U.S. Department of Energy Internships: Requirements and Eligibility

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers a multitude of internship opportunities spanning various fields, from science and technology to engineering, national security, international affairs, and business. These internships are designed to provide students and recent graduates with invaluable experience and exposure to the DOE's multifaceted mission. The DOE values interns, apprentices, recent graduates, and other early-career professionals as essential members of its highly skilled workforce.

Why Intern with the DOE?

Interning with the DOE provides access to world-class scientific user facilities and instrumentation, along with large-scale multidisciplinary research programs unavailable in academic institutions or industry. The DOE's 17 groundbreaking National Laboratories are at the forefront of solving today’s most critical scientific challenges, offering unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge research alongside leading scientists and engineers. Interns have the opportunity to engage with new areas of research and learn a lot about the work environment.

The DOE’s strategic priorities include scientific discovery, economic prosperity, secure energy, national security, and the safe environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. Its expansive mission translates into numerous opportunities in a variety of fields such as STEM, national security, international affairs, business, and program development.

Pathways Programs: An Overview

The DOE offers engaging opportunities for students and recent graduates through the federal Pathways Programs, which include the Internship Program and the Recent Graduates Program, as well as the DOE Student Experience Program.

Internship Program

The Internship Program is designed for current students enrolled in a high school, college, trade school, or other qualifying institution. To apply, students must be enrolled at least part-time in school or an educational program, which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs and certain volunteer service programs. The Internship Program offers paid work opportunities at DOE.

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Recent Graduates Program

The Recent Graduates Program provides a 1-year developmental opportunity at DOE for those who have graduated within the previous 2 years from a qualifying educational institution or career or technical educational program. This may include programs like Registered Apprenticeships, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps.

DOE Student Experience Program

The DOE's Student Experience Program partners with educational institutions that provide stipends to participating students, allowing them to gain experiential learning opportunities at DOE. These opportunities help students develop skills needed in today's workforce while learning about DOE's exciting mission. Students must be enrolled not less than half-time in a trade school, technical or vocational institute, college or university, or other accredited educational institution.

Specific Internship Programs and Eligibility

Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program

The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program encourages students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at DOE laboratories. Currently enrolled full-time students attending an accredited community college, 2-year colleges, and 4-year institutions are encouraged to apply to the SULI program.

Eligibility Requirements for SULI:

Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited institution.
Completed at least one semester as a matriculated undergraduate student at the time of applying.
Completed at least 6 credit hours of postsecondary courses in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology disciplines, and must have completed at least 12 credit hours towards a degree by the time they apply. Advanced Placement credits or other undergraduate credits obtained prior to undergraduate enrollment (i.e. dual enrollment credit) are not applicable.
Have a cumulative minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all completed courses taken as a matriculated student at the applicant's current (or recently-graduated) institution and at any institutions attended as a matriculated postsecondary student during the 5 years preceding the start of the most recent enrollment.
Recent graduates are defined as applicants who will have completed their undergraduate degree prior to starting their internship.
Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status will be requested at the time an internship offer is accepted. This requires presentation of documentation such as a U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate (born in the U.S. citizen) Abroad, or Certification of Birth. Applicants with a LPR status are encouraged to contact their DOE National Laboratory/facility of interest during the time of application due to the lead time for required processes for foreign national access to the laboratory/facility.

Community College Internships (CCI) Program

The Community College Internships (CCI) program seeks to encourage community college students to enter technical careers relevant to the DOE mission by providing technical and engineering training experiences.

NETL Internship Programs

The NETL Internship Programs administered by ORISE offer opportunities to participate in hands-on, energy-related research through three competitive internships and research fellowship programs. Participants team up with world-class researchers and scientists, use one-of-a-kind equipment and facilities, collaborate with subject matter experts and professionals, author/co-author papers, presentations and other publication materials, and attend/present at conferences and workshops. Stipends are provided along with allowances for housing and travel, and no experience is required.

General Eligibility Requirements

Some internship programs may have slightly different eligibility criteria. However, some general requirements often apply:

Be either a full time or part-time student.
Have an undergraduate cumulative minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for all completed courses taken as a matriculated student at the applicant's current institution and at any undergraduate institutions attended as a matriculated postsecondary student during the 5 years preceding the start of the current enrollment.
If your overall cumulative GPA is below a 3.0, WDTS requires applicants with a GPA below a 3.0 to write a waiver statement to justify the reason (such as extenuating circumstances) for the GPA and how acceptance into the internship will enhance their academic performance.
Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status will be requested at the time an internship offer is accepted. This requires presentation of documentation such as a U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate (born in the U.S. citizen) Abroad, or Certification of Birth. Applicants with a LPR status are encouraged to contact their DOE National Laboratory/facility of interest during the time of application due to the lead time for required processes for foreign national access to the laboratory/facility.

How to Apply

To apply for DOE Federal internship positions, visit USAJOBS. For ORISE Internships & Fellowships, refer to the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) website.

Typically, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, an official copy of their transcripts or academic record, and a minimum of two references at the time they apply. Additional requirements such as a writing sample, thesis or dissertation, etc. may be required. Family members may not serve as references. References must be able to speak to your educational and/or professional experience.

Additional Information

Not all opportunities have application deadlines. Some opportunities remain open until they are filled.
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