Volpe's Pathways Internship Program attracted applicants from all over the country; some applicants were willing to relocate from as far as California. This year, 806 students applied and 27 were hired. The highly qualified students are matched with Volpe projects and staff that align with their degrees and career experience. This year, student trainees are dispersed among 19 divisions at Volpe.

At Volpe, students are given the opportunity to work in the public sector while gaining valuable experience in their field of interest. Abygail Mangar, a senior at the University of New Hampshire, will receive a degree in environmental engineering. She spent her time in the Facilities Management Office (RVP-50) observing the window replacement project and other efforts to further green Volpe's campus.

"The window replacement project going on here right now is great," Abygail said. "There is also a lighting audit going on to ensure that the building runs efficiently. This is exactly what I want to do: sustainable, green architecture."

Being paired with Volpe staff and projects helps the students gain experience and enables them to make decisions that help further their own careers. Adrien Vertil, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation mechanic for five years before attending UMASS Dartmouth, is interning with the Aircraft Wakes and Weather Division (RVT-75). He spends his days at Volpe archiving and collecting data. "This is a great experience. Everyone here is really approachable," Adrien said. "Working here has also made me realize the importance of computer programming courses and computer engineering." He plans to obtain his degree in electrical engineering and is thinking over a minor in computer engineering.

Ze Chen, a graduate student at Brown University, spent his time in the Energy, Analysis, and Sustainability Division (RVT-42) and in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Program Office (RVT-4A). Ze's work in the CAFE Program Office involved determining how fuel economy for various vehicle sizes (e.g., small pick-up trucks,tractor trailers, and family vehicles) is calculated using mathematical models. Volpe then does analysis and makes recommendations that influence regulations and policies to ensure that manufacturers create vehicles with better fuel economy. "I want to preserve the environment and it's really interesting to see how governmental regulations and policies come into fruition and affect the private sector," Ze said. He also worked on a project aiming to operate jets with environmentally friendly fuel.

After students graduate and complete the internship program, they may enter a permanent position or a term position at Volpe. When a student trainee completes this process and enters into a position, it is called a "conversion." In 2013, there were 13 conversions. Chris Becker, a Boston University graduate and former intern, is now a mechanical engineer with the Advanced Vehicle Technology Division (RVT-92). "It was a seamless transition," Chris said. He was attracted to Volpe's Pathways Program because it differed from a traditional co-op and offered clear future career opportunities. Although he completed his education and is now an employee, Chris said he is still learning from Volpe. "I've been working with principal investigator Qi Van Eikema Hommes, who is teaching me all sorts of things about systems engineering," Chris said. "It's like getting a whole other education."

The collaborative culture of Volpe isn't just evident between the student trainees and their mentors; it seems to be an integral part of the students' relationships with each other. At noon on any given day, the fresh-faced group of student trainees can be found outside the Marriott sharing lunch, "except on rainy days," said Abygail. "In my opinion, a lot of what makes a job or internship enjoyable is the relationships you build along the way, and this summer at Volpe has definitely become one of the most memorable experiences."

The Pathways Internship Program is a government-wide program that replaced the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Positions are available to students enrolled in school or qualifying degree programs.

Above: Volpe's 2013 interns enjoy lunch together in Kendall Square. (Volpe photo)