Business Development Summer 2026 Internships

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 Direct Sales Team leads direct selling strategy and tactics for Southwest Business. This Team acquires, manages, and grows corporate travel portfolios as well as assesses opportunities, evaluates account performance, and provides data insights to account managers.

Additional Details:

• Join Southwest as a Summer 2026 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 19 - August 7, 2026.

• Pay of $21-$23 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 (2702 Love Field Drive).

• 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 andmaintainrelationships with qualified leads for accountmanager.

• Completetimelyandaccuratedocumentation 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 implementcorporate 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 ateam.

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and complete assignments with tight deadlines.

• Must bedetail orientedand able to work with a sense of urgency.

• Mustmaintaina professional appearance and attitude.

• Ability toidentifyareas of opportunity, create a plan for improvement, and implement.

Education:

• High School Diploma,GEDor equivalent educationrequired.

• Progress towardsdegree, major or minor inProfessional Sales, Marketing, Business,Hospitalityorsimilar degree required.

• 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.

• 1-2 semestersremainingat the timethe internship endsispreferred.

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process.

Experience:

• Preferred:Experience coldcalling, sales role play, customer engagement and prospecting preferred.

• Preferred:Sales experience/interest.

• Preferred:PreviousInternship in similar fieldsincluding sales,marketingor general business.

• Preferred:PreviousCustomer Support experiencepreferred.

• 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.

• Preferred: Involved in campus activities or organizations