Imagine stepping into a role where you’re not only learning skills for a future career, but also contributing to something bigger, the infrastructure and transit systems that keep our communities connected.
Serra Marquez, a Civil Engineering senior at the University of Notre Dame with a dedication to public transportation, took on that opportunity when she joined the Federal Transit Administration’s Diversity in Federal Transit Internship Program (DFT), managed by The Washington Center. Interning with the Capital Project Management group at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Serra experienced federal project management and was able to build skills, networks, and learn from mentors with decades of experience. Her journey shows just how powerful a public-sector internship can be for a student’s career trajectory, equipping them with skills, connections, and inspiration to shape the future of public transit and the communities it serves.
For those who dream of a career in public service, an internship within a federal agency can be more than a steppingstone; it’s a chance to make a tangible impact and gain firsthand insight into the vital work of government institutions. Read along as Serra shares her experiences and insights on interning at DOT and why she believes it’s a career-defining opportunity for those with a passion for public service.
Tell us about your internship responsibilities!
My day-to-day responsibilities were participating in meetings with my team to expand the Capital Investment Grant Funding Process, as well as assisting with the planning and coordination of the annual Capital Project Management (CPM) Workshop.
Tell us about a project you worked on during your internship that was either the most challenging, or the most exciting.
The most rewarding experience was the role I played in planning the CPM Workshop. This is an annual gathering of public and private sector employees to discuss best practices and lessons learned for projects across the country. It’s a way to make meaningful advances around investments in critical infrastructure projects that support millions of Americans.
Why did you decide to apply for this internship?
After interning with a private engineering consulting company in the summer of 2023, I wanted to experience working in the public sector. I searched online and found the Federal Transit Administration’s Diversity in Federal Transit Internship Program (DFT). I had no idea that it was the first year of the DFT Program, but I am so glad I found it and was able to participate.
I really valued the people I met throughout the program, whether it be the other interns with the same passion for transit and public transportation as myself, or my coworkers with years of experience and valuable insight.
Serra Marquez, a Civil Engineering senior at the University of Notre Dame, interning with the Capital Project Management group at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
What did you most value about your experience?
I really valued the people I met throughout the program, whether it be the other interns with the same passion for transit and public transportation as myself, or my coworkers with years of experience and valuable insight. I truly appreciated the connections I was able to make.
How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?
As someone interested in starting a career in transportation engineering, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was a great place to begin. I hope to continue to build the skills that the DFT Program helped me develop.
What advice would you give other students thinking about applying for an internship through TWC?
I would encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and apply! It was a great summer experience filled with professional and personal development as well as connections that will last a lifetime.
Interested in empowering your own professional ambitions via a funded federal government internship? Visit https://twc.edu/programs/federal to find the program that matches your passions.
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