NCDOT HBCU Procurement Intern

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Secretary

Job Classification Title

S-Education & Training (S)

Position Number

Grade

TS

About Us

Its the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus accountability and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Summer 2026 (May 2026 - July 2026)
Full-time Work Schedule
Monday- Friday 40 hours per week

This posting will fill positions and .

About the Role:

Procurement plays a critical role in ensuring organizations have the goods and services needed to operate efficiently and cost-effectively. Procurement specialists are at the center of supply chain management vendor negotiations and contract administration ensuring compliance value and quality. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to explore the dynamic field of procurement within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Interns will work closely with procurement teams to learn about sourcing strategies vendor evaluation and the broader impacts of procurement on business operations.
The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is dedicated to supporting its Purchasing and Procurement operations by inspiring and cultivating the next generation of talented professionals. Through this internship NCDOT aims to provide aspiring procurement specialists with the knowledge skills and hands-on experience needed to excel in the dynamic field of purchasing. Interns will gain valuable insights into procurement processes vendor management and strategic sourcing preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the organization and their future careers.

Internship Structure for Procurement Office Intern

Overview:
This 10-week internship (May 26 2026 to July 31 2026) provides an immersive and practical learning experience within NCDOTs Procurement Department. The internship is designed to support the departments mission of delivering best-value goods and services that enable the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to connect people products and places safely and efficiently.

Interns will assist with the solicitation and procurement of goods and services for various NCDOT divisions and business units gaining firsthand experience in public-sector procurement operations. Emphasis is placed on professional development skill-building and exposure to real-world procurement practices with the goal of preparing interns to become viable future employees within NCDOT.

NCDOTs Procurement Department operates with a strong commitment to integrity fairness transparency and compliance with public policy. Interns will work collaboratively with Procurement Specialist I and II staff and contribute meaningfully to day-to-day procurement activities while learning how procurement supports statewide transportation initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Interns will support Procurement Specialist I and II staff and participate in procurement activities related to less complex commodity purchases and simple service procurements in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes Administrative Code and NCDOT and DOA procurement manuals.
Introduction to Procurement and Analytics
Gain an understanding of procurement policies and procedures governed by General Statutes 143 and 136 Administrative Code and the DOA Purchase & Contract and NCDOT Procurement Manuals.
Learn how procurement authority is delegated and exercised within NCDOT.
Assist with the solicitation of goods and services for NCDOT divisions and business units.
Support day-to-day procurement processes that ensure timely and compliant acquisition of goods and services.
Develop professional communication analytical and organizational skills in a public-sector environment.
Tasks Include:
Assisting with the preparation of procurement documentation for less complex commodity and simple service purchases.
Obtaining required vendor quotes and supporting the development of bid packages.
Preparing and assisting with Requests for Quotes (RFQs) Invitations for Bid (IFBs) and exception documentation.
Drafting memorandums specifications and supporting documentation related to procurement initiatives.
Communicating with external vendors internal staff and other agencies to ensure procurement requirements are met.
Reviewing bid documentation for accuracy including specifications pricing terms and delivery requirements.
Assisting with posting and awarding solicitation documents in accordance with Administrative Code.
Supporting vendor conflict identification and resolution processes.
Entering maintaining and analyzing procurement and contract data in applicable systems.
Assisting with vendor performance reviews and contract compliance activities.
Collaborating with procurement staff to support purchasing decisions and operational needs.
Demonstrating professionalism and the ability to build effective working relationships with NCDOT employees management vendors and external partners.
Performing additional duties as assigned.

About the Procurement Department:

NCDOTs Procurement Office is responsible for overseeing the acquisition of goods and services for all divisions and business units except for construction-related projects managed by the Division of Highways. Key responsibilities include:
Training and providing oversight for the acquisition process.
Serving as the liaison between NCDOT and the Division of Purchase and Contract (P&C).
Ensuring customer satisfaction in terms of cost quality and timeliness.
Promoting competition minimizing administrative costs and maintaining public trust.

Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to these goals gaining firsthand experience in fulfilling public policy objectives and participating in a procurement process designed to operate with integrity fairness and transparency.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Preferences for Candidates:

• Education Level: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a college-level program.
• Majors: Business Administration Supply Chain Management Logistics Economics or related fields.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in data entry and tools like Microsoft Excel procurement software or ERP systems.
  • Strong analytical skills to synthesize data into actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach.
• Attributes:
  • Interest in procurement and supply chain operations.
  • Adaptability eagerness to learn and attention to detail.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.

Application Requirements:

To apply for this internship please submit the following documents:

Resume:

• Highlight your educational background relevant coursework skills work experience and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

Academic Transcript:

• Provide an unofficial or official transcript that lists your completed coursework grades and current GPA. This will help us assess your academic qualifications and areas of study.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a currently enrolled full-time student in a bachelors masters or professional level program at an accredited or recently graduated from a North Carolina Historically Black College/University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) by May 2026.
• 24 credit hours completed.
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale)
• Has legal right to work in the U.S. and do not need sponsorship.
  

To help you with your interview we suggest that you do your research: know some background about NCDOT and the business area to which you are applying. We also suggest that you practice your interview skills by discussing your experience and job history with a family member friend or mentor.

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More Information About The Office of HBCU Outreach:

Website:NCDOT: HBCU/MIHE Internship Program

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs observances and practices.

Recruiter:

Alexis Leanne Palcher

Email: