2027 Department of Transportation Summer Internship Program
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The United States Department of Transportation (in collaboration with GMG Management Consulting, Inc.) is recruiting for its 2027 Department of Transportation Summer Internship (DOTSI) Program. Learn more about the DOTSI Program by visiting https://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 their placement site. The DOTSI Program application deadline is 01/31/2027, but submit your application early for optimal consideration.
The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is to advance safety, move people and goods efficiently, and build resilient infrastructure. USDOT's key values and priorities include safety first, affordability and efficiency, and accelerating innovation.
GMG Management Consulting's mission centers on building and broadening the future workforce of the nation's transportation and public infrastructure sectors. Through its administration of DOTSI, GMG works to bridge higher education with government service: providing undergraduate, graduate, and law students with structured, hands-on experience across Federal transportation agencies.
Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply!
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What is DOTSI?
For over two decades, DOTSI has provided students with valuable summer employment opportunities designed to kickstart their careers in the transportation sector. As a premier workforce development program, DOTSI encourages students to enter public service by offering hands-on experience across various government functions. Participants gain a behind-the-scenes look at federal operations and decision-making processes, giving them the practical knowledge needed to eventually fill mission-critical roles within the industry.
Beyond day-to-day work experience, DOTSI is specifically designed to support your long-term career advancement through dedicated mentorship and professional networking. As a participant, you will be paired with experienced DOT mentors who will guide you throughout the program, helping you build lasting professional connections and deeply understand your potential career pathways. Ultimately, the program fosters a highly qualified talent pool, making it easier for you to confidently step into a rewarding future in public service and the transportation field.
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What is the length of the summer internship?
The DOTSI program is a 10-week summer experience that provides undergraduate, graduate, and law students with the opportunity to sharpen their research, writing, and presentation skills through hands-on work. Beyond your daily assignments, you will participate in a variety of enriching activities tailored to your role, including field trips to national transportation facilities, industry conferences, skill-building workshops, and high-level decision-making meetings.
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What accommodations and compensation do summer interns receive?
DOTSI interns receive a competitive stipend of $5,500 for undergraduate students and $7,500 for graduate and law students (stipends are subject to applicable taxes). Additionally, to ensure the program is accessible, interns who live 50 or more miles away from their assigned summer office will receive fully furnished housing and paid roundtrip travel to and from their placement location.
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I want to apply! What does the application process look like?
To be considered for the DOTSI Program, you must complete the application and submit all required documents by Saturday, January 31, 2027. The selection process begins in late February, and all applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail no later than May 1st. If you are selected, you must reply by e-mail to accept the offer within a specified number of business days, otherwise the offer will be extended to another qualified applicant.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements and submit the corresponding materials:
- Be a U.S. Citizen: As this is a federal internship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. citizenship is legally required.
- Be Enrolled in a Degree Program: You must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited U.S. institution during the Spring 2027 semester, with continued enrollment planned for Fall 2027. You must also maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete the Application: Ensure the application is fully completed and confirm your availability to participate for the entire 10-week summer program.
- Submit Academic Transcripts: Provide a copy of your most recent transcript or grade report. (File naming convention: First Name_Last Name_Transcript_Year).
- Attach a Resume: Provide a one-page resume highlighting your work experience (paid and unpaid), volunteer roles, awards, leadership experience, and extracurricular activities. (File naming convention: First Name_Last Name_Resume).
- Provide One Letter of Reference: Submit a current written recommendation from a department chair, professor, academic advisor, or employer. (File naming convention: First Name_Last Name_Reference).
- Include a Writing Sample: Submit a writing sample tailored to your academic level. Undergraduates must submit a one-page, double-spaced essay (12-point font minimum) on their transportation interests and career goals; master’s students must submit a sample, up to two pages, detailing their academic and career goals related to transportation; and law students must submit a legal writing sample up to five pages. (File naming convention: First Name_Last Name_Writing Sample).
Please note: Priority will be given to candidates with GPAs of 3.0 or higher (major and/or cumulative).
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 (OAs).
The OAs are more commonly referred to as "modes" of transportation:
Office of the Secretary of Transportation: OST relies on a dedicated workforce of approximately 800 to 1,000 employees to serve as the principal policy-making and oversight body for the entire U.S. Department of Transportation. OST coordinates national transportation strategies, manages major infrastructure grant programs, and ensures all operating administrations work cohesively to deliver a safe, equitable, and modern transportation system.
Federal Aviation Administration: FAA employs approximately 40,000 to 45,000 dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to regulate civil aviation and manage the nation's complex air traffic control system. The agency collaborates with the airline industry and airports to enforce strict aviation regulations and ensure the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
Federal Highway Administration: FHWA utilizes its workforce of roughly 2,300 to 2,800 employees to partner with state and local governments in designing, building, and maintaining the nation's highway and bridge infrastructure. The agency is dedicated to delivering a world-class system that ensures safe, reliable travel across interstate networks, national forests, Indian reservations, and other public lands.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: FMCSA relies on a dedicated team of 1,000 to 1,200 employees to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses on our national highways. The agency collaborates with federal, state, and local enforcement groups to implement strict commercial vehicle regulations and promote rigorous safety standards across the motor carrier industry.
Federal Railroad Administration: FRA leverages its team of 950 to 1,100 personnel to promote and enforce safety regulations across America's expansive freight and passenger rail networks. The agency works diligently to ensure that tracks, equipment, and operations remain in safe, working condition to facilitate the reliable movement of people and goods nationwide.
Maritime Administration: MARAD operates with a workforce of about 700 to 850 employees who are committed to fostering the development and maintenance of a robust United States merchant marine and maritime industry. The agency actively supports waterborne transportation by improving port infrastructure, ensuring ship safety, and advancing seamless integration with other land-based transportation networks. Additionally, MARAD oversees the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point (New York), which educates and trains future leaders of the nation's maritime services.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA employs roughly 550 to 750 professionals dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries, and reducing vehicle-related crashes on U.S. roadways. The agency achieves this critical mission by setting rigorous vehicle performance standards, enforcing recalls for safety defects, and educating the public on safe driving behaviors.
Federal Transit Administration: FTA relies on between 500 and 600 staff members who work closely with state and local transit providers to fund and support comprehensive public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and ferries. The agency prioritizes improving mobility, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring equitable access to safe and reliable transit options for all communities.
Office of Inspector General: OIG utilizes a specialized staff of 350 to 425 auditors and investigators to provide independent, objective oversight of the Department of Transportation's programs and operations. The agency is fundamentally committed to enhancing program efficiency and integrity by actively detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse across all transportation sectors.
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation: GLS operates with a focused team of 120 to 145 employees responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The agency works in tandem with its Canadian counterparts to manage essential lock facilities, promote maritime commerce, and ensure environmental stewardship along this vital international shipping corridor.
Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply!
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Get in Touch with Our Team!
We want to make sure you have everything you need to submit a successful application! Reach out to DOSTI staff at gmg-dotsi@gmgedu.com and we will be happy to assist you!
Click here to learn more about DOTSI and apply!
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