ask for additional information at the interview stage, such as portfolios. Writing samples or examples of project work.
Can I apply for multiple internships?
Yes, students can apply for those positions for which they are interested and qualified. We recommend that students only apply for positions that best relate to their coursework or major or are relevant to their work experience. An Applicant must meet all requirements to be considered.
Will I still be able to view the job descriptions after the application period closes?
You will not be able to view the job description after the application period ends, so you may want to print or save a copy of the job descriptions for which you apply.
I missed the application deadline; can I apply any other way?
Unfortunately, we cannot consider you for our internships if you do not apply during the application period. All Applicants must apply through careers.southwestair.com.
Are all internship Applicants contacted?
Yes, everyone will be contacted with a status update letting you know if you were selected to move forward in the process or not, and you will hear from us separately for each positon for which you have applied. We may contact you either by phone or by e-mail, so please be sure to check the email account you provided when you applied.
When will I hear back from the Campus Reach Team?
Once the application period closes, it may take a couple months for our Team to review resumes, conduct phone screens, and select Interns. Positions move at different paces, so it depends on the position-- Applicants for one position may be contacted within a couple weeks, while it might be a couple months before someone would hear back from different positions.
If I am contacted for an interview, who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
We would suggest the letters of recommendation come from someone who has worked with you during your education, previous employment, or volunteer work such as you professors, previous supervisors, or organization sponsors.
After Applicants submit their applications, Recruiters on our Team will review all applications. If an Applicant moves forward, next steps will include a phone screen and an in-person interview at our Headquarters in Dallas. All Applicants will receive communication regarding their application via email.
What information is needed to apply?
A current resume is all that is needed to apply on careers.southwestair.com. If you move forward in the in interview process, you will be asked for your transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a “Why Southwest®?” essay. Certain positions may also ask for additional information at the interview stage, such as portfolios. Writing samples or examples of project work.
Can I apply for multiple internships?
Yes, students can apply for those positions for which they are interested and qualified. We recommend that students only apply for positions that best relate to their coursework or major or are relevant to their work experience. An Applicant must meet all requirements to be considered.
Will I still be able to view the job descriptions after the application period closes?
You will not be able to view the job description after the application period ends, so you may want to print or save a copy of the job descriptions for which you apply.
I missed the application deadline; can I apply any other way?
Unfortunately, we cannot consider you for our internships if you do not apply during the application period. All Applicants must apply through careers.southwestair.com.
Are all internship Applicants contacted?
Yes, everyone will be contacted with a status update letting you know if you were selected to move forward in the process or not, and you will hear from us separately for each positon for which you have applied. We may contact you either by phone or by e-mail, so please be sure to check the email account you provided when you applied.
When will I hear back from the Campus Reach Team?
Once the application period closes, it may take a couple months for our Team to review resumes, conduct phone screens, and select Interns. Positions move at different paces, so it depends on the position-- Applicants for one position may be contacted within a couple weeks, while it might be a couple months before someone would hear back from different positions.
If I am contacted for an interview, who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
We would suggest the letters of recommendation come from someone who has worked with you during your education, previous employment, or volunteer work such as you professors, previous supervisors, or organization sponsors.
Onboarding FAQs:
What should I expect from the background process?
After an Applicant receives an offer, there are several steps in the background process. Once the background process begins, an Applicant can expect the process to take several weeks. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of your fingerprint results and background.
When should I start to receive communication from Campus Reach once I have received my offer?
You will receive information from Campus Reach about your upcoming internship within a few weeks of receiving your offer.
After an Applicant receives an offer, there are several steps in the background process. Once the background process begins, an Applicant can expect the process to take several weeks. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of your fingerprint results and background.
When should I start to receive communication from Campus Reach once I have received my offer?
You will receive information from Campus Reach about your upcoming internship within a few weeks of receiving your offer.
Internship experience FAQs:
What intern events take place throughout the internship?
While Intern events may vary by semester, some typical events include Orientation, Professional Development Day, Lunch 'n Learns, a service project, a Fun LUV-ing event, and Intern Graduation.
How will I be led during my internship?
You will be placed on a specific Team and will have an Intern Leader throughout your internship at Southwest. Often, other Team members will also serve as mentors and coaches during your time.
What do pay and flight benefits look like during my internship?
Intern pay varies by position, but typically starts at $15/hour - please see each job description for further details. In addition, each Intern receives unlimited, space-available travel during their internship.
How can I learn about other Interns' experiences?
Please visit careers.southwestair.com/campus-reach and facebook.com/campusreach to read other Interns' testimonials about their time at Southwest. We know you'll love your experience here as much as they have!
How many Interns typically intern at one time?
While each class size varies, historically, most Intern groups have included 75-175 Interns.
How long do internships last? What are the start and end dates, and when do I apply?
At this time, we host internships during the spring and summer semesters. Please check our Job Listings for more information as dates can change.
While Intern events may vary by semester, some typical events include Orientation, Professional Development Day, Lunch 'n Learns, a service project, a Fun LUV-ing event, and Intern Graduation.
How will I be led during my internship?
You will be placed on a specific Team and will have an Intern Leader throughout your internship at Southwest. Often, other Team members will also serve as mentors and coaches during your time.
What do pay and flight benefits look like during my internship?
Intern pay varies by position, but typically starts at $15/hour - please see each job description for further details. In addition, each Intern receives unlimited, space-available travel during their internship.
How can I learn about other Interns' experiences?
Please visit careers.southwestair.com/campus-reach and facebook.com/campusreach to read other Interns' testimonials about their time at Southwest. We know you'll love your experience here as much as they have!
How many Interns typically intern at one time?
While each class size varies, historically, most Intern groups have included 75-175 Interns.
How long do internships last? What are the start and end dates, and when do I apply?
At this time, we host internships during the spring and summer semesters. Please check our Job Listings for more information as dates can change.
| Semester | Duration | Application dates | Internship dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2020 | 15 weeks | Sept 1 – Sept 14 | Jan 21 – May 1 |
| Summer 2020 | 12 weeks* | Oct 1 – Oct 14 | May 19 – August 7 |
What type of projects will I be doing?
Some projects our Interns have worked on in the past include:
- Helped create a new set of master drawings for the entire Headquarters building.
- Wrote articles for the inflight magazine.
- Designed and implemented a maintenance tracking application for all fueling equipment across the SWA fleet.
- Audited stations throughout the country to evaluate our processes and procedures in place, evaluating any trends as well as making recommendations on improvements.
- Assisted with ad campaign photo shoots.
- Analyzed the benefits and cost impacts of requested capital projects and expenditures through the use of financial models, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Helped designed marketing strategies for new gate openings.
This is just a sample of what some of our Interns work on during the semester. Interns have a variety of projects and activities that have a direct impact on the success of Southwest Airlines.
Are all the internships in Dallas?
Yes, all internships are located at Southwest’s Headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
Is housing provided?
No, relocation costs of moving to Dallas are the responsibility of the Intern. Although Southwest does not provide housing for Interns, once the Interns have been selected for the upcoming semester, the Campus Reach Team will provide a few housing suggestions that offer short term leases and get the Interns in contact with each other to explore options for housing and roommates.
Does an internship lead to fulltime employment with Southwest?
Many of our Interns have been hired as fulltime Employees at the completion of their internship, but an internship is not a guarantee of fulltime employment. Interns will also have the opportunity to apply for positons in other departments (including internal postings) toward the end of the internship semester.
Are there any internships that are part-time?
Primarily, our internships are 40 hours a week. Please see individual job descriptions for more information.
Are students required to take classes during their internship semester at Southwest?
Although students must be enrolled in at least 12 hours the semester prior to the internship, our program does not require students to take classes during the internship semester. It is up to the student to determine if they can take online or evening classes based around the work hours of their internship.
Are all the internships in Dallas?
Yes, all internships are located at Southwest’s Headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
Is housing provided?
No, relocation costs of moving to Dallas are the responsibility of the Intern. Although Southwest does not provide housing for Interns, once the Interns have been selected for the upcoming semester, the Campus Reach Team will provide a few housing suggestions that offer short term leases and get the Interns in contact with each other to explore options for housing and roommates.
Does an internship lead to fulltime employment with Southwest?
Many of our Interns have been hired as fulltime Employees at the completion of their internship, but an internship is not a guarantee of fulltime employment. Interns will also have the opportunity to apply for positons in other departments (including internal postings) toward the end of the internship semester.
Are there any internships that are part-time?
Primarily, our internships are 40 hours a week. Please see individual job descriptions for more information.
Are students required to take classes during their internship semester at Southwest?
Although students must be enrolled in at least 12 hours the semester prior to the internship, our program does not require students to take classes during the internship semester. It is up to the student to determine if they can take online or evening classes based around the work hours of their internship.
Internship eligibility:
Are recent graduates eligible to apply?
For most positions, we prefer sophomore or junior level students. However, a few positions may allow for seniors to apply. Please check the individual job description to find specific details regarding recent graduates.
What is the required GPA?
2.5 is the minimum GPA for the internship program, but some of the specific positons will require a higher GPA in the job description. Please see individual job descriptions for additional requirements.
Are international students eligible for Southwest Internships?
International students are eligible for some positions, and must be able to verify their eligibility to work in the United States. Please see individual job descriptions for additional information.
Once a student has interned at Southwest, can they apply for another semester in the future?
Yes, a former SWA Intern can apply for another internship, however, there must be at least one semester of fulltime classes in between the internships.
For most positions, we prefer sophomore or junior level students. However, a few positions may allow for seniors to apply. Please check the individual job description to find specific details regarding recent graduates.
What is the required GPA?
2.5 is the minimum GPA for the internship program, but some of the specific positons will require a higher GPA in the job description. Please see individual job descriptions for additional requirements.
Are international students eligible for Southwest Internships?
International students are eligible for some positions, and must be able to verify their eligibility to work in the United States. Please see individual job descriptions for additional information.
Once a student has interned at Southwest, can they apply for another semester in the future?
Yes, a former SWA Intern can apply for another internship, however, there must be at least one semester of fulltime classes in between the internships.
Other FAQs:
How can I contact the Campus Reach Team?
You can contact the Campus Reach Team through our Facebook page at facebook.com/campusreach or email the Team at campusreach@wnco.com.
You can contact the Campus Reach Team through our Facebook page at facebook.com/campusreach or email the Team at campusreach@wnco.com.