The intern program, back in the day, was based on the idea UAL would essentially look for the best people from university flight programs. At the time the absolute minimum experience for 121 carriers was multi-engine commercial and instrument certificates. UALs min flight time was 350 hours (which dated back to a lawsuit in the mid 70s) at the time. Most of the interns who were hired after their semester of free work and close scrutiny (think daily non-stop interview) had more than the minimum time.

I worked with several interns, OEd a few and without exception they were all outstanding pilots and very sharp people. Did they have enough experience to step right into the left seat? No, Most of the new hires today are far more experienced than at any other time in UALs history. Most today forget the beloved Dubinsky was hired with basically no flight time.

What am I writing about? Let your "experience" prejudices go and enjoy the ride.