Transportation Internship Application for College

Q. The transportation industry requires contributions from almost every field of study. What is your familiarity with careers in transportation? Considering your major (Public Administration/Business. What contributions can you make to Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)?

As a public administration and business major, I am profoundly aware of the impact that transportation can have upon urban development and fostering a booming economy. Efficient transportation reforms may include well-planned highways for commuters, public transportation options to lessen the strain upon infrastructure, and rail and other options to enable businesses to keep a free flow of goods and services across state and city borders. These are all critical to create a more livable environment. Transportation improvements can also enhance the ability of people to access a city’s resources, including stores, public parks, and gyms. It can open up the ability of residents to seek out better employment and educational possibilities.

When transportation is not functional, people may decide to remain in less advantageous jobs, select unhealthier food options because of proximity, and engage in fewer positive leisure activities, and consume fewer goods and services. They may stay home rather than go shopping or seek out services at a business. My dual major in the field of public transportation and business has made me very aware of how positive actions by public governments are needed to support private enterprises and how improving citizens’ economic and personal health can have a positive, spiraling effect on the economy.

As a football player for Sanford University, improving the health of others by improving the structure and accessibility of community spaces where exercise is possible is another personal passion of mine. Because of my sports schedule, I have not yet had the opportunity to work in my field, and this internship would be an ideal launching pad into the type of employment I hope to seek after graduation. I know it could make me a greater asset to the businesses I hope to work for in my chosen field.

Q2. Why do you want to participate in Transportation Workforce Development (TWD)? How can this program assist with meeting your career goals and why should you be considered to participate in the TWD program?

My ultimate goal is to work for a transportation company specializing in freight and heavy hauling (trucks, trains, boats, and planes). I wish to better understand the intersection of public administration and business in regard to transportation, and participating in the Transportation Workforce Development (TWD) program would enable me to get a better understanding of the industry as a whole in a hands-on fashion, in a way I cannot solely through academic study. Transportation and logistics are critical to the economy, to commerce and to society; and every person working in the supply chain plays a tremendous role. I wish to better understand how to fit into that larger picture of how transportation can improve business, and therefore improve the free flow of goods, the economy, and people’s lives.

The transportation industry is always changing, and business needs regarding transportation have been affected by shifts in how information is transmitted as well as business needs. The recent pandemic demonstrated how a failure of information regarding consumer and supplier needs could create critical shortages. Access to goods and services can profoundly affect the health of the economy and the community.