To celebrate National Intern Day, we wanted to highlight some of our college summer employees. Through the past nine weeks, our interns have learned about our cargo operations and gained real, hands-on experience in the workplace. We asked our United Cargo marketing intern Emily Ras to interview her cohort of interns to celebrate all that they have accomplished this summer and gain insight on their experiences and what they’ve learned.

James Sale - The Ohio State University, Technology Products Intern

Why intern at United Cargo?

When I was a kid, I remember seeing an A380 airplane for the first time. It blew my mind, and ever since then I’ve known I wanted to work in the aviation industry. As for United specifically, the airline was attractive to me because of the way it challenges industry norms - whether it’s buying immense amounts of sustainable fuel, investing in supersonic planes, or being the largest belly cargo carrier in the U.S., United is always making headlines in the aviation industry - and I wanted to be a part of it. United Cargo specifically interested me due to the sheer size and impact of their cargo operations. The cargo department essentially kept the entire airline afloat during the pandemic. I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of such an important department, and everyone being so welcoming through the interview and onboarding processes sealed the deal for me.

What project(s) have you been working on recently?

One of the biggest projects I have worked on is the Quote Tool project. This tool will bring real-time pricing to United Cargo, keeping us ahead of our competitors in the market. I worked on defining parameters for this tool in order to make sure it works as it should. Other tasks I’ve done include conducting internal reviews of existing programs and holding meetings with vendors.

How would you describe your internship experience at United so far?

Engaging. During my time with United Cargo, I have learned more than I thought possible when it comes to relationships with coworkers and project management. I really appreciate the opportunity to develop skill sets that aren’t taught in college and can be applied to the real workplace.

Nicole Rooks - Indiana University, Postal Network and Strategy Analysis Intern

What project(s) have you been working on recently?

I’ve been spending a lot of time revising the current system involving tracking claims and ensuring that their reconciliation is correct and up-to-date. I also build excel simulations, process flow charts, and work a lot with V-Mail, which tracks cargo payments and claims.

How would you describe your internship experience at United so far?

Surprising - in the best way! I am surprised by the importance of the work that I’m doing here and how much it actually impacts the company as a whole despite only being an intern. It speaks volumes about the care that United Cargo takes to ensure interns feel useful and involved in its operations. Everyone here has been so nice and made me feel welcomed and comfortable enough to ask questions. As I continue on with school and career endeavors, I will take this mindset with me so that I can be the person who one day makes others feel comfortable and welcomed in any environment that I’m in.

Highlight of your internship?

Touring the cargo facility at O’Hare was a highlight for me. It was so interesting to see the cargo operations first-hand and it gave me a better understanding of how the work that I’m doing plays a part in other operations within cargo.

Emily Ras - Indiana University, Marketing and eCommerce Intern

How would you describe your internship experience at United so far?

My internship with United has been amazing. Everyone is so welcoming, easy to get along with, and always willing to offer help and guidance when needed. I have enjoyed the work I’ve been doing on the marketing team and feel that I have built great relationships among my team and the other teams in the office. It has also been nice to work on a hybrid schedule, because I get the chance to work from the Willis tower in the city while also getting the benefit of working from home some days.

Have you used your flight benefits? Where have you gone?

I used my flight benefits for the first time to visit my older sister in Kansas City where she lives. Although it wasn’t super far, it definitely beat driving eight hours to get there. I’m hoping to fly somewhere else before summer is over!

What is one thing you have learned during your time at United that you will take with you into future school or career endeavors?

I have learned a lot about the power of networking. Throughout my time at United, I have set up meetings with employees who work both within Cargo and outside of Cargo, and I have learned so much about the endless opportunities that are available here. Networking is not only a valuable learning experience, but it also allows you to form relationships with people in companies that will strengthen your ties within the company and allow you to understand its operations in a more holistic way.

Vineet Virani - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Cargo Support Services Intern

Why intern at United Cargo?

The main reason I chose to work for United was because of my mother. My mother has been working for the company since the early 2000s, and she has taken me everywhere across the world, from the clear blue waters in Hawaii, to the mountain tops of Peru, to the vast culture of Japan. I have grown up around everything United, not just the airline but the company culture too. It is a legacy I want to carry on, whether that is working in Willis, sitting in a Boeing 777 FO seat, or working as a ramp agent at O’Hare. United has always been my end goal.

How would you describe your internship experience at United so far?

I would describe my internship with United as very opportunistic. At United, a lot of the projects we do are on our own. Of course, people are there to help you, but you are the one driving the project and ensuring its completion. Since you are in driver’s seat, you get actual experience working as a full-time employee. Compared to other internships, this one shows you the real world.

What is one thing you have learned during your time at United that you will take with you into future school or career endeavors?

At first, I was really scared to ask my team members questions, because I thought they were silly. My senior analyst told me that no question is a dumb question, and you should ask without being afraid, which is something I will always remember. It is better to clear something up rather than assuming things and risking error, which no one wants.

Anuj Patel - Rutgers University, Sales Strategy Intern

How would you describe your internship experience at United so far?

My experience this entire summer has surpassed my expectations in every way. Every week I have enjoyed the work I’ve been doing and being a part of such an amazing team that is willing to help me on my career path has been amazing. I am super happy about my time with United this summer.

What was the highlight of your internship?

Since I work remotely from New Jersey, my favorite part of the internship so far would have to be coming to the Willis Tower in Chicago and meeting my team. I also ran into Scott Kirby on the elevator once and spoke with him for a little bit, which was really cool!

What is one thing you have learned during your time at United that you will take with you into future school or career endeavors?

I have learned about the importance of work/life balance during my time here this summer, and I have also become more comfortable connecting with people at my career-level and trying to adopt new skills. I have become better at working in new environments and gauging a professional behavior. Most importantly, I have been far more comfortable and experienced with data which will definitely help me in my future career!