Internship Program

TVA internships offer up-close, hands-on experience. Join the team and you’ll become intimately involved in the work of the department you’re assigned to, participating in the day-to-day operations of the largest, most experienced public power utility in America. You’ll attend meetings, observe many different problem-solving approaches, and gain the experience and knowledge that come from being supervised by the best in the field—all this in a paid internship that can jump-start your career. TVA interns perform real work, not busy work.

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

Where do TVA interns work?

Interns work alongside TVA professionals in the laboratories, customer service centers, corporate offices, and nuclear, fossil, and hydro plants that comprise the TVA system. TVA operates 11 fossil plants, three nuclear plants, 29 hydroelectric dams, five combustion-turbine installations, a pumped-storage plant, and an environmental research center. Its facilities are located throughout the seven-state TVA region. The corporate offices are in Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

What projects do TVA interns work on?

TVA interns work directly in their fields of study, which might be engineering, computer science, environmental science, biology, marketing, communications, finance, business administration, or a number of others. As an intern, you might be assigned to develop operation and maintenance details for substations, switchyards, and electrical systems, or you might collect and analyze aquatic samples. Tasks vary depending on the internship location and the business of the TVA site.

How much do TVA interns earn? Do they receive benefits?

Interns earn between $10 and $13.50 per hour depending on their class standing and field of study. Most internships entail a 40-hour workweek for two to four months during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Salaries for graduate students vary based on business needs and budgets, but generally range from $13 to $14.50 per hour. Interns can take advantage of TVA’s fitness facilities (Live Well Centers), and they receive reimbursement for on-the-job travel and parking expenses. Relocation assistance is also available to help you locate temporary housing in the area where you’ll be working. For full-time interns there are some special incentives that make the experience even more rewarding, including a $500 stipend (less applicable taxes) and holiday pay if you worked with us during a previous semester.

What are the requirements?

We’d like to hear from you if you:

• Are enrolled in a four-year college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education
• Have completed at least your freshman year in college
• Have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Are at least 18 years old
• Have an identified course of study in a field that’s in demand by TVA
• Are not the child, stepchild, or spouse of an officer of TVA (i.e., vice-president and above)
• Successfully complete an interview.
• Demonstrate fitness for duty by passing alcohol and drug tests
• Are a U.S. citizen or meet the noncitizenship requirements outlined in TVA’s Citizenship Policy

What are the application deadlines?

• January 31 for summer internships (May through August)
• May 31 for fall internships (September through December)
• September 30 for spring internships (January through April)

How do I apply?

If you’d like to be considered for an internship, please submit the following by mail:

• A cover letter. In the letter you need to outline your objectives in seeking a TVA internship and explain how your academic coursework, prior work experience, and special skills and interests have prepared you for such an internship.
• The statement of interest. This is the form on which you indicate the semester you’d like to work and your preferences in work location.
• Your resume. Be sure to read the instructions for creating a scannable resume.
• A transcript. Send us a copy of your most recent academic transcript.
• The invitation to self-identify. Filling out this voluntary form allows TVA to comply with its equal employment opportunity commitments (PDF, 46 kb, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Mail these items to:

TVA Intern/Co-op Program
1101 Market St., EB 8B
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801

Please note: All application materials must be received in the mail in one package for the sender to be considered for an internship.

What happens after I apply?

Because of the large number of applications received by the program, it is impossible for us to notify individuals when their application is received. However, here is what you can expect after you apply:

• Managers request students by major and work location.
• Approximately one month after the application deadline, resumes of qualified candidates are sent to requesting managers for review.
• Managers review resumes, identify their top candidates, and contact the students to arrange interviews. Some interviews may be conducted by telephone.
• Following interviews, offers are made to the students selected.
• Students not selected are encouraged to reapply for a future session if interested.

TVA is an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. TVA ensures that the benefits of programs receiving TVA financial assistance are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age.

Non-U.S. residents should read TVA's Citizenship Policy.

Individuals interested in Veteran's Preference eligibility should read the Veteran's Handbook (PDF file, 225 kb, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).