APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Q. What are the criteria for application?
A. Applicants will be considered for a VDOT Internship if they meet the criteria:

• The undergraduate applicant must at least be a sophomore when applying for the internship and be at least 18 years old. We will hire rising juniors or seniors for the summer.
• If you are working on a Masters degree or a post-baccalaureate certificate in your first or second year.
• The applicant must be currently enrolled in an accredited college/university/community college program.
• The applicant must have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• The undergraduate applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) hours of academic classes.
• The graduate applicant must be enrolled in at least 9 (nine) hours of academic classes.

Q. How do I apply for a VDOT Internship?
A. Go to the main VDOT careers page here. Click under “Search Jobs” to view current openings.
All Intern positions will have “Intern” in the title.

INTERNSHIP POSITIONS GENERAL INFORMATION

Q. How long are the internships?
A. Intern positions vary based on the project and need.  

• Summer intern positions begin in June and continue, at up to 29 hours per week, until the fall semester begins.
• In the Fall and Spring, interns may work for up to 15 hours per week if you are in school full time, except during the winter holiday when the intern may work up to 29 hours per week. This is optional.
• Interns can serve in their position for a year. If business need warrants continuing the internship, the position may extend for a second year.
• Once an intern graduates, they may continue to work at VDOT until the end of the term at nearly a full time schedule.

Q. How much will I get paid during my summer internship?
A. Position starting wage will vary and will be based on education level and skills. Minimum hourly wage is $12.00.

Q. Where will I be working in the summer?
A. VDOT does not provide housing or transportation and we understand that you may need to live at home or at school during the summer. We will work with you to find an office that is within a reasonable distance. If you are flexible about where you can live/work, let us know in your job application so we can match you with the best location and work experience.

Q. Will I get to meet the other interns?
A. At the beginning of each summer we have an orientation program in which all interns meet mid-state for training and development.

Q. What will I be doing while working for VDOT?
A. Depending on your interests and VDOT’s business needs, you will be assigned to an area of the Virginia Department of Transportation that will help you achieve the most rewarding educational experience possible. Some of your work experience may be to:

• Assist in design and inspection of new roadway and bridge projects
• Plan for transportation needs of the future by conducting traffic forecasts
• Sample and evaluate roadway and bridge materials
• Determine requirements for citizen safety and perform traffic impact analysis
• Assist in development of public policy or public information
• Use the latest engineering technology
• Help research needs and develop training courses
• Work in Accounting or Human Resources
• Work in a high-performance, values-based team environment to accomplish meaningful work and Keep Virginia Moving!

Q. Are there other programs for students at VDOT?
A. Yes, there are two other programs that support students and recent graduates.

• Engineering Scholarship Program: This scholarship program offers civil engineering students scholarship money and a paid summer work opportunity. Information about this program can be found at: http://www.virginiadot.org/jobs/engscholarprog.asp
• Core Development Program, is a career development program designed for new graduates from multiple disciplines. The CDP is a two year program introducing recent graduates to many aspects of transportation. Information about this program can be found at: http://www.virginiadot.org/jobs/CoreDevProgram.asp

Q. Does VDOT offer sponsorship for international students?
A. No, due to budgetary constraints and the potential costs associated with sponsorship, VDOT cannot offer sponsorships for these short-term positions.

Q. My family has planned a summer vacation to _______.  Will I be able to go with them?
A. Based on your project assignment, you may be able to take the vacation. Be sure to give the program manager and your supervisor as much notice as possible. You are not paid during the time you are not working, but every effort will be made to adjust your schedule.