NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina State University will be the first higher education institution to participate in a new internship program created by the Charleston County Aviation Authority for Charleston International Airport and its two general aviation airports on Johns Island and in Mount Pleasant.
Officials said in a release Wednesday that the program is designed to give students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity for hands-on experience in airport operations and management.
It also furthers the Aviation Authority’s commitment to cultivating and recruiting a diverse workforce through community and educational outreach, the release added.
“This internship program will benefit students because it creates new educational opportunities that will help them develop the skills needed to seek out employment after graduation in airport management and operations,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., director of airports. “We look forward to a long-standing relationship working with South Carolina State.”
The 10-week paid internship is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate-level students and recent graduates in aviation/airport management, business management, public administration or related course work.
A minimum 3.0 grade point average is required.
Airport interns will spend time in each of the Aviation Authorities 13 departments, including operations, public affairs, finance, engineering, police, security and transportation at Charleston International, Mount Pleasant Regional Airport, and Charleston Executive Airport on Johns Island.
The internship will run May 18 through July 24.
“We, at South Carolina State University, are appreciative of this great opportunity afforded to us by the Charleston County Aviation Authority. Agreements, such as this, reflect the viability and quality of the programs at South Carolina State and provide valuable experiences to our students, giving them a competitive edge. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with the Charleston County Aviation Authority and other industries within South Carolina,” said Dr. Kenneth Lewis, dean of the College of Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology, whose efforts help to secure the partnership.
The program may be expanded to other colleges in coming years.
To apply, interested interns should look for the ‘Careers’ link at www.chs-airport.com and click on ‘Current Openings.” The deadline for applications is March 20. Interviews will be conducted March 26-31. Successful applicants will be notified in April.
For more information about the internship program, qualifications and application process, contact the Aviation Authority Human Resources Department at info@chs-airport.com or by calling (843) 767-7000.