June 23, 2016
NBAA regularly promotes internships as an effective tool in developing a talent pipeline for the business aviation community. For the past several years, NBAA has also introduced young professionals to the wide scope of career opportunities within the industry through its own summer internship programs.
This summer, four interns are assisting NBAA staff while gaining valuable, first-hand experience working in business aviation. College students Josh Hernandez and Kester Wu work with NBAA’s Operations team, while Jake Kendrick is assisting NBAA’s Marketing & Member Services division. (Shown at the NBAA front desk, from left to right: Hernandez, Wu and Kendrick.)
These opportunities aren’t exclusive to college students; high school senior Alex Rinn recently wrapped up a three-week internship working with NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program and Professional Development Program (PDP).
“Internships with NBAA open students’ eyes to the vast possibilities within the business aviation industry,” explained Sarah Wolf, CAM, NBAA’s senior manager for security and facilitation. “In turn, NBAA benefits from their perspectives on the things we do every day, including from the fresh approaches they may be able to bring to old challenges.”
This is the second summer that Hernandez, 24, is working at NBAA. An undergrad and flight training student at Quincy University in Illinois, who hopes to eventually rise to the level of senior captain in a business aviation flight department, Hernandez first became aware of NBAA’s internship opportunities when his mentor suggested he apply for the position last year.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be the best summer I’ve ever had,” Hernandez said. “Some internships are just filing, that sort of thing, but at NBAA I felt included in the [Operations] team from the very first day. I actively participated in staff meetings, and I worked on a variety of different projects.”
Hernandez didn’t hesitate to reapply for a 2016 internship opportunity. “Interning with NBAA has opened my eyes to an abundance of industry knowledge that I can use to my advantage moving forward with my career,” he added. “This experience has provided me with a deeper appreciation for business aviation, and the amount of effort it takes to maintain its very high reputation.”
Learn more about how to set up your own internship and career program in business aviation.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.