The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is shaping future leaders through its internship program, with over 630 students getting a taste of real-world infrastructure challenges this summer. This initiative, extending beyond padding resumes, provides a direct involvement in projects that affect those living in the heart of Texas, as detailed in a report by TxDOT.
One intern, Joshua Samuel working in the maintenance division conveyed, “I enjoy working at TxDOT as an intern because it gives me hands-on experience in important projects that help Texans.” This sentiment echoes through the testimonials of many other participants including Poran Sufi, a construction intern, who found the experience incredibly enriching and conducive to gaining practical skills in transportation infrastructure. Despite the program's focus on infrastructure, Adam Holeman learned that a critical aspect of the work is building relationships, “The biggest thing I have learned is how to build and maintain relationships and their importance,” he told TxDOT.
Outside the office, interns like Jehma Nesbit and Emmanuel Munoz are extending their experience to the community, representing TxDOT at local high school career fairs. Through their youthful relatability, they succeeded in easing the communication barrier between students and professionals, observed Paris District Area Engineer Daniel Taylor.
The internship program, operational year-round, is part of TxDOT's commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Indeed, it has proven effective, as more than 1,200 employees at TxDOT have their origins as summer interns. Among them is Melia Fleetwood, who transitioned from intern to TxDOT's Human Resources generalist. “I learned from amazing mentors who were in the roles I wanted to be in post-graduation,” Fleetwood elaborated to TxDOT. “My internship ultimately gave me the skills and confidence to be able to succeed in a permanent position.”
