RCB students intern at Philadelphia International Airport

Four RCB students have landed internships at one of the largest business hubs in the region: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

An introduction to Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services Edgar Vesga by RCB professor of marketing Dr. Berrin Guner paved the way for students to connect with the internship opportunities at PHL. Last spring, Guner and assistant director of the Rohrer Center for Professional Development Elisabeth Parker took 10 marketing students on a behind-the-scenes tour of PHL, complete with meetings with PHL’s director of marketing, director of guest experiences and CEO.

“Site visits like this serve as a strategic tool for our students seeking internship or employment opportunities, providing them with firsthand exposure, personal connections and insider insights,” Guner said.

“Experiences like these not only provide opportunities for students to learn the ins and outs of different industries but also to network,” Parker said.

Megan Steckler, a senior marketing and entrepreneurship major from Mullica Hill, was the first student to land an internship opportunity with the Philadelphia International Airport through these connections in May 2023.

“At the time, I did not even consider the aviation industry as an avenue, but I attended the site visit to network,” Steckler said.

Her duties as an intern have included collecting data to support Air Service Development efforts, managing contacts in customer relationship management software and observing a marketing video shoot.

“I am continuously learning and growing in my role, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me in my professional life,” Steckler said.

Through the ongoing relationship between RCB and PHL, three more RBC students are joining Steckler as interns at the international airport: senior management information systems major Jose Perez, junior management information systems major and business analytics minor Alexander McFarland and junior accounting major and management information systems minor Artur N. Workstuts.

“I’ve always had a passion for all things aviation, so working for the airport is a dream come true,” said McFarland. “What I’m most excited about is learning how to use geographic information systems for mapping properties in the airport and getting a better understanding of how airports work.”

Since Workstuts began his six-month PHL internship in February, he has already put his studies in the design of database systems into practice. Besides building his business analytical skills, he has supported the executive administration staff in solving problems that arise in daily operations.

“I’m able to develop professional skills that I can use forever,” Workstuts said. “There are many avenues you can go into working for an international airport in sectors like marketing, finance, graphic design and so on.”

For business students interested in the aviation industry, the next opportunity could be just a conversation away. Guner has arranged for Philadelphia International Airport CEO Atif Saeed to visit the campus in April.

“Engaging in face-to-face interactions allows students to leave a lasting impression, showcase their enthusiasm and professionalism, and demonstrate their genuine interest in the company,” Guner said. “These personal connections can significantly enhance students' chances of securing an internship or full-time employment.”

“Hopefully, this inspires other students to take advantage of resources the RCPD and the College of Business provide,” said Parker.