https://www.nasa.gov/careers

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Aerodynamics and Propulsion Engineer

May - July 2019 • Edwards, CA

What I liked

Fantastic learning environment with a lot of opportunities.

What I wish was different

Nothing, it was great!

Advice

Take every moment as an opportunity to learn something new.
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Intern

May - July 2019 • Hampton, VA

What I liked

I loved working in an environment with so many interesting projects happening. There were so many people to meet that all did such interesting work. I enjoyed using world-class equipment to work on a project. The people that worked there were all very kind and happy to teach me and work with me.

What I wish was different

I wish that the cost of getting out there and living wasn't so much. I ended up netting zero dollars over the whole internship.

Advice

Take the chance to get outside of your own project and learn about what everyone else is doing.
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Software Engineer

June - August 2019 • Houston, TX

What I liked

Great community and meaningful work

What I wish was different

More compensation and better working environment

Advice

Reach out to anybody/get involved
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Intern

June - August 2019 • Hampton, VA

What I liked

I loved getting to learn from adults who have so many years of experience. I got to learn how to work with other people and I had the opportunity to attend many academic seminars which enhanced my knowledge on a wide variety of things.

What I wish was different

I wish I had made more friends during my internship to make my experience more enjoyable.

Advice

You need to apply early. Employees can begin to pick interns as early as they want. I loved this internship it gave me such a different experience and I got to learn a lot about outer space travel.
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Rocket Propulsion Test Design and Analysis

June - August 2019 • Kiln, MS

What I liked

It was an overall incredible experience. I had the opportunity to make a heat radiation analysis tool that would be used by other engineers at the NASA center, which to me is the coolest part.

What I wish was different

Advice

If you’re on the fence about applying to NASA, I would encourage you to apply anyway!
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HR Intern

February - August 2019 • Houston, TX

What I liked

I loved how involved I was able to get in the everyday work of an HR business partner at the Johnson Space Center. From day one, I was treat like an employee and given responsibilities with customers. The guidance of my mentors helped me as I navigated working full time in such a demanding environment.

What I wish was different

Nothing! It was a great experience!

Advice

Get involved with the intern community at which ever center you work at. You’ll make some great friends and it will enhance your experience.
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Intern

January 2018 • Houston, TX

What I liked

Friendly work environment with challenging work!

What I wish was different

A more structured outreach program.

Advice

Apply to as many internships as you can! You never know who might accept you.
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Research Intern

June - August 2018 • Irvine, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Definitely take initiative on projects and communicate with your team!
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Cryogenics Engineer

January 2016 - July 2018 • Titusville, FL

What I liked

Real world R&D engineering experience. Product testing and development. I was second author on a research publication. One of my research project led to a pending patent.

What I wish was different

I wish that the group I worked for was in New Mexico. I made long lasting friends and colleges that will continue to be important figures in my career and personal life.

Advice

The most important take away from my experience with the team at the Cryogenic Test Laboratory at NASA Kennedy Space Center is that being able to physically make things is very important in one's understanding of the design process and ability to produce a viable product. The product could be a test plan or apparatus, or a functioning prototype but having experience in making things goes a long way and is highly desired in the group I worked with.
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Team Lead

October 2017 • Evanston, IL

What I liked

I loved the responsibility I was given with the project. Starting off in the position as a sophomore I was worried I was underqualified, but the team made me comfortable and confident in my ability to do the job.

What I wish was different

I wish the project could have concluded in the fall near my departure, unfortunately the project was delayed to 2020 when it will be launched.

Advice

Be aware of how much time it takes, always ask for help if needed.
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Research Analyst

September 2017 • Huntsville, AL

What I liked

Working at NASA of course! I work with some of the most important people who work at NASA: Mission Control cadre for Payload Operations on the International Space Station.

What I wish was different

I wish that I was challenged a bit more in the Applied Physics realm of tasking.

Advice

Networking is the easiest and most efficient way of finding your dream job. Never stop searching.
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Student Researcher

June - August 2018 • Hampton, VA

What I liked

The people and general atmosphere of the base

What I wish was different

Difference between the days

Advice

Shoot your shot. Even if you think you’re just wasting time
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Liquid Rocket Propulsion Systems Intern

May - August 2018 • Huntsville, AL

What I liked

Working with people who are the brightest in their respective subjects. Getting to know the other interns and spending time hanging out with them.

What I wish was different

Spent more time networking with various full-time employees.

Advice

Make sure to network when you have the opportunity to do so. Go out and have fun with other interns.
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Aerospace Engineering Intern

January - August 2018 • Huntsville, AL

What I liked

Very good work culture / people, laid back

What I wish was different

Wish I was pushed harder to achieve goals. Didn’t see the drive to succeed like you see in private sector companies.

Advice

Take the time to talk to everyone, they have so much knowledge and you get the most out of the internship when you learn more than just your own project
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Intern for OCFO Office

June - August 2018 • Hampton, VA

What I liked

Mentor helped me better understand business enviroment

What I wish was different

I wish I would’ve tried extracurricular activities

Advice

Never miss opportunities to network
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NASA Summer Intern

June - August 2018 • Mountain View, CA

What I liked

Real world engineering experience. Met a lot of talented people who are passionate about science and space. Numerous opportunities to get involved with work besides just the summer project I was assigned. Learned a lot about how to make a project successful and how important proper communication is with success.

What I wish was different

That my project had gotten totally completed before I left, unfortunately due to manufacturing troubles we could not get a fully built final model ready in time by the end of the summer.

Advice

Try to do a little of everything, don't get bogged down at your desk all day. When you hit a road block go to one of your mentors for help they've been doing this for awhile and their advice can go along way.
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Software Developer Intern

May - July 2018 • Hampton, VA

What I liked

The project, the people, the culture

What I wish was different

Not much.

Advice

Doing side projects outside of class helped me get the internship
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Summer Intern

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I enjoyed getting to know the employees and working with others on their projects.

What I wish was different

I wish that the hourly rate was greater and that I could have been on one more project.

Advice

I would advise people to remember that they are interns and they are there to absorb and learn as much as they can from their intern experience.
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Spaceport Command and Control Launch Systems Developer

January - August 2018 • Merritt Island, FL

What I liked

I loved working with a great and passionate team to develop software for the soaceflight hardware. I learned so much and everyone was so willing to help me advance my skills and career as well as see all the great things at NASA. The weather and beaches made my time learning and acquiring experiences all the more fulfilling. I made so many great friends and memories and I’m glad I deferred my graduation to take this amazing opportunity.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have done more to show my appreciation to all those who helped and supported me during my time there.

Advice

Always do your best to make an impression. During internships at anyplace, make sure you stand out. Go above and beyond what is expected, show your passion and drive and you’ll at least have references to apply for positions in the future and in most cases you can graduate and have a position lined up due to the impression you left during your internship.
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Chemistry Research Intern

June - August 2018 • Irvine, CA

What I liked

Housing is free! Doing research on planes is super fun! Loved the social structure living with other interns. Learned a lot and worked pretty hard.

What I wish was different

Advice

Apply! It's fun
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