NASA really provided an authentic work experience. I had the opportunity to work alongside the most knowledgeable engineers on real projects that involve air and space program that shape the future of technological advancements.
What I wish was different
Working in government is the best way to start one’s career for since you receive exposure to an opportunistic engineering environment that cannot compete with any other company. However, there are limitations while working in government project. I wish that NASA had better prepared me for that aspect of engineering. The benefit though is becoming knowledgeable in budgeting and finances, which is crucial in the engineering world.
Advice
My advice to students would be to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Do not look at your colleagues as just your friends, but as your opponents as well. This mindset will allow you to achieve more than what is expected from any company. This NASA internship was one of three NASA opportunities I had, totaling to three different facilities. Hard work is the direct correlation to success. I did not get to this point by just making sure my homework gets in on time; I got here by being individually driven by my passion of aerospace, by never waiting for something to happen, by going above and beyond what is expected for my personal satisfaction. That is my pure impetus and advice to not only engineers, but anyone who lives to see purpose in their lives and for the betterment of the world.
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Software Engineer Intern
May - July 2017 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
My mentor told me that the one thing that made me stand out from the hundreds of other applicants were my essays. She said they gave an insight to the passion I have for both software development, and for space exploration!
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Test Engineer Intern
June - August 2018 • Wallops Island, VA
What I liked
I really enjoyed the work environment and how helpful everybody there was. No one made me feel silly when I asked questions.
What I wish was different
I wish the work had been a little more exciting. I was testing software, so it was mostly just working while sitting at a computer.
Advice
I was hesitant to take this job at first, but I'm very glad I did! Even though it wasn't the most exciting, it gave me more industry experience and has allowed me to narrow down goals for my career in the future. Take any job offers thrown your way, especially if they're from a pretty well-known employer.
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Undergraduate Intern
May 2018 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
Got to see the inner workings of a NASA mission as well as be an important part of a team.
What I wish was different
More hands-on group experience.
Advice
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Intern
June - August 2019 • Hampton, VA
What I liked
Fun and collaborative environment. Everyone was so passionate about what they were working on that it was exciting to discuss it with them. A lot of responsibility given for your project.
What I wish was different
Advice
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SCaN Intern
June - August 2018 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
Got to tour NASA facilities and met a ton of great people. It was an exciting experience that I will recommend to anyone and everyone.
What I wish was different
Advice
I would highly recommend it and don't be afraid to apply. There are positions for all majors.
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Pathways Intern (Materials Science Branch)
May - August 2019 • Cape Canaveral, FL
What I liked
The entire experience was phenomenal! The work I was given was meaningful and helped to support the various projects ongoing at the Kennedy Space Center by NASA Personnel and contractors. My coworkers were all very nice people who were very willing to provide help when needed, show me around their labs, or give me a project when I had down time. While my work did not have me working with any other interns or co-ops, as there are so many places engineers can go to work at KSC, there were still plenty of opportunities for me to socialize with fellow interns and network during the summer.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have stayed longer, but as this is a co-op position I will be returning Summer 2020 to continue work!
Advice
Definitely make an effort to network and get to know people. During an internship or co-op, this can lead to your involvement in projects you otherwise would not have known about, which will provide substance to your resume, making you more valuable not only to the company or organization you work for, but any other potential employers. Also try to get involved, be it with employee organizations or public outreach events as these also help with networking. Finally, try to make it to at least one launch on center! It's an entirely different experience when you can actually see the rocket leave the pad.
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Intern
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
It was a great experience working within the Strateic Investment Division for the OCFO. Great mentors and working environment!
What I wish was different
Advice
Embrace the opportunity!
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Intern
June - August 2019 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
Everything
What I wish was different
Advice
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Quantum Communications Intern
June - August 2018 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
Fantastic work environment. Managers actively encouraged interns to attend lectures & educational experiences. Excellent mentor support, and plenty of autonomy. Hands down, the best learning experience I've ever had.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Atmospheric Research Intern
May 2018 • Hampton, VA
What I liked
The people and the field work. The opportunity to work with and learn from the best in the field.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been closer to home.
Advice
Don't go into a position with NASA always expecting to be a formal setting. Come prepared to learn and be pushed out of your comfort zone.
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Engineering Intern
August 2019 • Las Cruces, NM
What I liked
Surrounded by friendly, experienced, helpful, intelligent, hard working individuals. The site provided lots of opportunities to learn from a variety of scientific disciplines.
What I wish was different
Advice
Ask a ton of questions, share your passions and driving forces. By doing those things I was put in touch with people from different NASA centers working on things that interest me. Volunteer your services and ask to take part in activities.
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Engineering intern
May - August 2019 • Houston, TX
What I liked
Great leadership, mentoring, work schedule, and pay
What I wish was different
Advice
If you have a mentor, learn as much as you can from them
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Intern
June 2018 • Pasadena, CA
What I liked
Flexible work hours
What I wish was different
More interesting work
Advice
Was a good summer overall
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Programs Intern
May - July 2018 • Hampton, VA
What I liked
The atmosphere of the center, working for the federal government, being surrounded by subject experts in many STEM fields and more!
What I wish was different
The pay!
Advice
Apply, apply, apply! NASA has 10 centers, Headquarters, and a few other smaller satellite centers!
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Additive Manufacturing Research Engineer Intern
June - August 2019 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
Wonderful experience, learned A LOT about material science and made amazing connections with other renown scientists and engineers.
What I wish was different
Sometimes I wished the work was more diverse, I spent most of my time in a single lab doing a single task at a time. I wish I could have branched out and worked on other suitable projects but since they weren't my main focus for the summer, I didn't have many chances to help.
Advice
It was 100% worth it and learned that maybe research for a large company/government isn't my thing and that's good to know. Other advice: make friends with the janitor.
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Thermal Coatings Engineering Intern
June - August 2017 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
Everyone had something to teach and share with me!
What I wish was different
Nothing; it was an awesome internship.
Advice
Ask as many questions as you can think of! People love to talk about what they do.
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Student Research Intern
June - August 2019 • Hampton, VA
What I liked
The opportunity to work for an amazing organization. The research was very meaningful and went toward important projects such as the Mars mission in 2023.
What I wish was different
I wish that there were more researchers on my team.
Advice
My advice would be to always be open to new opportunities, regardless of past experiences or immediate interests.
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JPSS Test Software Developement Intern
June - August 2017 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
Out of all of the government agencies, NASA is by far the most relaxed and fun to work for.
What I wish was different
I wish we could have had some professional software engineers on our team. Our supervisors were aerospace and mechanical engineers, who knew what they wanted, but could not help us very much with the development.
Advice
Enjoy the GSFC campus while you still have a badge!
