Catalogue of DOT Internships

DOT Internships

• DOT has several internship opportunities, which are aimed at providing current high school/GED, vocational/trade, technical, college, and recent graduates with meaningful developmental and work experiences.
• DOT internships are designed to: (1) provide a pipeline for attracting talented students to explore endless opportunities; and (2) allow students to gain technical knowledge/expertise needed to fill entry-level critical occupations and other positions.

Opportunities for Interns and Recent Graduates

Pathways Program

The Pathways Program falls under Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which directs federal agencies to implement a systematic hiring process under three categories:

• Internship Program:  This 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.
• Recent Graduate Program:  This Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years after degree completion to apply).  The program lasts for 1 year (unless the training requirements of the position warrant a longer and more structured training program).  Recent Graduates may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances a term appointment lasting 1-4 years).
• Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program:  Administered by OPM, this Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry-level for advanced degree candidates. To be eligible, individuals must have completed within the past two years, a qualifying advanced degree (e.g., masters or professional degree).  PMFs can be appointed to a two-year excepted service position.  After successful program completion and job performance, the PMF may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances a term appointment lasting 1-4 years) in the competitive service.

Office of Inspector General Undergraduate Internship

• The OIG Undergraduate Internship provides an “unpaid” work experience opportunity for college juniors and seniors and an insight into the legislative process.
• Students work with attorneys and acquire hands-on legal skills and experience.

Office of Inspector General Law Student Clerkship

• The OIG General Law Student Clerkship provides an “unpaid” internship opportunity for law students (college-level juniors and seniors).
• Law students are introduced to legislative and external affairs and criminal law from the investigative stage through prosecution.

Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities

• The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for College Students with Disabilities is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal employers with talented students. 
• Students are able to demonstrate their abilities in the federal workforce and may be placed in “paid” full-time temporary or permanent positions.

Summer Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI)

• The Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides “paid” summer internships located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO).
• Students currently enrolled in an approved AT-CTI undergraduate degree program are exposed to a variety of technical areas in traffic flow management and real-time evaluation of air traffic control services.

Technical Operations Collegiate Training Initiative (TO-CTI)

• The Technical Operations Collegiate Training Initiative (TO-CTI), under FAA, provides “paid” summer internships located in the Technical Operations (TO) organization.
• Students currently enrolled in an approved TO-CTI undergraduate degree program are exposed to a variety of technical areas in automation, communication, environmental, navigation and radar certification at the FAA Academy.

Law Honors Intern Program

• The Law Honors Intern Program, under FAA, provides “unpaid” opportunities for interested law students. This program covers a variety of matters including: regulatory law; federal procurement law; federal grant law; environmental law; as well as labor and administrative law. 
• Law students participate in meaningful and rewarding developmental experiences, along with FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) site visits.

Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG)

• The Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG), under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides “paid” internship opportunities for undergraduate or graduate-level students.
• Students participate in a 10-week program (throughout the United States), which includes transportation research, work experience, field trips, and many aspects in the field of transportation.

Professional Development Program (PDP)

• The Professional Development Program (PDP), under FHWA, provides participants with a 2-Year “paid” internship for undergraduate or graduate-level students.
• The PDP program attracts undergraduate and graduate participants in specific areas, which includes Business, Financial Management, Civil Engineering, and Planning, which are currently among the top disciplines under this program.

Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Program

• The Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Program, under FAA, fully supports this initiative directed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders institutions.  As well as, all college students with disabilities.  
• College juniors and seniors are placed in “non-paid” internships to gain meaningful experience in FAA facilities throughout the United States.  Students participant in developmental assignments and receive a weekly “stipend,” plus travel costs for orientations and other enrichment activities.

For more information on DOT Internships, visit: Careers Page AND Student Programs at DOT