The Pathways Internship program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

Open to current students enrolled at least half-time or accepted for enrollment in an accredited college or university in a variety of programs:

• High-school/GED
• Vocational
• Technical
• Undergraduate
• Graduate
• Professional

Prospective candidates must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen.
• Be enrolled at least half-time as defined by the education institution (typically six hours or equivalent for undergraduate and three hours or equivalent for graduate).
• Maintain good academic standing, generally, at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA for undergraduate programs and a 3.0 GPA for graduate programs, on a 4.0 grading scale.
• Meet the qualification standards (e.g., series and grade) of the position.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must sign a Pathways Internship Program Participant Agreement; furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and provide verification of academic status (transcript) at the end of each academic term.

Please note, relocation expenses will not be provided.

Interested candidates can go to www.usajobs.gov and search for “FHWA Intern Program” or “FHWA Pathways Student Intern” for openings. You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.

–Soni Rodriguez-Reyes

Former Pathways Intern
Puerto Rico Federal-aid Highway Division
San Juan, Puerto Rico

"One of the many experiences FHWA granted me and that advanced my professional development is a Detail Assignment I completed as a Division Lead Planning Program Manager. That management time taught me early in my career about what an FHWA planner does. It also showed me how their job impacts the planning program on other FHWA-administered programs and project development processes. FHWA is the best place to make a big difference in people's daily lives. I have seen firsthand how we make that difference. It's also an excellent place to grow and learn from the best professionals and subject matter experts. On top of all that, the growth opportunities are unlimited."

–Owen Spangler
Former Pathways Intern
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division
Ashburn, VA

"I had an eventful summer working on the Blue Ridge Parkway with FHWA's Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division. In the field, I oversaw several slope stabilizations projects from start to finish, an extensive pavement preservation project, and a cantilever bridge construction. Through these experiences, I had the opportunity to experience a lot of what the construction field offers. During my internship, I had an educational experience, but a rewarding one. The projects I worked on provide recreational access for millions of visitors to enjoy some of the most scenic areas on the east coast. I would often travel for my job from one site to another, using many of the trails and roads I worked on! It is rare that you get to so directly and immediately experience the positive impact of your work while also getting some cool pictures along the way. The Federal Highway Administration works where you play!"

–Jacob Ahmed

Former Pathways Intern
Central Federal Lands Highway Division
Lakewood, CO
 

"It was a pleasure to work with FHWA! I worked on many tasks, took on responsibilities while working, and felt like not just an intern but a full-time employee. I learned more about building roads, reading plans, codes, and the physical machinery to get it done than I initially expected. Appreciation and kudos for all the training and development! My supervisor and mentor pushed me to take on leadership roles on the construction site to the point where contractors knew me and came to me for help, questions, or general communication. The best part about this internship has been the people I worked with - I've never made friends so quickly! The bonds I made over one summer will stay with me beyond this internship. Everyone in South Dakota (on the construction site) and Colorado were beyond friendly and helpful. I am grateful to FHWA for introducing me to civil engineering "on the job!"."

–Austin Jarrell

Former Pathways Intern
Office of Infrastructure
Washington, DC

"In my role, I worked on projects ranging from community resilience metrics to the West Virginia FHWA Climate Challenge. Additionally, I enjoy researching low-volume road resilience and downscaling for future climate. I went into the community for outreach and engagement at the International Conference on Managing Pavement Assets and the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington, DC."

—Peter Frantz
Human Resources Specialist
Converted to Full-Time through Pathways in January 2020

"The Pathways Program was a fantastic opportunity, with the flexibility to move and engage with different teams within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It allowed me to work on projects that aligned with my University of Maryland coursework, such as implementing integrated marketing campaigns to recruit future college-level and mid-career professionals. Additionally, it allowed me to explore new territory. One example was planning and organizing our agency’s annual employee awards program. These experiences, along with other developmental assignments and training, helped introduce me to new projects and people within FHWA. I strongly recommend the Pathways Program to anyone with a passion for learning and a desire to lead, inspire, and motivate others!"

—Andrea L. Ebur
Environmental Protection Specialist
Converted to Full-Time through Pathways in 2019

"The Pathways Program was a wonderful way for me to gain exposure to both the Environmental and Planning disciplines and allowed me to see how Federal and State agencies interact and work together towards the goals of project development and delivery. I was able to delve deeper into specific areas of interest such as land use, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act through multiple trainings and assignments. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who is interested in government work and understanding more about Federal regulations and policies."

—Christian Contreras
Civil Engineer
Converted to Full-Time through Pathways in 2019

"The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a massive agency, something I would have never fully appreciated without my time as a Pathways Intern. With a diverse work force, FHWA offers an in-depth perspective on the future of the transportation industry. Pathways helped me discover what it is that I wanted to do with my Civil Engineering degree. I've worked in Construction, Bridge Inspection, and Project Management, and that's just scratching the surface. There are countless opportunities for professional development here along with people even more committed to helping you discover your own potential."

—Spencer Lowery
Civil Engineer
Converted to Full-Time through Pathways in 2019

"As I was finding my way in school, the Pathways Program helped me determine what I wanted to do with my degree. I ultimately decided that Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division was where I wanted to be and after graduating in December of 2018, I started as a permanent employee in Highway Design. The Pathways Program made me the engineer I am today."

—Justin Walker
Safety Engineer
Current Pathways Intern

"My experience as a Safety Engineering Pathways Intern has been amazing. One of my favorite aspects of this internship is the real-world experience that I have gained in the field of transportation safety. I have attended safety training workshops and sat in meetings that included various transportation specialists that work throughout the state of Florida. Another positive aspect of this internship is that the work schedules are flexible. My work schedule seamlessly fits into my life that includes being a full time civil engineering student along with other personal obligations. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Federal Highway Administration has provided me and I am looking forward to learning more about making our highways safer for everyone!"