1DOT Pathways Internship, Business, Policy & Operations Trainee

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the education requirements for each grade in which you are requesting consideration: GS-03: Completion of one academic year of post-high school study. GS-04: Completion of two academic years of post-high school study or associate's degree. GS-05: Completion of four academic years of post-high school study leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.

GS-07: Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

OR Superior Academic Achievement: In the upper one-third of graduating class; OR a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0, as recorded on official transcript, or based on courses completed during final 2 years of curriculum; OR a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0, based on average of required courses completed in major or required courses in major completed the final 2 years of curriculum. Due to the education requirement of this position, an official or unofficial transcript must be submitted at the time of application.

If transcripts are not received, you will be rated as ineligible. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior to a final offer of employment. You may use 2026 in-progress semester/quarter hours to qualify for a higher grade level. Qualifications will be determined based on completed and in-progress hours stated on your unofficial transcript submitted at the time of application.

You must provide updated transcripts that show any/all degrees conferred, current grades and registration with cumulative GPA to support your educational claims (acceptance letter is also required if applicable to current academic status). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree.

A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - click here. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of subject area typically provided by college-level courses sufficient to perform a variety of assignments to broaden skills and gain practical experience. Ability to assist higher graded teammates in developing material for briefings, reports, presentations and conference materials.

Ability to participate in meetings, events, and briefings. Skill in oral and written communication.

The 1DOT Internship Program empowers aspiring public servants to engage directly with the operational and policy challenges shaping modern government. Positioned across the Department of Transportation (DOT), interns collaborate with program analysts, economists, financial experts, engineers and human resources professionals to advance national transportation initiatives.

Participants actively coordinate business operations, gaining firsthand exposure to how policy, finance, safety, and human capital intersect to sustain and modernize the nation's transportation systems.

The Business Operations Student Trainee works in support of the office they are assigned to which may include: Performing a variety of analytical and administrative assignments selected to broaden skills and provide practical experience aimed at developing the employee's ability to perform progressively complex business, policy, and program support tasks.

Performing assignments designed to orient, train, and increase the student's knowledge in economics, management analysis, financial management, safety oversight, human resources, administrative support, and/or transportation program operations. Assisting analysts, specialists, and program staff with the collection, review, organization, and interpretation of business, financial, workforce, safety, and/or transportation-related data.

Assisting in the development of materials for briefings, reports, presentations, policy documents, communications products, and executive summaries for supervisors and leadership. The Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students passionate about driving business operations, organizational management, and public policy within the federal government.

Academic Background: Preferably currently enrolled in a relevant degree program, including Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Communications, Management, Data Analytics, Transportation, or a related discipline. Core Competencies: A demonstrated track record of analytical problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational capabilities, and exceptional communication skills.

Mission Alignment: A proactive eagerness to learn and directly apply business, financial, and policy concepts to optimize real-world government operations and advance the national transportation sector. The 1DOT Internship Program integrates on-the-job training with pertinent education by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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