Great learning environment, engineers in the avionics laboratory at KSC are motivated by learning rather than monetary reward. Flexible work environment where everyone wants to help. Great place for an engineer to intern.
What I wish was different
I wish the location was different since I am not a big fan of Florida's humid and hot weather.
Advice
Try to get involved with a cub project or with undergraduate research that is in your area of interest, and aim for an internship that is in that area. If you are not sure where to start, start anywhere. Some experience is better than nothing even if it's something outside of your interest, but that will help you figure out what you like and don't like in the process.
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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!
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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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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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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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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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Plant Growth for Future Food Production Intern
June - August 2018 • Cape Canaveral, FL
What I liked
I enjoyed working with experts at the top of their field, and having a lot of freedom to explore and pursue my ideas.
What I wish was different
I wish it had been longer!
Advice
It would have been really helpful if I had remembered to bring my notes from school!
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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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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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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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Structural Design Engineer
January - May 2018 • Cape Canaveral, FL
What I liked
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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Satellite Servicing Projects Division Propellant Transfer Subsystem Engineer Intern
June - August 2018 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
I liked how I got to work on a subsystem for a satellite that goes to space in less than 4 years.
What I wish was different
I wish I had gotten to work more with flight hardware.
Advice
Make sure to network whenever you can. It's not about what you know, it's about who you know.
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NASA Johnson Space Center Pathways Intern
January 2018 • Houston, TX
What I liked
It was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend this to others. I had the opportunity to impact manned space flight at a high level. The projects I received were relevant, and important to the mission.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Networking is everything. Be sure to take advantage of your time there, and create strong networks
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Environmental Technician
June - August 2016 • Wallops Island, VA
What I liked
Hands on environmental research experience, laboratory experience, choice in the project I did, stipend payment, near where i live
What I wish was different
Advice
Don't be afraid to apply!
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Computer Science Intern
June - August 2017 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
Worked on a real project and there were a lot of other interns
What I wish was different
I wish I could have started in on my project as soon as the internship started
Advice
Don't be intimidated by the complexity of a problem
