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The People, Learning & Development Internship will span across several different Teams within the Talent & Organizational Strategy (T&OS) and Southwest University (SWA U) Departments. If hired, you may be asked to support a variety of projects within one or more of the following Teams:   

• Talent Acquisition: The Talent Acquisition pillar is within the Talent & Organizational Strategy Department. Our Recruiting Teams are committed to identifying and hiring the right People, in the right seat, at the right time to meet Southwest Airlines’ dynamic business needs. As an Intern, you’ll support the Campus Programs as a point of contact for the Intern class and support our Recruiting Teams as they hire for various roles across the business.

• Organizational Design & Effectiveness: The Organizational Design & Effectiveness Team is within T&OS and provides workforce intelligence, planning, and organizational design solutions to ensure the right structure, roles, and capabilities are in place for the business to thrive. 

• Talent & Performance Management: The Talent & Performance Management Team is within T&OS and drives the Talent Cycle—check-ins, performance reviews, calibrations, and succession planning—while building accountability to ensure we have the right People in place to meet business goals. 

• Talent Development: The Talent Development Team is within T&OS and delivers development opportunities across three levels: Enterprise Development, Targeted Development, and Senior Leader Development.

• SWA University: SWA University provides a wide range of learning experiences through computer-based modules, in-person classes, and virtual sessions to build skills, support personal growth, and help Southwest Employees perform their jobs with Safety, Reliability, Hospitality, and Low Cost in mind. Our goal is to train and equip all Employees with the knowledge and capabilities needed to support the Company’s purpose, vision, and values while also becoming SWA’s trusted business partner dedicated to creating and delivering the most effective and efficient learning solutions.

Additional Details 

• Join Southwest as a Summer 2026 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 19 – August 7, 2026. 

• Pay of $20-$22 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.

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities for all Southwest Airlines Summer 2026 People Leadership & Development Internship roles may include, but are not limited to: 

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 & Development 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 department 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. 

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 department 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. 

 
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  

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required 

• 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  

• Must be at least 18 years of age  

• 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)  

• Event planning experience is preferred. (Talent Acquisition)