NHTSA Internship For Recent Graduates Students (Hiring Now 2025)

Are you a current student or a recent graduate looking for exciting internships that can set the foundation for a meaningful career in public service? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now hiring talented individuals to join its internship programs for 2025. These programs offer incredible opportunities to gain real-world experience, develop skills, and create a path toward potential long-term jobs in federal civil service. Whether you’re into research, engineering, public policy, or law, there’s a position at NHTSA that could help you jumpstart your career.

If you’re ready to contribute to the nation’s transportation safety while exploring your professional potential, NHTSA has something to offer. Discover the various programs, job descriptions, requirements, and how to apply below.

Program Overview:

This program is perfect for students who want to gain paid work experience while pursuing their studies. The Pathways Internship Program offers federal employment opportunities and is open to individuals at various educational levels.

What It Offers:

• Experience working for a federal agency while still in school.
• Potential eligibility to transition into a permanent civil service role upon successful completion.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to current students who are enrolled at least half-time at an accredited institution.
• Accepted programs include high school, vocational, technical, undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies.
• Candidates must:
  • Be U.S. citizens.
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Maintain good academic standing (minimum 2.5 GPA for undergrads, 3.0 for graduates).
  • Sign a Pathways Internship Participant Agreement and meet position-specific qualification standards.

What to Expect:

• A Participant Agreement outlining job expectations and requirements.
• Regular verification of academic status through course registration or transcripts.

Please note that relocation expenses are not covered for this program.

Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG)

For those interested in making an impact on the transportation challenges facing the U.S., the STIPDG presents an excellent option. This specialized program emphasizes diversity and provides hands-on experience in fields such as public service, research, and transportation policy.

What It Offers:

• Open to undergraduate, graduate, and law students.
• Hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities through transportation-related projects.
• A chance to expand your professional network within federal agencies.

Eligibility and Encouragement for Diversity:

• Students from underrepresented backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants can connect with program coordinators for detailed guidance at dotstipdg@twc.edu.

Recent Graduates Program

The Recent Graduates Program provides a dynamic environment tailored to individuals who have completed their studies within the past two years.

What It Offers:

• A one-year developmental experience with a potential pathway into federal civil service.
• Veterans with military service obligations can apply up to six years after graduation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a degree or certificate from a qualifying institution within the specified timeframe.

Designed to open doors to new career opportunities, this program serves as a bridge between academic achievements and the professional world.

Internship Responsibilities

Interns at NHTSA will undertake significant projects that allow them to make meaningful contributions. Responsibilities vary based on the program and position but may include the following:

• Research analysis and data collection to support transportation policies.
• Drafting legal memos, designing presentations, or contributing to public outreach campaigns.
• Field activities like evaluating proposals or assisting with safety and engineering projects.

You’ll also receive mentorship from professionals in your chosen field, providing you with invaluable skills and knowledge for your future job applications.

Salary and Benefits

All NHTSA internships provide competitive compensation. Interns also benefit from:

• A structured learning environment with opportunities for skill-building.
• Professional networking events and mentorship programs.
• Potential pathways into full-time federal employment.

While relocation expenses are not covered, the experience and training you’ll gain from NHTSA internships are an investment in your future success.

How to Apply

Step 1. Visit USAJobs.gov

Head to usajobs.gov to explore the latest openings. Search for terms like “NHTSA Intern Program” or “NHTSA Pathways Student Intern.”

Step 2. Meet the Qualifications

Read each job posting carefully to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including required coursework, GPA standards, and citizenship requirements.

Step 3. Complete Your Application

Submit a detailed application, including a professional resume and any supporting materials, such as transcripts or cover letters.

Step 4. Follow Up on Your Application

After submitting, track the status of your application through the USAJobs portal. Interviews and timelines may vary depending on the role.

Accessibility Support

NHTSA and the Department of Transportation are committed to equal opportunity. For those requiring reasonable accommodations during the application process, contact dotstipdg@twc.edu or call your designated program contact for assistance.

Launch Your Career with NHTSA

NHTSA’s internships are more than just temporary roles—they’re an invitation to build long-term careers in service to the public. With a variety of opportunities, competitive benefits, and skill development, these internships are an investment in your professional future.

If you’re eager to take the first step into impactful work, apply today and become a part of NHTSA’s mission to make America’s roads safer for everyone. Your next big opportunity starts here!

Submit NHTSA Internship Application