Student Internship and Recent Graduate Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking for the next generation of public servants—individuals who bring creativity, innovative thinking, and a passion for service to a launching pad that moves the nation. We don’t just offer "jobs"; we provide a full spectrum of professional experiences for students and recent graduates to leverage throughout their careers. Students can access both paid and unpaid internships designed to provide real-world work experience without compromising their academic goals, while recent graduates have the opportunity to kick-start a federal career at a developmental level. By joining a team where safety is the top priority, you will contribute to critical projects that enhance national infrastructure, innovation, and national safety.
The DOT Mission & Structure:
The Department of Transportation is built on a foundation of safety and innovation.
- Safety is the Top Priority: Safety remains the primary focus across all transportation modes and agency operations.
- 11 Operating Administrations: Led by the Secretary of Transportation, multiple agencies (OAs) work together to move people and goods.
- Agency Network: Our impact is driven by various administrations, including the FAA, FHWA, FMCSA, FRA, FTA, GLS, MARAD, NHTSA, OST, OIG and PHMSA.
The Internship Experience:
As a student intern, you will gain a full spectrum of professional experiences to leverage in your growing career.
- Real-World Career Impact: Interns contribute to critical projects enhancing infrastructure, innovation, and national safety.
- A Proven Pathway to Success: Many current DOT employees began their professional journeys through the internship program.
- Seeking Motivated Problem-Solvers: The agency looks for curious individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for innovation.
If you have a passion for our mission and a calling to reimagine the way the world moves, jumpstart your future with the DOT Pathways Internship Program.
1DOT Internship Program
We intentionally recruit our Pathways Interns based on long-term potential and alignment with the Department of Transportation’s evolving mission to ensure a fast, safe, and efficient national transportation system. By providing multi-semester developmental experiences, the DOT Pathways Internship Program equips you with the technical and professional skills necessary for a career in public service, offering a direct pipeline to permanent federal employment within the DOT upon successful completion of program requirements and graduation.
Pathways Opportunities
While our current application window has closed, the next journey is just around the corner. Stay in the driver’s seat—keep a lookout for our upcoming opportunities.
Who We Look For
We’re looking for students who are driven by our Vision, Mission, and Core Values and embody the spirit of public service. Our top candidates are well-rounded leaders bringing a wide range of perspectives and demonstrating innovation, curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for modernizing the way the world moves. If you bring excellence, agility, and resilience to the table, you’re ready to help us lead the future of transportation.
Field of Study We Welcome
- Business • Finance • Engineering • Policy
- Communications • Data Analytics
- Human Resources • Information Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Public Administration — and more!
Eligibility Requirements
All Pathways Interns must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen;
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution and maintain enrollment at least half time as defined by the institution;
- Be pursuing a degree or certificate;
- Currently have and maintain a cumulative 2.9 grade point average on a 4.0 scale;
- Be able to complete at least 480 hours of work prior to completing your degree/certificate requirements.
- Required to sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
- Required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
- Vacancies also require that applicants be available to begin work between a predetermined timeframe, typically the subsequent two semesters following the closing date of the vacancy for which you applied.
Recent Graduate Program
The DOT Recent Graduate Program (RGP) provides individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions with the opportunities to apply academic training and knowledge in a professional job. As a Recent Graduate appointee, you will be placed in a one to two-year career development program.
Eligibility:
- Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
- Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.
If you have questions about DOT Internship programs, please contact OSTHiringEvents@dot.gov
The Secretarial Internship Program (SIP) will provide current college students with a 10-week paid summer internship. Appointments are made using the Post-Secondary Hiring Authority, which offers current college students who are pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree on at least a part-time basis the opportunity to work with DOT’s Transportation experts.
Program Eligibility
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an institution of higher education.
- Pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree on at least a part-time basis as determined by the academic institution.
- Meets the minimum qualification standards prescribed or approved by OPM for the position to which the individual is being appointed.
- Be able to complete at least 640 hours of work prior to completing your degree/certificate requirements
- Students must be able to work in the National Capital Region (DC Metropolitan Area).
- An unofficial transcript is required with the application to show proof of enrollment.
- An official transcript is required if selected.
If you have questions about DOT Internship OSTHiringEvents@dot.gov.
Program Overview
There are many ways to get your professional life off the ground at FAA and you don't have to have years of flying or aviation experience to do it. We offer various entry-level careers, training and development programs as well as full-time and internships opportunities for students and college grads. Take a look at the many ways you can join FAA to Advance Aerospace…Enhance Your Career https://www.faa.gov/jobs/students/internships
Program Overview
The Pathways Internship program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
Program Overview
Whether you are looking for your next career step or just starting out in the workforce, there is a place you can fit in and impact change at DOT-OIG. The following are ways way in which you can join our team:
- Competitive & Excepted Service
- Pathways Recent Graduates Program
- Pathways Internship Program
- Volunteer Interns
Volunteer Undergraduate and Law Student Internships with OIG's Office of Chief Counsel | DOT OIG
Volunteer Student Internships with OIG's Office of Investigations | DOT OIG
The Workforce Recruitment Program
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs. Annually, trained WRP recruiters from federal agencies conduct personal interviews with interested candidates on college and university campuses across the country. Candidates represent all majors, and range from college freshmen to graduate students and law students, and with various levels of experience, even including some Veterans.
There are no opportunities available at this time.
Fair and transparent:
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance:
Criminal history inquiries
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability
New employee probationary period
Privacy Act
Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service
Signature and false statements
Social security number request