Summer 2027 Communications & Public Relations Internship

Department:

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 Communications & Public Relations Internship

Notice: We ask that you apply with your personal email address rather than your school email (.edu) so we can stay connected about future roles at Southwest. Be sure to attach a resume to your application.  

The Southwest Airlines’ Communications Intern, will help tell the Southwest story by supporting Teams that connect Employees, Customers, and communities to the Company. In this internship, you can expect to gain hands-on experience creating content, conducting research, supporting communication strategies, and contributing to projects across a variety of communication channels. If hired, Interns may be asked to support a variety of projects within one of the following Teams:   

• Communications & Culture Department
  • Internal Communications Team: The Internal Communications Team creates communication strategies and content that connect Southwest Employees to the information they need to stay informed, engaged, and aligned with Company initiatives, business priorities, and operational updates. 
    • Corporate Communications: The Corporate Communications Team creates communication strategies and content that support Company-wide initiatives across areas such as Culture, Benefits and Wellbeing, Technology, Facilities, Supply Chain, Training and Development, and more, helping Employees stay informed about what matters most across the business. 

• • • Operational Communications: The Operational Communications Team develops targeted communications for Southwest's frontline operational workgroups, including Flight Operations, Inflight Operations, Ground Operations, Technical Operations, Network Operations Control (NOC), and Customer Support & Services, ensuring Employees receive timely, relevant information that supports the operation. 
  • External Communications (Public Relations) Team: The External Communications Team develops communication strategies and content that engage external audiences and elevate the Southwest brand. The Team supports media relations, corporate announcements, event planning, social media strategy, and crisis response while helping share important Company news and stories with the public.
  • Duties and Responsibilities - The duties and responsibilities of an External or Internal Communications Intern may include but are not limited to:
    • Edit and proofread Company material 
  • • Attend cross-functional meetings as needed 
  • • Complete special projects and assist with special events as needed 
  • • Write articles for our intranet (SWALife) and other Companywide communication channels, department publications, Southwest’s onboard digital magazine (“The Scoop”), and draft copy for digital signs (SWALife TV) 
  • • Draft press releases and write executive bios 
  • • Draft and distribute regular and ad hoc communications for C&C and Leaders 
  • • Support communication for Southwest initiatives, including communication planning, content development, and project management 
  • • Assist with communication project management, including coordinating timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables. 
  • • Conduct research and identify opportunities to improve Internal Communications strategies, channels, and content. 
• Customer CARE Department
  • Customer CARE Standards and Communications Team: The Customer CARE Standards Team supports multiple communication efforts within Customer CARE, including maintaining the Customer CARE site pages on SWALife, internal communications, small department video productions, and supporting editing and creating new content for all Customer Rep procedures. 
  • Duties and Responsibilities - The duties and responsibilities of the Customer CARE Communications Intern may include but are not limited to: 
    • Write, edit, and proofread frontline communication in coordination with Customer CARE Senior Leadership, internal workgroups, and other Southwest Departments 
    • Projects as assigned by Leader 
    • Create graphics that align with Corporate Brand 
    • Translate traditional written communication into info-graphics 
    • Utilize web publishing tools on a daily basis to create, deliver, and maintain content on Customer CARE intranet and knowledge base sites 
    • Provide friendly service to and maintain positive relationships with all Internal Customers 

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. 

We’re 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Must possess a strong proficiency of the English language, including superior grammar, spelling, and organizational skills 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is required 

• Possess a strong understanding of how Customers and Employees use communication channels to communicate to various audiences 

• Ability to work independently and the willingness to function as part of a Team 

• Ability to handle multiple projects under tight deadlines and work well under pressure 

• Must have the ability to comprehend, proofread, and edit a variety of documents with a keen eye for accuracy and attention to detail 

• Must handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost professionalism 

Education:  

• Progress toward a degree, major or minor, in Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design or similar 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 3-6 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 

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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