Microwave Instruments and Technology Branch Intern
May - August 2018 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
Very interesting project. Literally had to do with finding extraterrestrial life in our solar system. Also very flexible with project changes if you ask early enough. For example, I started in an embedded computing project but was able to move to a microwave instruments project. The people were also super great. The whole branch would get lunch with each other once per week, which is an indicator of a great company culture.
What I wish was different
Sometimes the day-to-day was isolating. Come in, pick up test equipment, run tests, and leave-- sometimes without talking to anyone except during lunch or passing in the hallway. The internship did not necessitate interpersonal interaction.
Advice
There are lots of great places to work, don't worry about finding the perfect one.
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Systems Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Fairmont, WV
What I liked
I worked at NASA on projects that had category one level importance. There wasn’t much I didn’t like. I felt valuable and I did good work. They never made me get coffee or do anything trivial unless they were doing it too and they always treated me with respect. I didn’t feel like an intern and that means a lot.
What I wish was different
It was in Fairmont, WV and there wasn’t much to do after work. Frankly, though, the work matters most and the work was satisfying. I also met some of the most exceptional people that exist and it was my privilege to work with them. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Don’t pick where you intern based on how good the nightlife is.
Advice
Apply to everything that looks fun and see where the cards fall. Talk to everyone you can. Ask for advice shamelessly and make a lot of friends. They’ll come in handy later.
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Shadow
July - August 2018 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
My mentor was very kind to put me into many different group projects to learn different NASA involvements with other companies.
What I wish was different
Nothing at all. I enjoyed my time in Mountain View and at NASA.
Advice
Ask questions because you will hear a lot of acronyms that you have no idea what it stands for.
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NASA MIRO CAARE Technical Assistant
May - August 2018 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
I loved the relationship I developed with the interns that worked for us as well has gaining incredibly helpful technical skills.
What I wish was different
I wish there would have been better communication between the two mentors.
Advice
Great opportunity for networking as well as getting to know professors in the ESS department.
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User Experience Designer Intern
May - August 2018 • Mountain View, CA
What I liked
I was working on an interface for controlling drone clusters in emergency response scenarios. The team I worked with was patient and helped me integrate into the team.
What I wish was different
I wish there was a bit more structure, I was the only intern & I often was getting involved with projects by being proactive.
Advice
Be patient with the process. Things tend to move a bit slowly at NASA due to many layers of approvals.
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Mechanical Engineer Intern
May - August 2018 • Edwards, CA
What I liked
I liked getting to work on something specific and applied. My project fit well with what I was hoping for in an internship. Working with other interns was a lot of fun as well. I liked getting to experience another side of the world. The people were just peachy.
What I wish was different
Advice
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The Office of Procurement Intern
July - August 2018 • Hampton, VA
What I liked
One thing that I really liked about this opportunity was a that I got to learn about the regulatory environment within which NASA operates, the acquisition process, the associated financial process, the roles and partnerships within the acquisition process, and the means by which NASA utilizes to purchase goods and services.
What I wish was different
I wish I got to spend more time there so I could have worked on a specific project of my own.
Advice
Ask questions! Asking questions shows that you are interested in what a person has to say and can lead to more potential opportunities.
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Engineering Intern
May 2018 • Cape Canaveral, FL
What I liked
It was a great way to get hands on engineering experience with cutting edge technology.
What I wish was different
I wish my intern rotations were longer.
Advice
Never hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure of something, it’s more reflective of your desire to learn and be there rather than your inexperience.
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Software design intern
May - August 2018 • Huntsville, AL
What I liked
Learning about Career options
What I wish was different
Could have been more diverse in tasks
Advice
Take the tours
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Researcher
June - August 2018 • Irvine, CA
What I liked
Flying on a NASA research aircraft and getting hands on experience collecting data
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Just apply and be willing to do things outside of your comfort zone
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Avionics Engineering Intern
January - August 2018 • Lyndon B Johnson Space Cen, TX
What I liked
I really enjoyed working in an interdisciplinary field with some of the brightest engineers, business persons and media specialists in the country. I seriously loved watching Apollo 13 in historic mission control and getting SCUBA certified with the dive operations manager for the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (where the astronauts train for Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA's)).
What I wish was different
I wish it weren't in Texas.
Advice
Don't leave it up to yourself to decide what you are good enough to do. Apply to things that you want to do and let the person interviewing you decide whether or not you are a good fit. Don't limit yourself!
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Heliophysics Intern
June 2018 • Greenbelt, MD
What I liked
I enjoyed the numerous opportunities I was given to attend events and seminars with other interns and civil servants.
What I wish was different
I wish there were cheaper on campus dining options.
Advice
When youre told this is a full time commitment, believe it! It takes time in and out of the office/lab.
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Electronics Design Intern
August 2017 • Titusville, FL
What I liked
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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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.
