About the role#
The Virginia Department of Transportation offers a paid internship program for students to gain practical work experience in public service. You will integrate academic theory with hands-on skill development in engineering and related functional areas. Interns may have the opportunity to extend their work into the academic year depending on performance and business needs.
What you'll do#
- Communicate with VDOT staff, consultants, and external contacts to resolve issues and share field observations.
- Apply engineering technology principles and practices to assigned program areas.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment, following safety guidelines for storage and transport.
- Prepare and maintain daily project documentation and keep accurate records for all activities.
- Handle, secure, and prepare material samples, which requires performing manual labor.
- Interpret engineering plans, specifications, and relevant policies to complete daily tasks.
What you'll need#
- Current full-time enrollment in an Associate degree program or higher, specifically in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
- Minimum age of 18 by the start of employment.
- Status as at least a rising sophomore.
- Ability to maintain full-time student status before and after the internship.
- Proficiency in MS Office, computer software, and smartphones.
- Knowledge of mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
- Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
Location & details#
- Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: Paid internship.
About Virginia Department of Transportation
The Virginia Department of Transportation manages the construction, maintenance, and operation of roads, bridges, and tunnels across the state. Established in 1906, the agency oversees one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the United States. It also provides funding for public transportation, rail, seaports, and airports through the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The department is based in Richmond and employs approximately 4,729 people.
How to get in at Virginia Department of Transportation
Securing an internship at the Virginia Department of Transportation requires speed because early applicants often receive more attention before the candidate pool grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first. This timing is a significant advantage when competing for positions in a large government agency. You can also improve your chances by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles to ask about the position or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces the contact information for these recruiters, allowing you to bypass the standard queue and connect directly with the people managing the hiring process.
