DOT Summer Internship
Don't Delay - Start Your Internship Today with FHWA!
The United States Department of Transportation (in collaboration with GMG Management Consulting, Inc.) is recruiting for its 2026 Department of Transportation Summer Internship (DOTSI). Learn about DOTSI by visiting https://www.gmgedu.com/ (open to U.S. Citizens). During the 10-week program, those selected at the undergraduate level receive a $5,500 stipend, while those individuals in graduate or law school receive $7,500. Each person chosen for the program also receives round-trip travel to their assigned summer office and complimentary housing at that location if they reside 50 miles or more from the placement site. The DOTSI deadline is 01/31/2026, but early submission is strongly encouraged for optimal consideration.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) ensures the United States of America has the safest, most efficient, and modern transportation system in the world that improves the quality of life for all American people and communities...from rural to urban...and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.
GMG Management Consulting, Inc. serves as a resource to government clients by assisting in making critical management decisions. Distinctive competencies lie in the ability to collate the "right" resource with the skills, expertise, and knowledge needed to assist in accomplishing mission goals and objectives. "When you succeed, we succeed!"
Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply.
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What is DOTSI?
For over two decades, DOTSI has served as a workforce development tool to foster a pool of qualified candidates to fill mission critical occupations and positions within the transportation sector. DOTSI provides summer employment opportunities to students, encouraging their entry into the transportation field by providing valuable work experiences that serve to facilitate their professional development within the industry.
A Career in the Federal Government - gain hands-on experience in various government functions, providing a better understanding of the operations and decision-making processes within Federal agencies.
Mentorship and Professional Networking - selected participants get paired with experienced mentors across DOT who guide them throughout the program. The mentorship helps summer interns build valuable professional networks and understand career pathways in the transportation sector.
Career Advancement - DOTSI is specifically designed to foster a nuanced representation in DOT's workforce, helping students enter public service and the transportation field.
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What is the length of the summer internship?
The ten (10) week DOTSI provides undergraduate, graduate, and law school students with opportunities to sharpen their research, writing, and oral presentation skills while receiving hands-on work experience. Summer interns participate in field trips to national transportation projects and facilities, conferences, workshops, decision-making meetings, and special events specific to their work assignments.
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What accommodations and compensation do summer interns receive?
Interns receive a competitive stipend ($5,500 for undergraduate students and $7,500 for graduate and law students), fully furnished housing, and roundtrip travel to (and from) their placement location. To be eligible for housing and travel to (and from) the housing near their worksite, summer interns must live 50 or more miles away from their summer office placement location.
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I want to apply - what does that application process look like?
The selection process - selections will begin in late February, and all applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail no later than May 1st. If you are selected to participate, you must reply by e-mail to accept the offer within a specified number of business days. Failure to do so will result in the offer getting extended to other qualified applicants.
Applying - to receive consideration, prospective summer interns must complete the application and submit all required information and documents no later than Saturday, January 31, 2026. Applicants must...
- Be a U.S. Citizen - this is a United States Federal government internship at the Department of Transportation. Thus, the applicant must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
- Be enrolled in a degree program - applicants must be currently enrolled in degree-granting programs of study in spring semester 2026 at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (and enrolled for fall semester 2026). Prospective summer interns must also maintain a 3.00 GPA (or better).
- Fill out the application - and be available to participate fully for the duration of the 10-week DOTSI program.
- Submit transcripts, grade records, and/or reports - applicants must provide a copy of one of these most recent documents. Undergraduate applicants must be going into their sophomore, junior, or senior year in fall semester 2026. When uploading files, use this naming convention: "Your First Name _ Your Last Name _ Transcript _ Year."
- Attach a resume - submit a one-page resume reflecting work experience (paid and unpaid), volunteer experience, awards, leadership experience, and extracurricular activities. When uploading files, use this naming convention: "Your First Name _ Your Last Name _ Resume."
- Provide one current written reference - prospective summer interns must ask a department chair, professor, advisor, or employer to write one written reference in support of their DOTSI application. When uploading files, use this naming convention: "Your First Name _ Your Last Name _ Reference."
- Create or provide a writing sample - for "undergraduate" students, discuss your interests in transportation, outlining what you hope to gain from participating in DOTSI, and describe how your participation will enhance your academic and career plans (or goals) - this document should be a one-page, double-spaced, minimum 12-point, typed essay. For "masters" students, submit a writing sample (no more than two pages) representing academic and career plans (or goals), particularly as they may relate to the transportation field. For "law" students, submit a legal writing sample (no more than five pages). When uploading files, use this naming convention: "Your First Name _ Your Last Name _ Writing Sample."
Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply.
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Have a question? See the Q&A Section near the bottom of this page.
Do you have additional questions? Contact GMG Management Consulting, Inc. at gmg-dotsi@gmgedu.com.
Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply.
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The DOT "Modes" - DOTSI program participants may work in any of DOT's 11 operating administrations (more commonly referred to as "modes" of transportation). These include the...
Federal Aviation Administration - FAA works with the airline industry and airports to enforce aviation regulations and ensure safe flights for all.
Federal Highway Administration - FHWA works with many programs, states, and other partners to ensure safe highways, bridges, and access to national forests and parks; Indian reservations; and other public lands.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - FMCSA works with Federal, state, and local enforcement agencies; the motor carrier industry; labor safety groups; and others to ensure that commercial vehicles safety operate on our national highways. They also implement regulations to improve safety and reduce fatalities.
Federal Railroad Administration - FRA works to ensure America's rail systems are safe and sound to use throughout the Nation. They ensure the tracks used by freight and passenger trains alike are in safe, working condition.
Federal Transit Administration - FTA assists in developing improved mass transit for cities and communities nationwide. They work with subways, trains, busses, fairies, trolleys, and more, keeping cost, accessibility, and convenience in mind.
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation - GLS controls the lock system running through the Saint Lawrence Seaway that channels barges carrying iron ore, grains, and other products. Both commercial and non-commercial vessels pass through the lock and dam system used to regulate the influx of water and vessels. GLS also works to develop trade opportunities to benefit port communities, shippers, recipients, and other industries near the Seaway.
Maritime Administration - MARAD works to ensure Americans can transport goods across waterways. They provide naval support in times of national military strife. They also manage and promote the Merchant Marine Academy.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA ensures Americans are safe on the roads. They work with identifying vehicle recalls, child safety seat defects, or proper installation methods. All this work helps reduce deaths and injuries on the Nation's highways and helps states and local communities reduce drunk driving.
Office of the Inspector General - OIG is NOT one of the modes of transportation within DOT...but it works with the Department to reduce and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
Office of the Secretary of Transportation - OST is the central umbrella under which each of the modes fall under. It is the operating administration that is responsible for overseeing the formulation of national transportation policies and preparing transportation legislation to promote the flow of commerce; safer roads and airways; and reduce injuries and deaths.
Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - PHMSA oversees the safety of parts of the Nation's shipment of hazardous materials and energy products that run through pipelines.
VOLPE Center - VOLPE advances transportation innovation for the public good. Their mission is to improve the Nation's transportation system by anticipating emerging issues and advancing technical, operational, and institutional innovations.
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Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply.
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