Aviation-focused Interior Design

How did you get your internship and why did you choose this opportunity?

Back in 2018, I started working for an aviation company as a receptionist and have not left aviation since. I spoke to management and asked them about their internship program, and they thought it was a great idea to apply. After applying and reading over the requirements, I was up to the challenge. I had no problem with the hiring process since I have been in the industry.

I chose this opportunity because I want to learn other departments in aviation, and this opened a lot of doors for me. An internship in aviation was the best option for me because I see myself staying in the field of aviation permanently. I also liked the environment and the professionalism of my colleagues. I knew that by choosing this internship I was going to meet the right people and experience a new perspective of the company.

What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience and what skills did you develop?

I worked with business jets, on several different special projects. One of the projects was purchasing all interior parts for BACN aircrafts. These are government-owned aircraft that are used only for business purposes. I also worked on a project supporting aircrafts that land without an appointment because they need urgent parts to be ordered to keep functioning properly.

Working on special projects was a great challenge, but also an eye opener. At the beginning of the internship, a lot of new information was thrown at me, and initially I was nervous about keeping such a quick learning pace. Thankfully, my colleagues and supervisor were so helpful and were are always willing to support me.

Through my work, I improved several skills: teamwork, delegation, and presenting. Teamwork is a priority for the company and it’s essential to be able to communicate with your team and make sure every little detail is covered. In the past I found it difficult to delegate because I felt like I was bothering others when asking for help, but when you are overwhelmed it is good to reach out. Using your resources can help you focus on the subject and make sure it is done correctly. Presenting in front of management is stressful, but the more I did it the more comfortable I felt.

What was your favorite part of your internship?

My favorite part was to be able to work with the designer and see all the awesome trends in aircraft interiors. I learned that an interior designer has one of the hardest jobs when it comes to meeting with the customers and ensuring everything is spotless before returning the aircraft.

How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?

My internship has confirmed my goal of continuing with the path in interior design. Working directly with the design team was so interesting and getting to know that side of the aviation world was a valuable experience.