The U.S. Six Flags Internship Program, jointly launched by Shanshui Wenyuan Group and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, is now nearing its end. After nearly two months of training and hands-on experience, the interns have gained profound insights into world-class service and management philosophies, and clearly recognize that working at Six Flags is not just about service but also about management.
Life as a Six Flags Intern: More Than an Internship, It’s Learning
Before officially starting their roles, every Six Flags intern undergoes systematic departmental training. Therefore, the actual work at the park is not particularly difficult or intense. What truly challenges these young and energetic interns is the repetition of simple, mechanical tasks day after day. Xiao Mei, one of the interns, worked in safety checks for riders on roller coasters—ensuring passenger safety by repeatedly inspecting safety equipment before each ride. “At first, I didn’t like my job,” Xiao Mei said. She felt the work was something anyone could do, lacked technical skill, and didn’t allow her to showcase her own value. “But then one time, during a safety check, a visitor was very nervous, trembling all over. I smiled, patted her shoulder, and said, ‘You can do it.’ After she finished the ride, she hugged me and thanked me, saying that in that moment, I had meant a lot to her.”
Encouraged by that visitor’s praise, Xiao Mei became even more attentive and friendly in her subsequent work, paying attention to the emotions and feelings of every guest. Her internship at Six Flags left a deep impression on her: “There’s no such thing as high or low, noble or menial work. The greatest meaning—and the greatest respect for oneself—in this job is continually finding your own value through the work. Moreover, as a service staff member, you should proactively provide thoughtful service, anticipating guests’ needs to enhance their overall experience.”
Customer First: It’s More Than Service, It’s Management
During their internship at Six Flags USA, the interns were deeply moved by the “Guest First” service mindset and the equal, friendly attitude demonstrated by Six Flags employees. At the park, every team member places great importance on customers, considering their needs in every detail—from language to actions—with the goal of delivering exceptional service that brings maximum joy and unforgettable experiences.
June to August marks the peak tourist season in the U.S., and Six Flags parks across various states see high demand for roller coaster rides, sometimes resulting in longer wait times than expected. To prevent discomfort caused by hot weather or prolonged queues—and to avoid potential conflicts—Six Flags staff implement crowd control strategies. They guide guests to designated waiting areas in smaller groups and assign team members to chat with them, creating a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere that eases the frustration of long waits. “Six Flags staff want every guest to come in smiling and leave smiling,” said Yueyue, one of the interns who was assigned to engage with guests. She enjoyed the task: “This approach is really thoughtful. Amid laughter and conversation, guests feel the wait is less tedious, everyone enjoys themselves, and the chances of conflicts or disputes are almost zero, which greatly helps with park safety management!”
As visitor numbers rise, so does the workload for staff. To ensure guests can enjoy the park’s attractions without delay, Six Flags employees often voluntarily shorten their breaks to offer timely and attentive service. Despite hoarse voices, they remain smiling and patiently explain details to guests. “All the Six Flags employees I encountered had a strong sense of service. They go all out to provide the best experience for every guest, aiming to uphold the park’s security and reputation through their efforts,” said Yueyue. During her internship, she came to realize that frontline workers are not just “servers,” but also active participants in park management and development. “I read in books that ‘the best management is service.’ The mindset and spirit of Six Flags employees serve as excellent learning material for us students still outside the workforce—we can really learn a lot about management from them.”
According to Yueyue, the university students who joined this international internship program did so with the mindset of “learning from the best.” While performing their duties, they actively observed communication techniques and management practices from veteran Six Flags employees, hoping to secure opportunities to work at the Six Flags park in Zhejiang’s Shanshui Theme Town upon returning home. Yueyue and other interns have closely followed updates on the progress of the domestic theme town and its first Six Flags park. On August 2nd, the grand unveiling of the Zhejiang Shanshui Theme Town Planning Pavilion thrilled the interns, especially the immersive displays using multi-dimensional technologies such as dome screens, surround screens, water screens, and 3D projections to showcase the future vision of the theme town. These innovations left the interns, thousands of miles away, filled with excitement and even more motivated throughout their internship.