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 Business Development 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’ Business Development Intern may be asked to support a variety of projects on the Direct Sales Team within the Southwest Business Department:   

• Direct Sales Team: This Team drives the direct sales strategy for Southwest Business, building and growing corporate travel partnerships while using performance insights and market opportunities to support account growth and customer success. 

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.  

• 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 of the Business Development Intern may include, but are not limited to: 

• Prospect and qualify inbound and outbound leads through cold calling and email campaigns, engages Customers and builds rapport in a professional manner. 

• Schedule appointments and maintain relationships with qualified leads for account manager. 

• Complete timely and accurate documentation of all sales activities in Salesforce. 

• Meet or exceed weekly/monthly lead generation goals.  

• Provide Customer Support to Southwest Business Team and Customers by responding to and managing sales inquiries. 

• Participate in ad hoc sales projects, promotions, and planning. 

• Negotiate and implement corporate agreements, including Rapid Rewards Business and the Meetings program. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to engage in lead generation tactics, including prospecting and qualifying new Customers via phone and email.  

• Professional written and verbal communication skills, and ability to speak publicly before an audience. 

• 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. 

• Must be detail oriented and able to work with a sense of urgency. 

• Must maintain a professional appearance and attitude. 

• Ability to identify areas of opportunity, create a plan for improvement, and implement. 
   

Education

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required. 

• Progress towards degree, major or minor in Professional Sales, Marketing, Business, Hospitality 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 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred. 

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application. 

Experience

• Preferred: Cold calling, sales role play, customer engagement and prospecting preferred. 

• Preferred: Sales experience/interest. 

• Preferred: Previous Internship in similar fields including sales, marketing or general business. 

• Preferred: Previous Customer Support experience preferred. 

• Preferred: Experience using Salesforce. 

• Preferred: Basic knowledge of Southwest Business products. 

• Preferred: Familiarity with online travel sites (agencies and corporate booking tools). 

• Preferred: Sales Classes or a part of a collegiate Sales program. 

Basic Qualifications

• 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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