Albuquerque is a miserable place to live. Nothing gets done at Sandia because of the nature of their work and the need to be escorted everywhere. The design cycle is 20 years long so nothing happens. I was extremely bored.
Advice
I would not work at Sandia if you enjoy a social atmosphere and fast-paced work
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Research and Development Intern
January 2016 • Albuquerque, NM
What I liked
Everything
What I wish was different
More Techies!!!
Advice
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Mechanical Engineering Intern
May 2018 • Albuquerque, NM
What I liked
Everything. People were really nice and resourceful.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Nothing compared to on the job experience. Internships are priceless.
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Test Engineering Intern
June - August 2015 • Albuquerque, NM
What I liked
Very fast paced job. I was given real work that was a lot more difficult than school classed. Had to teach myself how to program in Matlab and analyze shock and vibrations to assist in the product analysis.
What I wish was different
Wish I had a little more support in showing me how to do this type of analysis. I had to use company resources and research how to complete my tasks. A lot more difficult than school work.
Advice
Be ready to challenge yourself. Sometimes knowing the answer is less important than having the skills to find the answer.
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Technical Intern
June 2016 - September 2017 • Livermore, CA
What I liked
I really enjoyed my time at Sandia. My role there was mainly involved in programming. One thing I liked about being an intern at Sandia is the mentorship they provide. Interns are assigned a mentor, but in reality, any of the Sandia staff there are happy to advise you in your academic and professional career. In addition, I liked how I was able to meet and work with the Sandia staff. Lastly, I liked how I was surrounded by the brightest minds in the world and how I was able to partake in impactful work.
What I wish was different
I wish there were more opportunities to network with Sandia staff. Also, I wish there was free food.
Advice
Don't just focus on your work at Sandia. Make sure that you also network with the people around you. If a different project interests you there, make sure you contact the project's lead. You might even be offered an internship position for that project. Keep in mind that Sandia only hires graduate students for full-time positions.
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Summer Undergraduate Student Research and Development Intern
May 2017 • Albuquerque, NM
What I liked
The work was fascinating and challenging. My coworkers were very interesting, and I met a great group of other interns who became good friends. Albuquerque is a great city, and I was able to spend most of my weekends hiking and camping.
What I wish was different
Can't imagine much! I truly loved this experience.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask to go to intern-specific and other Sandia-related events during the work day. Meet and talk to everyone you can, and never say no!
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Cognitive Sciences Research and Development Intern
June 2018 • Livermore, CA
What I liked
I had the opportunity to explore research at a professional level, explore new fields, and learn more every day.
