Frequently Asked Questions
Below are our frequently asked questions that are organized by topic.
Engineer Development
No, engineer interns on rotation will travel around the state throughout the 9-month rotation period. Field assignment locations are flexible and can be chosen based on proximity to your residence. While on rotation, the Engineer Workforce Development Division will arrange hotel accommodations for rotation assignments not located within a reasonable commute from the engineer’s residence.
Yes, one of the features that makes the rotation program unique is that rotating engineers are allowed to choose their field assignment locations. View field assignment options and locations.
University Design Team Program
The University Design Team Program is a one-of-a-kind program where students are employed as full-time employees year-round, with work schedules tailored to accommodate their classes. This program provides long-term experience and offers a pathway to full-time employment with ODOT upon graduation.
The Summer Engineer Internship Program, on the other hand, is a temporary position designed to give students exposure to the transportation industry before pursuing full-time employment. These internships are limited to the summer months.
Yes, all Design Team student employees are considered full-time employees and are eligible for state benefits, including insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sick leave.
Within ODOT, engineers are designated as apprentices until they pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Upon successful completion, they earn the title of Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
Summer Engineer Internship Program
The University Design Team Program is a one-of-a-kind program where students are employed as full-time employees year-round, with work schedules tailored to accommodate their classes. This program provides long-term experience and offers a pathway to full-time employment with ODOT upon graduation.
The Summer Engineer Internship Program, on the other hand, is a temporary position designed to give students exposure to the transportation industry before pursuing full-time employment. These internships are limited to the summer months.
No, summer interns are considered temporary employees and are only employed for the duration of the summer program. As a result, they are not eligible for state benefits during this period.
As it applies to summer internships, ODOT uses the terms “Summer Engineer Intern” and “Engineer Apprentice” interchangeably. The designation of an “Engineer Intern” is defined by the Oklahoma State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) and requires the individual to have obtained their Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification. ODOT recognizes that most applicants for the Summer Engineer Internship do not fit the legal definition of an Engineer Intern as defined by the Board and therefore refers to Summer Engineer Interns as Engineer Apprentices.
STEM Outreach Program
STEM kit orders are placed the week following the workshop. The typical turnaround time is about one week from the order date, though this may vary depending on holiday schedules.
Yes! If space allows, we are happy to welcome returning participants. However, due to funding limitations, we can only provide one (1) free kit per participant. Schools may send a new teacher or participant, who would be eligible for a free kit. If you’d like to purchase an additional kit to complement your existing one, we can arrange an order for you.
To request an engineer for your classroom, please email ODOTSTEM@odot.ok.gov. Be sure to include your location and details about the lesson you’ll be teaching so we can match you with the best engineer in that field to assist you.
Each school year, we host two STEM workshops. The locations are determined based on the geographic distribution of participants to ensure a centrally located facility whenever possible. While we strive to make workshops accessible, all interested participants are welcome to attend, even if the workshop is not held near them.
