Welcome to the SAN Internship Program at San Diego International Airport where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. But we’re more than just a place where flights take off and land—we’re a reflection of San Diego’s vibrant spirit: sunny, welcoming, and full of life.
The impact of SAN extends far beyond the terminals; it helps shape the identity and prosperity of San Diego itself. Through our 9-week Summer Internship Program, we’re committed to Building Careers, Shaping Futures. As an intern, you’ll be a vital part of our purpose, contributing to projects that drive innovation, enhance the passenger experience, and support the growth of our city. You’ll also play a key role in advancing our strategic goals:
- Advance Airport Development
- Transform the Customer Experience
- Optimize Ongoing Business
- Cultivate Our Culture
Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. Fresh perspectives aren’t just welcomed here—they’re celebrated. From day one, you’ll be empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that make a real impact.
We believe in creating opportunities that foster growth, learning, and connection. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry professionals, and build lasting relationships that will help shape your future career. If you’re ready to be part of a team that connects our community to the world while embracing the future of aviation, apply today!
Why You'll Love Working at SAN this Summer:
- Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
- Salary and Schedule: The Intern II salary is a competitive hourly rate of $21.00/hr. All internship positions are full-time, with standard department working hours, and require a commitment to working on-site for a 9-week program.
- Internship Perks: We provide a range of opportunities and perks that enhance the internship experience. Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic work environment with real-world applications. Access mentorship and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and get exposure to innovative projects that contribute to the growth of San Diego International Airport.
- Your Future Starts Here: At SAN, we believe an internship is more than just a summer job—it’s a first class flight toward your future career. Many of our past interns have leveraged their experience to secure full-time roles at SAN or with our aviation, transportation, and public sector partners. Exceptional interns may even be considered for future employment opportunities with the Airport Authority, making this internship a valuable investment in your career journey.
- Additional Perks Include: Discounts at airport concessions, allowing you to enjoy food and shopping options at a reduced price and complimentary access to the airport campus gyms to help you stay active and maintain wellness during your internship.
- Application Deadline: March 13, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled between March 25th to April 3rd.
Internship Snapshot:
The Human Resources department is seeking a deadline-driven and adaptable Human Resources Intern eager to gain hands-on experience in the full life cycle of HR. As part of our HR Business Partnerships team, this role will focus on Talent and People initiatives that support the employee experience, while also gaining exposure to Benefits, HRIS, and Safety & Wellness.
As the HR intern, you will receive training and gain insight into how our team supports SAN’s dynamic environment. The selected student will play a key role in the SAN Summer Internship Program, assisting the program manager and liaisons in coordinating internship activities, ensuring a meaningful experience for their cohort.
This role is ideal for someone who is curious about HR beyond the surface level and eager to understand the complexities of supporting employees, balancing business needs, and shaping workplace culture. We’re looking for someone who brings both creativity and strong technical instincts to create engaging, thoughtful, human-centered content and has an eye for style, branding, and communication, while staying organized, managing multiple priorities, and following through on commitments.
As our intern you’ll help us think differently about how we connect with employees, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to engaging their generation. If you’re excited about a career in HR and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply!
What You’ll Do:
- HR Business Partnerships: Work alongside HR Business Partners and Talent Acquisition Partners to understand employee relations, workforce planning, and strategic HR initiatives.
- Workforce Development Programs: Support the development and delivery of internal learning and leadership initiatives by assisting with program planning, drafting communications, and creating visually engaging materials.
- Internship Program Coordination: Provide administrative and coordination support for the SAN Summer Internship Program, including managing calendars, preparing materials, assisting with event logistics, and ensuring clear communication between interns, program managers, and liaisons.
- Full Life Cycle Training: Receive exposure to key HR functions, including Benefits Administration, HRIS & Data Management, and Safety & Wellness. Support employee engagement efforts while gaining a comprehensive understanding of HR operations.
- HR Trends & Strategies: Research and present emerging HR trends, bringing a fresh perspective on how future generations thinks about work and helping translate those insights into ideas that enhance employee experience.
The Skills We Are Looking For:
- Active Participation: Interns are expected to actively engage in all tours, workshops, projects, and activities set by program management during their internship.
- Communication: Strong communication skills across various platforms and formats, including email, formal writing, instructional materials, interpersonal interactions, and public speaking.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team, respecting different perspectives, and contributing to shared goals.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks and activities while adhering to various timelines.
- Listening Skills: Actively listening to others, seeking to understand their point of view, and responding thoughtfully to feedback and discussions.
- Technical Proficiency: Ability to operate computer equipment and software applications relevant to the role.
- Record Management and Reporting: Ability to maintain and organize work-related records, and prepare clear, concise reports using computer tools.
- Public Engagement and Professionalism: Comfort and professionalism in engaging with the public and interacting with all individuals.
Ready to Fly? Educational Qualifications for Airport Interns*:
1. Students currently enrolled* in at least twelve (12) units at an accredited college may qualify.
2. Students in their final semester or quarter who need less than full-time enrollment to graduate with four (4) year degree need only be enrolled part-time in courses required for degree completion.
3. Educational major must be related to area of interest.
*Applications without a copy of transcript(s) attached will not be considered.
Additional Work Sample Request: While not required, we encourage you to include a link/attachment of your portfolio or examples of your work. We’re especially interested in content that reflects your creativity, style, and ability to communicate ideas in an engaging way.
Pre-Flight Checklist: SAN Internship Onboarding:
Joining our Summer Internship program at the Airport Authority is an exciting opportunity, and we want to ensure a smooth onboarding process for the selected interns. Before the selected interns receive their boarding passes this summer, please take note of the following pre-conditions that must be fulfilled and approved prior to taking flight in our Summer Internship program:
- Post-Offer Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Substance Test:
Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment medical examination and an alcohol/chemical substance test is mandatory.
- FBI Background Investigation:
A thorough background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint based criminal history records check, of your references and employment/education history from the last 10 years will be conducted. This includes a visit to our Access Control Office inside Terminal 2 in the San Diego International Airport, be camera ready!
- Proof of Citizenship or Legal Authorization:
Submission of documentation proving citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States is essential, complying with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.
- Completion of Onboarding Forms:
Timely completion of all required onboarding forms.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Physical & Mental Demands
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.
