FWIW from a late 90's intern:
I can see the argument from both sides. Some of the other interns I met during my time at United were the most arrogant people I have ever come across. I can see how interns get that stigma. Most interns were in their early 20's, and like any group, the bad ones are remembered more than the good. I hope they have grown up since.
In the exit class, the hiring directors did say they had a problem with the low time interns. They recommended going to Great Lakes and building time as fast as possible. They said you had to be as qualified as all the other applicants, so don't waste your interview slot if you don't have competitive times.
I don't think the internship should trump experience, but successfully completing the process was suppose to guarantee an interview. (And yes, I know what a guarantee is worth in this industry
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I have only kept in touch with a couple interns, but I am the low time one with over 9000 hours. I would hope there will not be a need for the "unqualified intern" conversation. Even with that time, a clean record, and a couple of recs, I still don't feel like I will be one of the first ones through the process. There are just so many great, connected, qualified pilots out there. Often what airlines think are "qualified" doesn't jive with what pilots think are "qualified". It all comes down to what United wants and that is what stirs the hiring debate.
A couple of questions:
1) Is there even still and internship program at United?
2) Will "silver bullet" resumes trump interns?
United's hiring process will be interesting to watch.
I look forward to attending a job fair in the future and appreciate any info.