HBCU Rail Programs Unit Intern

State of North Carolina

1d•Onsite

About The Position

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation. Full-time Work Schedule, Monday- Friday, 40 hours per week Position: Rail Division Unit Intern Location: On-site-Transportation Building, 1 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC Internship Duration: 10-week internship (May 26-July 31, 2026) Description: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented intern to support freight and passenger rail initiatives focused on economic development, passenger rail planning, special events, and communications. This on-site internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting NC By Train services, freight rail economic development efforts, and public-sector outreach and marketing initiatives. The intern will be supervised by the Freight Rail and Economic Development Manager and will work closely with a Rail Division Fellow to provide administrative and programmatic support to Rail Division staff. The intern will collaborate with internal NCDOT partners and external agencies to support research, outreach, event planning, and communications activities that promote rail transportation across North Carolina.

Requirements

Required: Basic computer proficiency, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities.
Ability to manage time effectively, solve problems, and work collaboratively in an on-site environment.
Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and a willingness to learn.
To apply for this internship, please submit the following documents: Resume: Highlight your educational background, relevant coursework, skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Academic Transcript: Provide an unofficial or official transcript that lists your completed coursework, grades, and current GPA. This will help us assess your academic qualifications and areas of study.
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a currently enrolled student in a bachelors, masters, or professional level program at an accredited or recently graduated from a North Carolina Historically Black College/University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) by May 2026. 24 credit hours completed. Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale) Has legal right to work in the U.S. and do not need sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Coursework or experience related to public administration, public policy, business administration, economic development, planning, event planning, or communications.

Responsibilities

Conduct research to identify companies that use or may benefit from freight rail services using NAICS codes, Data Axle software, and other research tools.
Coordinate with the Rail Division GIS team to update maps showing business locations and rail facilities.
Schedule and support introductory meetings with municipal, county, and regional economic development agencies.
Engage with Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) agencies to research large tourism and business events along the NC By Train passenger rail corridor.
Assist with planning and execution of NC By Train special events, including clerical support, communications, and on-site event assistance.
Support communications and marketing efforts for passenger rail services, freight rail research, and special events by collaborating with NCDOT Communications and external partners.
Assist with tabling events and outreach activities in partnership with universities, sports teams, and other organizations.
Provide administrative and coordination support for freight and passenger rail research projects.
Participate in meetings with Rail Division staff and cross-functional NCDOT partners, including Communications, SIPS, IMD, and others.

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