Where do you work?
United Airlines
WHAT’S YOUR JOB?
Corporate communications writer, specifically focusing on operations communications
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YOUR JOB?
I work in a corporate office (yes, it’s a desk job). I develop communication plans and strategies to deliver messages to our front line workers so they can be successful at their jobs. I write a lot of e-mails, newsletters, articles, etc. to get important information to United’s employees.
WHAT OTHER JOBS DO AIRLINES HAVE?
A lot of people aren’t aware there’s lots of airline jobs beyond flight attendants, pilots, and customer service agents. Every airline has a corporate office to support the business, which includes departments like sales, finance, accounting, communications, and more. You can learn more about the other jobs that airlines have available on their career websites.
DO YOU TRAVEL FOR YOUR JOB?
Sometimes! But most of the time I’m working in the office. I probably travel ~10/year for work.
WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN COLLEGE?
Organizational communication and marketing
WHAT COLLEGE DID YOU GO TO?
Murray State University, shoes up!
DO YOU GET FREE FLIGHTS?
Yes, sort of. Airline employees get free *standby* flights, which means you might be able to get on the flight if there’s empty seats. It’s unpredictable, a bit stressful, and you can’t plan ahead. I never know if I’m actually getting a seat until I’m at the airport and they call my name during boarding! Yes, this means its possible to get stuck in another country and have to buy a last minute ticket home.
With all of that being said, I’m still clearly able to travel a lot and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but you just have to be flexible and know you might have to drop some extra cash to get home (or sleep in an airport).
HOW DO YOU HAVE TIME TO TRAVEL SO MUCH?
I mostly travel on weekends, which means I might only be in a destination for 24 hours. Believe it or not, you can experience A LOT of what most cities have to offer within just one day. I do take a few longer trips a year with my vacation time, but I’m truly not traveling as often as social media makes it look!
HOW CAN I GET A JOB AT AN AIRLINE?
Research some airline career websites and see what kind of jobs are available and what kind of requirements they have. Airline jobs can be somewhat competitive, so take time to build up your resume with relevant experience.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A UNITED INFLUENCER?
Our social media team found my Instagram and invited me!
HOW DO YOU AFFORD TO TRAVEL SO MUCH?
Free flights help, but of course there’s still the cost of hotels, food, Ubers, and activities. It adds up quick! I often try to travel with a friend or visit a friend so I can either split the cost of accommodations or stay for free. I mostly just stick to free activities in cities, eat at cheaper restaurants, and use public transportation. Since most of my trips are only 1-2 nights anyway, it really keeps the cost down!
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR JOB?
I was lucky to land a competitive internship for another airline in college so I already had some airline experience. I did A LOT of campus leadership, part-time jobs, and internships in school to build up my resume to be competitive when I was applying for full-time roles.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED TO?
Don’t make me pick! But if I must, Japan, Peru, Mexico City and Hawaii are way up there.
HOW DO YOU EDIT YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS?
Mostly Lightroom Mobile presets!
How did you find an internship? Did you do it in high school? And what website did you use to find your internship?
Hi there! I found my airline internship online and I completed it during the summer after my junior year of college! I knew I wanted to work for the company so I found it while searching their own career page.
How do you take your pictures for instagram? Or who takes them?
Usually my sister, boyfriend or friends! It helps to show them what you want first so they can copy it!
Hey there! How would you go about your career path if I have little to no experience in a business environment? Would you still say I should shoot my shot and apply for an internship at an airline? Or should I build up my resume and if so how? (sorry for the loaded question!)
Hey there! It never hurts to apply, but internships are competitive and you’re going to want a solid resume to compete! You can build relevant experience by taking on leadership on campus (assuming you’re in college), part-time jobs, volunteering, and any other internship opportunities.
If you weren’t working for an airline what would you be using your degree for? I want to do the same degree as you as I have a passion for it but am unsure of good career outcomes for the future.
Hi,
How did you set up your blog? I am wanting to have one but I am unsure of where to start.