I enjoyed working closely with various NASA mentors on my projects. I was given a lot of independence to make my own decisions and solve problems on my own. I have seen myself experience a lot of personal growth at this position. I gave a variety of presentations and improved my communication skills.
What I wish was different
Due to the pandemic, my entire internship experience has been virtual. I wish I could have been on site in Mississippi.
Advice
Take every opportunity you can to improve your written and verbal communication skills. There is no point in doing anything if you lack the ability to express yourself to others and transfer your expertise. As you work towards improving your technical skills for any career, make sure you spend an equal amount of time improving your writing and speaking.
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Data Science Intern
August 2020 • Victoria
What I liked
I love the friendly environment.
What I wish was different
Nothing, I love it.
Advice
Go after what you want, you might work for NASA.
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Systems Engineering Intern
May - August 2020 • Houston, TX
What I liked
The availability of my coworkers, intern networking and learning events, and inclusion of interns in discussions was a great experience.
What I wish was different
Handling of online support was a bit rocky at the start given the pandemic and last minute changes, so could have been better but it's understandable that things were the way that they were.
Advice
Be sure to attend as many intern events and talks as you can, as there's a ton to learn about NASA projects and experiences.
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Software Engineer Intern
June - August 2020 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
Meeting and working with very smart people. Listening to webinars from noble laureates and astronauts.
What I wish was different
Wish it's in person rather than virtual, and wish I have more interaction with other interns.
Advice
Virtual setup can be difficult be navigate, but ultimately it's up to you to maximize the experience you gain and seek out every opportunity you can to grow and make connections.
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Power and Thermal Systems Intern
May - August 2020 • Houston, TX
What I liked
I loved that I had a chance to make displays and procedures for the International Space Station. Getting to talk to the engineers who are in charge of operating the station and trying to find ways to improve on it has been a dream come true and it has solidified my interest in wanting to work at NASA
What I wish was different
I wish that circumstances with the Coronavirus had been different. Interns can only get so much out of online work, but it was made up by the efforts of the IT team at NASA and the mentors within my group who were willing to adapt their schedule and work around an online platform.
Advice
I would say to continue to be persistent. I never would have thought that I would be in Mission Control had it not been for my persistent attempts at applying to the internship.
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Student Expert
July 2020 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I've learned many new skills and the hours and work time were very flexible.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more direction and explicit instruction.
Advice
Set smaller goals for each day's work.
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Data Research Intern
June - August 2017 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
The connections and friendships that were created. I found this to be the most meaningful and long lasting effects of my Internship.
What I wish was different
That I was not behind a desk as much as I was. It was hard for me to remain focused in a dark and non collaborative work environment.
Advice
Never undervalue the ability of connection and how much those relationships will mean to you.
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Software engineer
September 2020 • New York City, NY
What I liked
Love the project based system, great mentors and staff that were very helpful. Learned a lot during this.
What I wish was different
Wish it wasn't remote
Advice
Use keywords when applying! Apply to a lot of projects. Spend at least 5-10 hours looking through all the projects and catering your application. I spent 10
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Liquid Crystal Facility Intern
February 2020 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
I really enjoy the work culture, a great mix of academia and work! Everyone is so kind and is willing to teach you.
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to do more hands on/lab work. F(Due to COVID-19)
Advice
Keep applying!!
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Pathway
May 2020 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
the type of work and different department to work in
What I wish was different
researched the different the departments and what they are working on
Advice
regardless of what project, company of field you are interning at, there are always valuable experiences you can utilize in future jobs or interviews
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Science Mission Directorate Internship - JWST
June - August 2020 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I really enjoyed getting to know NASA from an internal perspective. Networking with other interns and NASA scientists was an extraordinary experience I will never forget.
What I wish was different
Due to the pandemic, the internship was remote. It would have been extraordinary to have this experience in person.
Advice
Even if you think you’re not going to get it, apply anyways. You miss all the chances you don’t take.
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Drafting Intern
August 2020 • Houston, TX
What I liked
Love working independently and cooperatively on projects with my supervisor and team
What I wish was different
To be in person! But working remotely allows this opportunity to be possible for me.
Advice
Pay attention to all details.
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Electrical Engineering Intern
June - August 2019 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
Loved the team and the project we were working on. You get to work on projects that are intellectually stimulated and that ask the big questions about our universe and world. You are surrounded by highly motivated, intelligent, and kind people who are willing to take time out of their day to mentor you, answer questions about their work or projects, and even give you side projects and experiences to supplement your intern project.
What I wish was different
More time! I wish I could have continued work there since there is only so much you can do in 10 weeks, but overall the experience was great.
Advice
My advice to any incoming NASA intern or any tech intern really is to not be afraid to ask questions and to seek out mentorship and friendships with people who work there. It may seem intimidating at first to talk to someone who is older and more experienced, but they were once in your shoes and are most likely more than happy to help.
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Aerospace Engineering and Project Manager Intern
May - September 2020 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
I worked with a great system and team of 10 and we worked on a 3d model of our rover and competed with other teams as me leading my team through the way.
What I wish was different
Finishing a few components and engineering files differently we would gotten a higher ranking.
Advice
Never be quiet and shy when you're in a team type of internship when you're in NASA of all places. Be very aware and get to know your personal team and other people at your internship also network yourself helping your value around the workspace but also respect your co-workers and leaders on the job.
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Pathways Intern
May - August 2020 • Houston, TX
What I liked
Worked closely with a mentor, even though the work was remote. Had lots of guidance even when I didn't have any prior knowledge regarding the project I was working on.
What I wish was different
Remote work was strange, it was hard to complete certain aspects of my project (i.e. testing) since I could not go on-site and physically hold my project.
Advice
Don't be afraid to apply for a position you don't feel prepared for! Most of the knowledge you need to complete projects will be gained at work through mentorship and collaboration with other interns.
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Software Engineering Intern
June - August 2020 • New York City, NY
What I liked
Everyone was super accommodating even though it was an online internship experience.
What I wish was different
I wish it was in person, but they really did their best and made it a great internship experience.
Advice
I would say to talk to as many people as possible and absorb as much as possible.
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Engineering intern
June - August 2019 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
The people
What I wish was different
The way tasks are assigned
Advice
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Engineering Trainee
August 2018 • Edwards, CA
What I liked
The hands-on experience, and how the projects I worked on are actually being used in real applications. All the interns are being treated as full-time employees. At the end I feel like I contributed to the team and NASA's missions.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Learn as much as possible, it is good to learn about fields outsides of your own major. communicate with teammates and co-workers often.
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Computer Network Engineering Intern
May - December 2019 • Merritt Island, FL
What I liked
Engaging environment. Find your interest and pursue it. You have the opportunity to work on leading research and help shape the future of manned space flight operations.
What I wish was different
If I had come in with a particular area of interest, I could have utilized my time early on efficiently.
Advice
Come in with clear goals. You can tailor your experience based on what you would like to pursue. The engineers there will work with you to find a task you find interesting.
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GSFC NASA Intern
June - August 2019 • Wallops Island, VA
What I liked
I was able to work with a NASA employee on their project and got to see it progress. I also learned a lot about different projects.
What I wish was different
Advice
Don’t be afraid about not knowing how to do something because they will teach you.
