Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is more than just a hub for travelers; it’s a place of opportunity and growth. The airport relaunched its intern program this summer, welcoming 17 students from local high schools, community colleges, and universities. These budding professionals dived deep into various departments, gaining hands-on experience and invaluable insights into airport operations.
Interning at Philadelphia International Airport: A Peek Behind the Curtain
From managing airfield operations to crafting marketing strategies, the PHL interns had the rare chance to work alongside full-time PHL staff, understanding the intricate workings of an international airport.
As Chevelle Harrison, PHL’s Director of Workforce Development, aptly put it: “It is our hope that they will take what they learned to become better students and, eventually, future aviation employees.”
The optimism surrounding the intern program was palpable, especially when Harrison shared the encouraging feedback from a luncheon she hosted with the students.
The camaraderie among the interns was evident, with sessions of sharing experiences and even a friendly game of PHL’s adaptation of “Family Feud.” CEO Atif Saeed also dropped by, engaging in a fun-filled game session with the students.
What PHL interns had to say about their experience:
- Operations Intern: “Working here this summer has been a great opportunity! Every day was different in Ops.”
- Community Engagement Intern: “I appreciate that we were seen as co-workers, not as kids who were in the way. They give us assignments that mattered instead of giving us busy work.”
- Capitol Development Intern: “I can’t believe that I work on active airfields with my supervisor.”
Furthermore, the interns had the privilege of listening to Kyle Owens, a former intern and now a stalwart at PHL. Owens, who began his journey at PHL a decade ago, emphasized the airport’s immense learning opportunities, sharing his aspirations of becoming a commercial pilot.
Fostering Future Leaders: PHL’s Commitment
Chevelle Harrison beautifully summarized the program’s success: “We are so proud of the young people who spent the summer at PHL. They are hardworking and curious individuals. There’s no doubt that they will flourish – we look forward to watching their growth and development.”
Students from diverse educational institutions took part in the PHL internship program
| Unit | College/University | Student(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Community Engagement- Keesha Lane | Widener University | Nashiya Richardson |
| Security- Jason Sankey | Northeast High School | Janely Naula |
| Marketing & Branding- Megan O’Connell and Nicole Geyer | Neuman University | Mina Cromartie |
| Government Affairs- Shane Doud | Morgan State University University of Pennsylvania | Ani Kimble Jason Fischer |
| Guest Experience- Elizabeth Moselle and Leah Douglas | University of Pittsburgh | Elijah Carter |
| Operations- Wallace DuBois | Delaware State University | Derek Williams |
| Capital Development Group- Allyson Radford | Drexel University | Dai Ton Tamika Tukes Louella Girroir Kankoue Folly Franco Cima Collin Wilkinson Nicholas Moore |
| Properties- Adam Mitchell and Lindsay Bodin | Community College of Philadelphia | Mariah Presley |
| Air Service Development and Cargo Services- Edgar Vesga | Rowan University | Megan Steckler |
| Capitol Development (GIS)- Nora Dougherty | Temple University | Aidan Marshall |
PHL’s intern program has provided students with practical knowledge and instilled a sense of purpose and direction in them. Philadelphia hatched a fresh batch of bright minds eager to take on the world of aviation.