Career Development

CTF supports your career every step of the way.

  • CTF Career Development

    Since its founding in 1988, the CTF Career Development Program has supported career days, technical scholastic competitions, mentoring opportunities and conference attendance. CTF supports programs that encourage K – 12 students to develop interests in technical subjects that will lead them into transportation-related careers and also college undergraduates to achieve degrees that equip them for professional transportation-related positions. CTF also supports the Student Engineering Mentoring Program sponsored by Caltrans Division of Engineering Services.

  • CTF Conference Connections Mentoring Program

    CTF Conference Connections pairs a seasoned professional with students at some of the top transportation conference in California to assist students in getting the most from their conference experience.

    We hope to be able to reintroduce Conference Connections in 2023. Check back soon for updates and opportunities.

  • Conference Travel Per Diem Program

    CTF has established a Conference Travel per diem Grant Program to help California transportation agency employees achieve enhanced levels of participation in national organizations. The intent is to support junior level people, with their organization’s approval, who are committee members or who have been asked to present transportation papers at annual meetings and special conferences. The Foundation will underwrite up to 50% of reasonable travel expenses. Apply for a per diem grant.>>

  • CTF Mentoring Activities

    The crown jewel of the CTF mentoring program is our annual Education Symposium. This two day event pairs industry leaders with outstanding students to help prepare them for joining the transportation workforce. CTF has recently implemented the Conference Connections program to give students the opportunity to attend industry events. CTF also supports the Student Engineering Mentoring Program sponsored by Caltrans Division of Engineering Services. If you are interested in becoming a CTF mentor get involved.>>

  • Career Days/ Job Fairs

    CTF has responded to requests to help fund co-sponsoring group participation in Career Days. Often, a Caltrans organizational unit adopts a school in order to encourage student interest in technical transportation careers. CTF helps to fund the activity.

  • Academic Competitions

    CTF recently supported middle school participation in the USDOT’s Transportation Futures Program. We also provide funding for awards for the TrigStar math competition at 13 high schools each year.

Internship Opportunities

  • Caltrans Student Assistant Program

    If you are attending an accredited college or university, the California Department of Transportation can offer you a challenging and rewarding paid job. This job will enhance your skills, provide career development and provide an opportunity to preview our Department for permanent employment after you graduate from college.

    Student Assistants are assigned work in various areas such as Project Development, Construction, Planning, Programming, Right of Way, Maintenance, New Technology and Research, Human Resources, Accounting, Equipment Services, and Legal.

    Student Assistants have an opportunity to work with Caltrans staff in any of our 12 District Offices located in Eureka, Redding, Marysville, Oakland, Stockton, Fresno, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Bishop, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego, and Caltrans Headquarters located in Sacramento. More information>>

  • LA Metro College Internships

    The Metro Internship Program is part of Metro’s “Career Ladder Program” initiative. The program offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students an opportunity to gain relevant work experience and job skills through a paid internship.

    The program enables students to learn about the transportation industry by applying classroom theories and concepts to “real world” work situations at the nation’s third largest public transportation agency.

    The type(s) of internship opportunities offered may include: accounting, administration, architectural design, bus and rail operations, administration, civil engineering, community relations, graphic design, government relations, marketing, mechanical engineering, media relations, project management, research, safety and security administration, talent acquisition, training and development, urban planning, and workforce planning.

    MIP internship assignments are reviewed every six months by the hiring department, and an intern has an opportunity to work up to two years.

    The program provides understanding of the basic principles and practices of public transportation logistics and management.

    Eligibility for the program is open to any student who is currently enrolled or registered at an accredited institution of higher learning.
    Apply Now>>

  • MTC College Internships

    Internships at MTC provide students with the opportunity to gain professional work experience in transportation planning, finance and operational projects. Internships are all located in Oakland, California, and are generally full-time from June through September (if available, Internships may be extended on a part-time basis through December). The internship may be in the following sections: Legislation and Public Affairs, Planning, Programming and Allocations, Traveler Coordination and Information, Highway and Arterial Operations, and Bridge Oversight and Operations.

    To qualify for an MTC internship, students must be enrolled at least part-time in a four-year undergraduate or graduate level curriculum. Individuals who have already graduated may be considered up to six (6) months post-graduation. MTC prefers students in the fields of: Transportation Planning, Transportation Engineering, City and Regional Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Studies, and Public Finance. Other closely related fields will be considered.
    More information>>

  • MTC High School Internships

    Each year MTC sponsors a High School Internship Program. The purpose of the program is to introduce high school students (in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade) to career opportunities in the field of transportation, to show them how public transportation agencies play an overall part in the community, county, and regional transportation operations, and to provide MTC’s transportation partners (such as traffic engineers at city and county public works departments or planners at transit agencies) with assistance. The program was conceived of by MTC’s Minority Citizens Advisory Committee to encourage young people who might not otherwise consider a career in transportation to do so. Students of all races and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
    More Information>>

  • Fehr & Peers College Internships

    Fehr & Peers interns take on similar tasks and responsibilities as a full-time entry-level staff. Internships are available in all of our offices for the semester, summer, or year. Interns must be at a junior or senior-level pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in transportation, civil or electrical engineering; urban and regional planning; or related major. Coursework and/or extracurricular activities in transportation are highly desirable.
    More information>>

  • HDR College Internships

    For more information about available internships at HDR click here.>>

  • HNTB Internships

    For more information about available internships at HNTB click here.>>

  • Mark Thomas Company Internships

    For more information about available internships at Mark Thomas Company click here.>>

  • Michael Baker International

    For more information about available internships at Michael Baker International click here.>>

  • WSP College Internships

    WSP Summer Internships for college students provide you the opportunity to connect with technical experts and strategic advisors, who can impart a wealth of collective experience and knowledge. WSP provides top Summer Interns with a scholarship to support them in their final year of study. For more information about available WSP internships click here.>>