Professional Development Program

Chimai Ngo Community Planner Office of Human Environment, Washington, DC Chimai Ngo received a B.S. in Architecture from the Catholic University of America and Master's in Planning from the University of Virginia. She completed the Professional Development Program in the Planning Option with assignments in the former FHWA Region 6 Office in Forth Worth, TX; the Sacramento, CA, Council of Governments Office; and the FHWA Headquarters Office in Washington, D.C. Chimai stated, "During the program, I obtained excellent, broad experience on the federal-aid highway program and especially FHWA planning functions . . . Having assignments in various offices in different parts of the country gave me a great opportunity to learn different perspectives in the transportation field and contributed significantly to my professional development."

The FHWA Requirement

Sincere Interest

For applicants with sincere interest in highway transportation and technology, the Professional Development Program can lead to a rewarding career in the FHWA. Selections for the program are made on the basis of qualifications, abilities, and interest.

Degree Requirement

College students can start the Professional Development Program when they have completed all the requirements for the Bachelor's or Master's degree in civil engineering or related transportation, technical or planning specialities; or business or public administration, political science, law, finance or real estate.

Applicants receiving a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or those who already have the degree, must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain eligibility at the GS-7 or GS-9 level under the Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Standards. Your college placement office or the Office of Personnel Management can provide you with further details regarding these requirements.

Mobility Requirement

Many individuals begin their careers, graduate to positions with increased responsibility, and reach their full potential in the Federal Highway Administration by taking advantage of so many possibilities available across the Nation.

The FHWA Professional Development Program emphasizes diversity of experience as a key element in the preparation of our most capable employees for higher level positions. This means that geographic and occupational mobility is a necessity. This policy has two purposes:

• First, to meet FHWA needs for broadly experienced personnel.

• Second, to enhance career opportunities for employees.

Candidates selected for the Professional Development Program must be willing to maintain geographic mobility not only within the development program but throughout their careers. The location of a participant's first assignment upon completing the development program, will primarily depend on the needs of the FHWA. As employees continue in their careers, they have the opportunity to apply for agency positions throughout the Nation.