Denver International Airport internships offer students an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while exploring the many career paths available within the aviation industry. Through its DENtern programme, Denver International Airport (DEN) provides high school and college students with paid internship opportunities, professional development, mentorship and exposure to the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s busiest airports.
The 2026 DENtern application period has now closed, but DEN’s official careers information confirms that the airport plans to provide information about its next internship cohort in early 2027. Students interested in future opportunities can use the current programme information to understand what the internship offers and prepare ahead of the next recruitment period.
Background of the DENtern Internship Programme
Denver International Airport operates a dedicated career-pathways programme designed to help develop the next generation of aviation professionals.
The internship programme, known as DENtern, is intended for both high school and college students interested in aviation or related professional fields. Rather than limiting participants to traditional aviation jobs, DEN provides opportunities across a wide range of departments, allowing students to discover how the different functions of a major international airport work together.
The programme combines practical work experience with professional development, airport tours, research opportunities, networking and other activities designed to introduce students to aviation careers.
Paid Internship Opportunities
One of the most attractive features of the DENtern programme is that the internships are paid.
For the 2026 programme, DEN’s college internship information stated that the starting rate was the airport’s livable wage of $19.29 per hour, with students able to work up to 39 hours per week. The 2026 college internships included positions ranging from 10-week assignments to six-month and one-year placements.
DEN’s high school internship programme also offered paid positions in 2026, with the same stated starting livable wage of $19.29 per hour. The high school programme ran for 10 weeks during the summer.
Future compensation and programme arrangements may change, so students should always check the details published for the applicable internship year.
Areas of Internship
Students do not have to pursue a traditional pilot or airline career to benefit from an internship at DEN.
The 2026 college DENtern programme included positions in areas such as:
- Airport accessibility
- Airport finance
- GIS and planning
- Airport operations
- Airport safety
- Airport security
- Airside operations
These placements demonstrate the variety of skills required to operate a modern airport. Students can gain experience in areas including data analysis, planning, communication, teamwork, research, project management and problem-solving.
DEN’s broader internship programme has also included opportunities in business technology, asset management, commercial relations, engineering, marketing and other departments.
High School Internship Opportunities
DEN also creates pathways for students who have not yet entered college.
The 2026 high school DENtern positions included Business Operations, Continuous Improvement, Executive Office Business Operations and Volunteer Support. The programme was designed to help students develop transferable skills such as communication, creativity, organization, customer service, research, teamwork and time management.
This can give high school students an early opportunity to understand the range of careers available in aviation and begin building professional experience before entering higher education.
College Internship Opportunities
College students can explore more specialized areas of airport management and operations through DEN’s college programme.
The programme has included internships connected to airport finance, operations, planning, safety, security, accessibility and other functions. Depending on the position, placements can last for several months or an entire year.
DEN’s official careers information emphasizes that internships are available across departments including operations, planning and design, business technologies, asset management, commercial relations, engineering and marketing.
This makes the programme relevant to students studying fields beyond aviation, including business, finance, engineering, technology, communications, planning, public administration and related disciplines.
Professional Development and Networking
The DENtern programme is intended to provide more than employment experience.
According to DEN, interns develop skills such as time management, teamwork, communication and public speaking. Participants can also meet mentors, network with airport professionals and collaborate with other interns.
Students can also participate in research projects, earn certifications and present their work. These experiences can help participants build a stronger résumé while learning how professional teams operate.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on whether the applicant is applying for a high school or college DENtern position and on the specific vacancy.
For the 2025 programme, DEN stated that college applicants needed to be enrolled in an accredited programme leading to a certificate, licence, associate degree, bachelor’s degree or higher. Recent graduates within one year of programme completion were also eligible. High school applicants needed to be at least 16 years old.
Because requirements can change from one cohort to another, prospective applicants should wait for the official 2027 announcement and review the requirements for each position carefully.
Beyond Internships: Other Student Pathways
Students interested in aviation can also explore other DEN programmes while waiting for the next internship recruitment period.
DEN operates DEN Academy, an educational programme for young people ages 7–19 that introduces participants to aviation careers and allows them to learn about the skills required for different roles. The 2026 sessions included a specific programme for students ages 16–19 introducing DEN careers and the DENtern programme.
DEN also operates a Collegiate Ambassador Volunteer Programme for students who are actively enrolled in college and are at least 18 years old. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and participants can develop customer-service skills while networking with airport stakeholders.
Application Process
The 2026 DENtern application window has already closed. DEN’s current Careers on the Radar page advises students to check back in early 2027 for information about the next DENtern class.
When the next recruitment period opens, prospective applicants should review the individual internship descriptions carefully and confirm the education, age, skills and other requirements.
Students should also prepare a professional résumé highlighting relevant coursework, projects, volunteer activities, leadership experience, technical skills and extracurricular activities.
Why Consider a DEN Internship?
An internship at Denver International Airport can provide students with a valuable introduction to the aviation industry without requiring them to commit to one specific career path.
Airport operations depend on professionals working in numerous areas, from engineering and technology to finance, security, customer service, planning and communications. DEN’s internship programme allows students to experience this diversity firsthand.
The airport also highlights internships as part of its broader strategy for developing an aviation talent pipeline and preparing young people for future careers.
Final Takeaway
Although applications for the 2026 DENtern cohort are closed, the programme remains an important opportunity for students interested in aviation and related careers. DEN has indicated that information about the next internship cohort will be available in early 2027.
Students interested in applying should monitor the official DEN careers and Career Pathways pages for the next announcement and begin preparing their résumé and relevant application materials in advance.
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