Boeing interns recently teamed with Alaska Airlines interns on a mock airplane campaign for two 737-10 airplanes and a suite of Global Services solutions.
“From the start, I could tell this was different from a typical intern assignment because we were not just learning about the process from a distance — we were actively working through it ourselves,” said Samindhi Wijesinghe, 2026 sales and marketing intern for Boeing Global Services.
The project took Boeing interns through in-depth research, meetings with Global Services leaders and multiple rounds of negotiations before culminating in a mock signing ceremony at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin alongside the Alaska Airlines interns.
Why it matters: The challenge gave interns a deeper understanding of Boeing’s product portfolio and airplane campaign process while helping build negotiation, presentation and teamwork skills.
The intern challenge is part of Boeing’s intentional focus on talent development and identification.
Driving the news: Wijesinghe said the challenge provided her with a deeper understanding at just how much research and strategy goes into bringing a deal to life.
“I saw that successful negotiations are not just about presenting information and learned how to listen, adapt and communicate clearly under pressure. It showed me how partnership can shape the outcome of a deal,” said Wijesinghe.
They said it:
- “My advice would be simple, stay curious, ask questions and be willing to learn from everyone around you,” Wijesinghe said “The more you engage with the process, the more you’ll get out of it.”
- "The Alaska project has been an incredible experience, yet challenging because it has given us exposure to meaningful and memorable real-world negotiation,” added Ellie Tran, Global Services Sales and Marketing intern. “Everyone we’ve worked with has been supportive and genuinely invested in helping us grow and succeed.”
- Tran continued, “One of the most rewarding parts was the opportunity to collaborate with Alaska Airlines interns and other Boeing interns, which has given us a full view of the negotiation process while allowing us to develop relationships and work toward something bigger than ourselves."
The bottom line: The challenge was more than a simulation. It gave interns a hands-on look at the future of aviation and a chance to build skills, relationships and confidence.
