Student Internship and Recent Graduate Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offers meaningful opportunities to students and recent graduates who demonstrate creativity, innovative thinking, and a passion for public service. Students have the opportunity to find paid and unpaid internships that provide real-world work experience while continuing to achieve their academic goals. Recent graduates have the opportunity to kick-start a career in the federal workforce starting at a developmental level.
The Pathways Programs provide students and recent graduates with paid internships that can develop into full time careers at DOT upon graduation. We are looking for independent, energetic, self-sufficient, and highly motivated students who are excited to gain government experience and learn about DOT Programs. More information about Pathways Programs and how to apply can be found here: USAJOBS Help Center | Students & recent graduates
Secretarial Internship Program (Pathways)
As a student intern in the Secretarial Internship program, participants will gain a full spectrum of professional experiences to leverage in their growing careers. Interns may work either part- or full-time in varying capacities within the Department.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for DOT’s SIP, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen;
- Be at least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship;
- Be enrolled in a vocational or trade, undergraduate or graduate program at a 2 to 4-year college or university;
- Currently have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average (on a 4 point scale);
- Be able to complete at least 640 hours of work prior to completing your degree/certificate requirements; and
- Able to obtain or maintain a security clearance
Recent Graduate Program (Pathways)
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 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.
Presidential Management Fellows Program (Pathways)
The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) provides employment opportunities for individuals who have received a qualifying masters, doctorate or professional degree within the last two years. After completion of the PMF program, you may be converted to a permanent or time-limited (1-4 years) position.
PMF opportunities are announced once a year by the Office of Personnel Management and over 100 Federal government organizations participate. For more information, visit the PMF website at www.pmf.gov
Additional information on recruitment programs for students and recent graduates may be found on OPM’s website.
Additional DOT Internships
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Internships
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Internships
- Office of Inspector General (OIG) Student Internships
- Employment of People with Disabilities - US Department of Transportation
- Student Transportation Internship Program Diverse Groups (STIPDG)
- Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
- Student Intern Flyer