From uncertainty to opportunity

Earlier this year, all I could think about was how I was going to spend my summer. As a Psychology and Business Management and Leadership major at Pfeiffer University, I was open to just about anything that would help me grow. Over several months, I sent out applications to countless places, hoping someone would take a chance on me. Eventually, that chance came when I was sent an opportunity for an internship at Piedmont Airlines by the Director of Career Services at Pfeiffer. Shortly after applying, I was invited to interview for the internship, where I met the previous intern and made a strong impression on Matthew French, the Community and Engagement Manager. When I got the call saying I’d been selected, it felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders after months of uncertainty; I was looking forward to learning about what community and engagement involved.

Anakin joins fellow interns during a visit to American Airlines’ maintenance hangar and operations facilities in Charlotte, North Carolina, gaining firsthand insight into airline operations and aviation career pathways.

During my first week, I met the Corporate Communications team I’d be working with and began settling into the rhythm of the department. As I got oriented, I quickly found myself diving into Employee Resource Groups, supporting their planning and helping them prepare for the busy months ahead. In my second week, I had the opportunity to fly to Phoenix, Arizona to support a Pride initiative alongside members of the American Airlines family. It was eye-opening to see how different the community was, yet how easy it was to step in and build connections with people from all kinds of backgrounds. 

That trip showed me what it truly meant to be part of Community and Engagement. This role wasn’t just a way to build my resume; it centered on the impact I could make for others. While I’m working to grow my own career, I also have the chance to support others as they grow theirs. 

So far, I’ve been able to do that in meaningful ways, from connecting with youth through presentations for Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and the Sullenberger AeroQuest Camp to conducting onboarding presentations for pilots and ground handling team members who join Piedmont. Whether I’m teaching kids about aviation through games or helping new team members feel supported in their new role, each moment reminds me that outreach is about helping people see possibilities they didn’t know existed.

Another great aspect of my role is the chance to highlight the incredible team members we have here at Piedmont. If you had asked me ten years ago whether I wanted to write stories, I would have laughed. Today, I’ve written five stories in just the first month of my internship and I’ve loved every one of them. Reaching out to team members, learning about their journeys, and shaping their experiences into stories for all of Piedmont’s 11,000 team members to read has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. 

Anakin traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to support Piedmont and American Airlines’ Pride Employee Resource Groups in engaging with youth at the one•n•ten Center, sharing information about aviation careers during the organization’s Juneteenth celebration.

I’m currently working on a project to bring awareness of the aviation industry to rural communities. Growing up on a farm in what many people would consider “the middle of nowhere,” I never imagined myself in aviation. I didn’t even know how many different roles existed until I started this internship. Once we launch the campaign, I hope it will help more people discover the opportunities waiting for them in this ever-growing industry. 

Looking back on my time at Piedmont Airlines so far, this internship has become so much more than a summer opportunity. It has reshaped the way I see myself and the industry I am stepping into. Every experience, from engaging with kids at the Sullenberger Aerospace Camp to writing stories that highlight our incredible team, has pushed me to grow in confidence, curiosity, and purpose. I have learned how powerful outreach can be when it is rooted in genuine connection, and I have discovered strengths I did not know I had as a communicator, a storyteller, and a representative of Piedmont. As I continue my journey here, I am excited to carry these lessons forward and keep finding new ways to open doors for others, just as Piedmont opened a door for me. 

 

The Intern Life Series features firsthand stories from interns who are learning, contributing, and growing at Piedmont. Through their perspectives, readers gain an inside look at our culture, professional development opportunities, and the connections that make Piedmont a great place to start a career.