Delta Air Lines

Graduate Internship, Corporate Innovation (Summer 2026)

Posted: 8 minutes ago

Job Description

How You'll Help Us Keep Climbing (Overview & Key Responsibilities)Innovation in a large, global enterprise is both exciting and complex. As the Innovation Strategy Intern, you’ll work directly with the Managing Director of Delta Innovation to support high-impact initiatives that span Strategy, Design, Research, Engineering, and Partnerships. This role is tailored for someone who wants to understand how innovation truly happens inside a corporation—from idea to influence to execution. You’ll gain hands-on experience with the day-to-day realities of leading innovation in a matrixed environment: understanding stakeholders’ role, connecting dots across silos, shaping narratives, and helping move initiatives forward with intention.You’ll translate visionary ideas into actionable roadmaps, help prepare executive communications, and bring forward insight‑-rich research that shapes next‑ generation‑ products and services.You’ll also help support Delta’s 50-40-10 innovation framework:– Solving today’s challenges with creativity and intention– Exploring future solutions where no one’s looking– Pursuing passion projects that unlock unexpected valueKey ResponsibilitiesResponsibility1Strategic Prioritization & Road-mapping – convert the Managing Director’s long-term‑ vision into quarterly OKRs, surface risks, and track progress for ongoing initiatives.2Executive Briefing & Prep – craft concise talking points, briefing docs, and slide decks for leadership reviews, partner airline‑ updates, and external speaking engagements.3Inbox & Information ‑Flow Management – triage email threads, research requests, and project updates so the MD can focus on high-stake decisions. Collaborate daily with the executive’s‑ admin to align calendars and ensure meetings drive clear outcomes.4Project Pulse & Cross-Team CoordinationConnect dots across teams and projects—supporting cross-functional coordination, progress tracking, and surfacing blockers across Strategy, Design, and Engineering.5Insight & Thought Leadership‑ Research – perform rapid desk research on emerging tech, startups, competitive moves, and market trends; distill findings into clear recommendations.6Project Support & Coordination – coordinate and align with designers, researchers, and strategists to supply analysis, create artifacts, or keep milestones visible whenever projects need an extra set of hands—all while ensuring efforts reflect the MD’s priorities.7Business Insight Collection & Coordination – under direction of the Managing Director, work with project leads and subject matter experts to gather data, map processes, and capture user feedback; synthesize these inputs into concise summaries that inform executive decision making.8Work Visualization & Pipeline Mapping – build clear, executive ready visuals (roadmaps, Kanban views, calendars) that illustrate the team’s active projects, idea pipeline, and upcoming events so the MD can see the landscape at a glance.What You Need To Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)Currently enrolled in an MBA, MS, or similar graduate program.At least one prior internship or equivalent experience within a large enterprise setting.Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, thriving in ambiguity while juggling multiple priorities.Exceptional written and visual storytelling skills; comfortable tailoring messages for senior executive‑ audiences.Analytical mindset with a passion for emerging technology and market trend‑ analysis.Organized, detail oriented‑, and able to deliver under tight deadlines.Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data. Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles. Possesses a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency. Is at least 18 years of age and has authorization to work in the United States.What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)Proven ability to draft clear, concise executive documents—e.g., board briefs, strategy memos, leadership presentations, and talking pointsFamiliarity with design thinking or other innovation methodologies.Experience developing products, services, or working in a start‑up/venture environment.Genuine enthusiasm for emerging tech and transformational experiences.

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