6 tips for government agencies hiring students, recent grads for early career transportation jobs

To some, the idea of working in transportation for a government agency invokes the image of a bus driver for a city’s transit system. Yes, that is one kind of transportation role, but transportation isn’t limited to moving people by bus from point A to B. It also includes transporting people, goods, and other items via air, rail, ship, and other means.

We’ve gathered insights from six industry experts, including marketing team leaders and directors, in an effort to better understand how government agencies, particularly those that are federal or otherwise large, can best hire the next generation of talent for the transportation sector. Their advice ranges from leveraging digital-native skills to establishing hands-on internship programs.

• Showcase Culture via Social Media
• Leverage Digital-Native Skills
• Invest in Understanding Young Professionals
• Highlight Dynamic Transportation Elements
• Create a “Future of Transportation” Program
• Establish Hands-On Internship Programs

Showcase Culture via Social Media

My advice is to utilize social media and other online platforms to showcase your agency’s culture and values. Many young professionals are active on social media and will be drawn to organizations that have a strong online presence and engage with their audience.

In my experience, networking and word-of-mouth marketing are very effective in attracting talented individuals. Consider partnering with universities and attending career fairs, hosting informational sessions, or offering internships and co-op programs. This will allow you to directly connect with potential candidates and give them a glimpse into the inner workings of your agency.

I focus on highlighting opportunities for growth and development within the organization to entice young professionals who are looking for long-term career prospects. Emphasize any mentorship programs, training initiatives, or leadership opportunities that your agency offers.

My best tip is to encourage current employees to refer their peers or classmates who they believe would be good fits for your agency. This can create a strong sense of community and camaraderie within the workplace and attract like-minded individuals.

Daniel Cook, HR / Marketing Executive, Mullen and Mullen

Leverage Digital-Native Skills

In my opinion, a large governmental agency that aims to attract college students and recent graduates for marketing and advertising roles should leverage their digital-native skills by offering innovative and technologically advanced work environments. This generation values workplaces that embrace modern technologies and digital tools. 

Highlighting the agency’s commitment to digital transformation and the use of cutting-edge marketing platforms, analytics, and social media strategies can attract tech-savvy young professionals. Showcasing how the agency uses data-driven approaches to create impactful campaigns will resonate with this audience, who are often eager to work in environments that are at the forefront of digital innovation.

Lucy Wenham, Marketing Team Leader, ID Card Centre

Invest in Understanding Young Professionals

If I were to give a piece of advice to a large government organization trying to draw new graduates and college students for jobs in transportation, it would be to really invest in knowing their goals and expectations. I have seen personally for years just how important it is to interact with young people who are entering the workforce. These days, young professionals seek more than just a paycheck. They are looking for roles that offer meaningful work, opportunities for personal growth, and an alignment with their values—especially around sustainability and innovation in transportation.

Demonstrating a commitment to these aspects can really make a difference. Engage them where they are, maybe at university career fairs or on social media, and highlight projects and activities of your agency that speak to their vision of a better future. I think that by applying these ideas, a government agency could greatly appeal to the younger generation eager to change the transportation scene because this strategy has attracted driven people to our team.

James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]

Highlight Dynamic Transportation Elements

I remember doing a successful project at a local university, where we exhibited luxury yachts and shared our professional travel adventures. Students loved the elegance and prestige of our brand, as well as our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. My advice to government agencies would be to focus on the dynamic elements of the transportation sector, such as innovation, problem-solving, and local impact. 

Share your team members’ stories, their challenges, and successes. Emphasize opportunities for growth, development, and real change in people’s lives. By showcasing the human side of travel, you will attract young talent eager to make their mark.

Damian Comito, Director, Lavish Limousines

Create a ‘Future of Transportation’ Program

One piece of advice I’d give to a large governmental agency looking to attract college students and recent graduates for careers in transportation is: to create a “Future of Transportation” innovation program.

Here’s how I envision this program:

1. Project-Based Internships – Offer short-term, high-impact projects that allow students to work on real transportation challenges.

2. Tech Integration – Emphasize how cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics are reshaping transportation.

3. Sustainability Focus – Highlight opportunities to contribute to eco-friendly transportation solutions, appealing to environmentally conscious young professionals.

4. Mentorship Opportunities – Pair interns with experienced professionals to provide guidance and career insights.

5. Clear Career Pathways – Outline potential career trajectories within the agency, showing long-term growth opportunities.

At Younium, we’ve implemented a similar approach in our recruitment strategy. For instance, we offer “innovation sprints” where interns work on developing new features for our subscription management platform. This has significantly increased our appeal to young talent.

To attract the brightest minds of the next generation, we need to speak their language. For today’s graduates, that means offering opportunities to innovate, make a real impact, and contribute to a sustainable future. By positioning transportation careers as innovative and impactful, governmental agencies can tap into the same enthusiasm and talent pool that drives the tech industry.

Emelie Linheden, VP of Marketing, Younium AB

Establish Hands-On Internship Programs

With over a decade in travel and tourism, I’ve seen the value of attracting young talent to the transportation industry. I advise a large governmental agency to establish an internship or mentorship program for college students and recent graduates. This program should offer hands-on experience, diverse role exposure, and networking opportunities. 

Emphasize how transportation affects daily life, the economy, and sustainability to attract interest. Show potential for growth and advancement to make careers in transportation appealing. Investing in programs like these creates skilled, passionate professionals who will innovate and advance the industry.

Peter Hamdy, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Auckland & Beyond Tours