Work Experience Program Students Explore Aviation Careers Through Alaska Airlines Field Trip

The experience began with students arriving at LAX and receiving Alaska Airlines boarding passes that allowed them to proceed through TSA and access the airline’s operations area. Following an introduction to the day’s activities, students were divided into groups of five and rotated through different career areas, giving them opportunities to speak directly with professionals and see their work firsthand.

During the On Ramp portion of the experience, students went outside to observe aircraft arriving and departing, explore the area beneath the aircraft where luggage is stored, and step inside a plane to see parts of the operation up close. The experience provided a behind-the-scenes look at the coordination required to prepare aircraft and passengers for each flight.

Students also explored the Inflight career pathway, speaking with flight attendants and supervisors about their experiences working in the industry. They asked questions about the role, heard stories from professionals, and learned more about what happens beyond what passengers typically see during a flight.

In Flight Operations, students gained insight into the roles responsible for coordinating aircraft movements and supporting safe and efficient departures and arrivals. They also had the opportunity to visit an aircraft cockpit and speak with an Alaska Airlines Chief Pilot about the responsibilities and career path associated with the position.

The Customer Service experience highlighted another side of aviation. Students learned about the work involved in assisting passengers, including helping rebook travelers when flights are canceled or significantly delayed. Seeing these responsibilities firsthand demonstrated how many different skills and career interests are needed to keep an airline operating and support passengers throughout their travel experience.

“Now I understand that there may be many things happening behind the scenes that customers do not see,” shared one student.

Throughout the day, students also participated in Q&A sessions with Alaska Airlines employees, giving them an opportunity to ask questions about both the industry and the employees’ personal career journeys. Several employees described the family-like culture they have built with their colleagues, sharing how much they value working in an environment where coworkers support one another.

For students, seeing these roles firsthand can expand their understanding of what a career in an industry can look like—and introduce possibilities they may not have considered before.

The conversations also reinforced an important lesson about career exploration: career paths do not always follow a straight line. Alaska Airlines employees shared how the company provides opportunities to move between roles and departments, allowing employees to explore different areas of the organization while continuing to learn and grow.

One student also came away with a broader understanding of what it takes to be successful in the workplace: “Many things can lead you to be successful. Not only having a job but knowing how to act around others and communicate with them. Having a good work ethic and wanting to learn more about your job."

One Customer Service Manager shared an example of this flexibility, explaining how they had previously transferred to another department, discovered that the role was not the right fit, and were able to return to their previous department. For students, experiences like this offer a practical reminder that choosing a career is not necessarily about identifying a perfect match at the outset. It can be a process of trying, learning, adjusting, and discovering new possibilities along the way.

Many students initially enter aviation-related experiences thinking primarily about becoming a commercial pilot or flight attendant. The Alaska Airlines field trip broadened that perspective by introducing students to the numerous career pathways within the industry, from operations and maintenance to customer service and flight coordination.

“Before, I didn't know there were so many different careers that you could have in the airline industry. All I knew was that there were pilots and flight attendants," said another student.