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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Mission Proposals Intern
June - August 2019 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
The environment was great. I was surrounded by many optimistic people working towards goals that shape our future
What I wish was different
Couldn’t have asked for more
Advice
always take advice from everyone you meet. It goes a long way
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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.
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Aerospace Intern
June - August 2019 • Edwards, CA
What I liked
All of the people were very friendly and helpful!
What I wish was different
There was a lot of time wasted waiting on other parties. It’s not really their fault, but better coordination could have helped to make the internship run smoother.
Advice
Always be ready to teach yourself how to do something! Asking people can help speed up the process, but sometimes you’ll have to take initiative and look things up online, in a textbook etc.
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Technical Editor
September - December 2019 • Redstone Arsenal, AL
What I liked
The work was precisely in my field, and I got to read documents written by people from a dozen major countries.
What I wish was different
Though I understand why (security reasons), this job could have been done from home, rather than in a cubicle, where distractions run rampant.
Advice
It's like Shia LaBeouf said: "Just do it!"
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Electrical Engineering Intern
June - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
From day one I was treated with respect and not summoned to do mundane tasks. I was there to learn and the people in my organization helped me along the way.
What I wish was different
The system in place for the interns on Marshall Spaceflight Center is excellent, I see no need for change.
Advice
Learn things you are not necessarily comfortable with, for example if you are a EE like myself don't be afraid to ask questions about propulsion, science, software etc... . The things and ideas you are exposed to will accumulate over time making you very diverse and well rounded.
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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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Student Trainee (Engineering)
August - November 2019 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
I felt that I was given important tasks and the opportunity to learn as much as I wanted to
What I wish was different
There were typical software issues found within government organizations. Software tools may be somewhat outdated
Advice
If you have the opportunity to intern at NASA, take it
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Taxonomy Intern
May - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
- my team of mentors and fellow interns were very supportive
- a very friendly group to work with especially as a federal agency
What I wish was different
- I wish i took more time to learn about their Technology Transfer program
Advice
- Don’t be afraid to ask to learn something new despite having work at hand. Your mentors will go out of their way to teach you.
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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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Educational Specialist
June 2019 • Cleveland, OH
What I liked
This opportunity is still ongoing. I’ve had an amazing experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
Never stop learning. Always try to meet new people.
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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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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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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 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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Aeronautical Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
The people are awesome and always willing to help
What I wish was different
I wish that I had a car while I was there. The distance between everything was pretty far.
Advice
One of the best things that I have ever gotten to do.
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Research Intern
June - August 2019 • Irvine, CA
What I liked
Personalized attention for conducting a project
What I wish was different
Location, project topics
Advice
Learn how to run a research project from start to finish, no matter where you go
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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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Research
May - August 2019 • Langston, OK
What I liked
Liked the research experience gained and the environment
What I wish was different
Everything was great with helpful assistance from professors
Advice
It was a great opportunity and many people should apply for internships positions.
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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.
