Will your agency need an intern next summer but you’re not sure how to find one? The Local Agency Transportation Internship Program (LATIP) connects local agency employers across Minnesota with current students pursuing careers in the field of transportation. LATIP aims to help city, county, and township agencies attract and develop the future workforce while giving students experience with real-world transportation projects.
The program is sponsored by Minnesota LTAP with funding from the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by the Center for Transportation Studies.
How it works
The program gathers summer internship postings and posts them in one online location for students to view and apply. LATIP also markets this collection of internship postings to students; in the pilot year, the program reached out to all five campuses of the University of Minnesota and to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Marketing is targeted to students in transportation-related areas of study through the program’s connection to student groups, faculty, and career services staff.
LATIP offers agencies support and follow-up during the interviewing and hiring process. This includes providing insight into applicant pool trends, suggested timelines, and additional opportunities for students. There’s no cost to submit a posting or to participate in the program. However, your agency is responsible for interviewing, hiring, and paying your selected candidate(s).
Students find direct links to agency applications on the LATIP website.
Pilot results
In 2021, a total of 16 positions were posted from 11 participating agencies. In a follow-up survey, 100 percent of the responders said they would participate in the program in future years and that it was very easy to participate. More than 40 percent of responders said they think participating in LATIP led to an increase in applicants. One survey comment: “This was a great start, and I think it will be a great program moving forward that we can expand.”
Plans for next year
In 2022 the program will expand its reach and include targeted marketing to community and technical school students in Minnesota.
“This new element of the program will help provide more students access to internships with transportation and public works departments in local agencies across the state, including those students pursuing two-year degrees,” says Stephanie Malinoff, director of Minnesota LTAP.
Learn more about how the program works and why your agency should consider posting a job next year with LATIP by visiting our page for employers. Job postings will be accepted November 1 to February 15. Beginning January 1, postings will be added to the website on a weekly basis. Student outreach will begin in late January to coincide with the start of spring semesters.