This summer, rising seniors Abby Walker '27 and Steve Zipp '27 are gaining firsthand experience at one of the world's largest airlines through competitive internships with American Airlines.
Working in finance and information technology, they're applying what they've learned in the classroom while tackling projects that help shape the airline's operations, pricing strategies, and technology.
Walker, a revenue management intern, helps optimize ticket prices and manage yields for transatlantic routes between the United States and Europe. This summer, she’s developing an artificial intelligence tool that streamlines industry analysis, allowing teams to spend less time gathering data and more time making strategic decisions.
Zipp, a finance intern, is developing a dashboard that tracks cloud hosting trends, providing finance and IT teams with greater insight into airline spending and its impact on operations.
From the John Carroll Network to American Airlines
Their internships began with a John Carroll connection.
Earlier this year, John Carroll University Board of Directors member Jim Moses ’80, Senior Vice President of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Hub Operations at American Airlines, connected with the Boler College of Business to identify students interested in internship opportunities at the airline.
After being introduced to Moses, Walker explored several roles and ultimately secured a position with American Airlines' revenue management team.
“We are proud to have two John Carroll interns working at American Airlines this summer,” said Moses. “Their drive for excellence and well-rounded education has helped them learn and solve complex problems in the fast-changing airline industry.”
Zipp's opportunity also came through the University’s alumni network.
“I got connected with this position through a few alumni from JCU,” Zipp shared. “I wanted to tie my affinity for traveling to my major. And that's exactly what I did! If it were not for John Carroll and its alumni network, I would most likely not be working for American Airlines.”
Solving Real-World Business Problems
Each day, Walker and Zipp collaborate with a designated American Airlines mentor, work independently on their summer-long projects, and participate in meetings with leaders across the organization. The experience provides them with an inside look at the strategic decisions that keep a global airline operating efficiently.
“I’m grateful for this internship at American Airlines because it has opened my eyes to new career opportunities,” said Walker. “Not only am I exploring my interest in finance, but I’m also learning about new areas I’m passionate about that I wouldn’t have experienced in a classroom setting.”
For Zipp, the internship has reinforced the values he developed through his Jesuit education.
“If my Jesuit education has taught me anything, it is that serving others is one of the most important aspects of life. Everything we do at American Airlines—whether that's at the airport controlling the gates and making sure departures are on time, or at headquarters ensuring we have the right number of planes flying out of major hubs—is ultimately about serving our customers.”
Whether they're building AI tools, analyzing financial data, or learning alongside industry leaders, Walker and Zipp are gaining experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Their internships demonstrate how John Carroll's emphasis on experiential learning, alumni mentorship, and Jesuit values prepares students to pursue meaningful careers at organizations across the globe.
