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Program Details

The Ready2Work (R2W) Internship will provide you with a great learning experience within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE sponsors more physical science than any other U.S. federal agency, but with over 14,000 employees and 90,000 contractors, DOE is a lot more than just science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students (undergraduates and graduate) and recent graduates (within the last two years) in a wide variety of disciplines can find an opportunity to be a part of the DOE’s mission “to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”

Students and recent graduates in these areas are encouraged to apply:

  • Engineering - Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Material, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Nuclear, and Petroleum
  • Sciences - Biological, Computer, Information Technology, Geology, Math, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Physics
  • Social Sciences - Economics, International Relations, Law, National Security, Organizational Psychology, Policy, Political Science and Sociology
  • Business - Accounting, Business Administration, Communication, Finance, Management, and Public Administration

R2W Internship offers 12-week appointments starting with a virtual R2W Internship Prep course to get you ready for your summer assignment. The R2W Internship Prep is part-time and culminates in an in-person orientation at DOE headquarters in Washington, D.C. Some assignments may continue during the academic year based on project and student availability.

Do something big this summer—intern with the DOE!



 

  • Why should I apply?

    Details and information about the benefits of applying for this appointment.

    As a program participant, you will gain:

    • Develop Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
      Starting with the R2W Internship Prep and throughout your internship you will participate in activities to help you hone your interpersonal and leadership skills, develop your professional identity, and network with peers and other professionals at DOE.
    • Access professional development training
      The Office of Minority Economic Impact has developed Ready2Work (R2W) professional development modules to prepare you to navigate the path to a federal career and compete for employment opportunities with DOE and the federal government.
    • Increase your technical knowledge and learn about the DOE
      During your internship, you will be mentored by a subject-matter professional.  Additionally, you will join your R2W Internship peers in weekly sessions to learn from leaders across the DOE complex.
  • Intern Selection Process

    Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and compliance before moving forward to the merit review and final selection.

    Applications are reviewed by potential mentors to determine if there is a match between your knowledge, skills, and interests, and the available projects. Mentors may contact you for interviews and will submit selections to ORISE. Mentor selection is only part of the review process and does not guarantee that you will be selected for participation. Only ORISE, on behalf of the R2W Internship and based on the recommendations of the hosting facilities, can offer you a R2W internship. Formal offers will be sent through Zintellect.

  • Conditions of the Appointment

    Information on commitment, health insurance, reporting and policies.

    • Verification of enrollment and GPA

      • Current Students: At the time the appointment is accepted, you must provide copies of official transcripts to verify the GPA requirement and proof of enrollment during the Winter/Spring academic term. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as of Fall academic term is required to participate.
      • Recent Graduates: At the time appointment is accepted, you must provide copies of official transcripts to verify graduation within the past two years (Spring semester 2023 or later) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

      Length of the Appointment

      The R2W Internship program offers 12-week summer internships. Some offices may offer interns the opportunity to continue their internship during the academic year.

      Facility Access and Security Clearances

      Internships are contingent upon receipt of the necessary approvals to access the assigned facility/office.

      Citizenship

      U.S. citizenship is required for participation in the program. Hosting facilities may require documentation to verify your citizenship status.

  • What will I receive?

    This section describes the stipend and travel allowances available.

    Stipends

    • Undergraduate student - $750/week
    • Graduated with bachelor’s degree - $850/week
    • Graduate student - $950/week
    • Graduated with master’s degree - $1,050/week
    • Graduated with a doctoral degree - $1,150/week

    In-person Internship Allowances

    • Travel: You will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for inbound/outbound transportation expenses from your current address to the assigned location if the distance is over 50 miles. Travel arrangements and reimbursement are based on the most direct and expeditious mode of transportation. ORISE is available to make travel arrangements and purchase plane or train tickets for participants if requested.
    • Housing: If you relocate more than 50 miles one-way from your current location, you will be eligible for a weekly housing supplement to offset expenses associated with lodging during the internship. Supplement levels depend on the location of your internship and will vary from $374 - $777/week. The housing supplement will be added to your weekly stipend.
    • Commute: A $50/week supplement will be provided to offset the cost of commuting to and from your internship site.

    Virtual Internships

    If no relocation is required to complete your summer appointment, you will receive a stipend supplement of $150 per week to offset the cost of remote participation.

    Travel to In-person Opening Ceremony

    The program will cover the cost of your travel to Washington, D.C. for the R2W Internship opening ceremony.

    Academic Year Internships

    Stipends and other provisions after the summer session will be determined based on the expected level of effort.

    Training and Professional Development

    You will have multiple opportunities to participate in individual and group professional development activities to further your skills and abilities.

    Opening and Closing Ceremonies

    You will travel to Washington, D.C. for the opening ceremony which will be held at DOE Headquarters. The summer will finish with a closing ceremony that provides you an opportunity to showcase your summer projects.

    Professional Development Sessions

    Professional development opportunities will be scheduled during the summer. The program kicks off with R2W Internship Prep, which includes virtual workshops and meetings to help set you up for a strong start to your internship experience. R2W Internship Prep culminates in an in-person session in Washington, D.C.

    Throughout the summer the Monday Morning Mentor sessions will provide you an opportunity to learn from leaders across the DOE complex. The R2W Professional Development Training will guide you through the process of preparing for and applying for federal positions.

    ORISE Learn

    You will have access to the following professional development modules:

    • Effective Science Presentations
    • Making a Great Poster
    • Professional Branding: Resume Workshop
    • Volunteerism in Science
    • Ignite Talks
    • Scientific Code of Conduct
  • Nature of Appointment

    This program is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

    Interns will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, or the hosting site. Instead, interns will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.