FHWA Pathways Internship Programs For Students (Transportation Specialist)

Are you a student eager to kickstart your career in transportation and project management? Look no further! The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is offering an incredible internship opportunity through the Pathways Internship Program. This role provides hands-on experience and a chance to explore various aspects of highway transportation programs while working alongside seasoned professionals.

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Whether you’re pursuing a degree in planning, engineering, finance, or environmental studies, this internship has something for everyone. If you’re ready to take the first step in building a successful career, keep reading to learn about the available position, qualifications, and how to apply.

Program Overview: 

This internship is for the Student Trainee (Transportation Specialist) position, a key developmental role where students gain valuable knowledge about federal transportation programs. Interns work under the supervision of experienced specialists and are exposed to real-world challenges and solutions within the Department of Transportation (DOT). This opportunity is ideal for students who want to grow their industry knowledge, develop professional skills, and build their network.

Here’s what you can expect to do as a Pathways intern at FHWA:

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in on-the-job training to develop a comprehensive understanding of highway transportation programs.
• Assist program managers with financial and process reviews for various state and local projects.
• Work collaboratively with specialists to provide guidance, training, and interpretations for transportation programs.
• Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops to gain insight into critical transportation issues.
• Visit project sites and construction meetings to observe the practical application of transportation management.
• Support grant administration tasks and assist with program management activities.

Your ultimate goal will be to develop technical expertise in federal-aid program management while gaining exposure to policy and procedure implementation.

Eligibility & Requirements

This internship is open to U.S. citizens, including high school, college, and graduate-level students who meet one critical condition—you must remain enrolled in a qualifying educational institution throughout the program.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old and a current student enrolled in a degree or certificate program.
• Must maintain half-time enrollment in an accredited institution during the internship.
• Your academic focus should be in a field relevant to transportation, such as planning, civil engineering, environmental studies, finance, or business.
• Commit to working part-time alongside your studies (minimum 16 hours/week) and full-time during breaks or summer, if possible.

Additional Requirements:

• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• A strong understanding of written and oral communication techniques.
• The ability to adapt and manage shifting priorities effectively.
• Submission of all required application documents, including proof of enrollment and academic transcripts.

Academic Qualification by Grade Level:

• GS-04: Completion of two academic years or an associate degree.
• GS-05: Completion of four academic years leading to a bachelor’s degree.
• GS-07: Completion of one full academic year of graduate study or superior academic achievement in undergraduate studies.
• GS-09: Completion of two years of graduate study or a master’s degree.

Make sure you meet the grade-specific education requirements before applying!

Salary & Benefits

Joining the Pathways Internship Program isn’t just about work experience—you’ll also enjoy a competitive pay and benefits package.

Salary:

• Pay is aligned with federal government GS scale levels (GS-04 through GS-09) based on your education and experience.

Benefits:

• Access to health insurance and retirement programs for eligible participants.
• Potential non-competitive conversion to a permanent position after successful completion of the program, depending on agency needs.
• Networking opportunities and professional development through leadership training.

Beyond these material benefits, the program offers a wealth of mentorship and training designed to set you up for a long and rewarding career.

Skills Gained Through This Internship

Participants of the Pathways Internship at FHWA gain lifelong skills and experience in key areas:

• Analysis Skills: Learn to evaluate transportation projects, review financial plans, and ensure proper program management.
• Communication Skills: Build relationships with state and local partners while presenting findings and discussing transportation strategies.
• Organizational Abilities: Balance multiple project deadlines while assisting in diverse areas like financial reviews and construction oversight.
• Practical Application: See classroom knowledge brought to life, with opportunities to attend project meetings and see real-world applications of policies.

If you’re interested in building these competencies while contributing to impactful transportation projects, this role is the perfect way to learn and grow.

How to Apply

Applying to the Pathways Internship Program is simple—but it’s important to prepare a thorough and accurate application.

Steps to Apply:

1. Prepare Your Documents:

   • Resume: Highlight your education, relevant coursework, and any work experience or volunteer activities.
   • Transcripts: Submit official or unofficial copies to verify your GPA and progress.
   • Enrollment Proof: Provide documentation proving you’re currently enrolled or accepted into a qualifying educational institution.

2. Submit Your Application:
   Visit USAJOBS to find the internship announcement. Upload all the required documents and complete the application before the deadline.

3. Follow Up:
   After applying, you can monitor the status of your application on the USAJOBS platform to see if you’ve moved forward in the hiring process.

4. Sign the Pathways Agreement:
   If selected, you will be required to sign a Pathways Internship Agreement outlining program expectations.

Make sure to check your work for accuracy and thoroughness—missing information could result in disqualification.

Why Choose the FHWA Pathways Internship Program?

This Student Trainee (Transportation Specialist) position is more than just an internship—it’s an opportunity to jumpstart your career with hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience. Students participating in the Pathways Program are positioned to succeed in future government or private-sector roles.

From networking with transportation leaders to gaining technical expertise in program management, this internship will enhance your skills and open doors to exciting opportunities in government or industry.

If you’re ready to apply your education toward solving real-world transportation challenges, don’t wait—apply today and pave your way to a fulfilling and impactful career! Visit USAJOBS to explore this opportunity further and submit your application.

Submit Federal Highway Administration Internship Application