https://www.nasa.gov/careers

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

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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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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Power and Thermal Systems Intern

May - August 2020 • Houston, TX

What I liked

I loved that I had a chance to make displays and procedures for the International Space Station. Getting to talk to the engineers who are in charge of operating the station and trying to find ways to improve on it has been a dream come true and it has solidified my interest in wanting to work at NASA

What I wish was different

I wish that circumstances with the Coronavirus had been different. Interns can only get so much out of online work, but it was made up by the efforts of the IT team at NASA and the mentors within my group who were willing to adapt their schedule and work around an online platform.

Advice

I would say to continue to be persistent. I never would have thought that I would be in Mission Control had it not been for my persistent attempts at applying to the internship.
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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 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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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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Liquid Crystal Facility Intern

February 2020 • Cleveland, OH

What I liked

I really enjoy the work culture, a great mix of academia and work! Everyone is so kind and is willing to teach you.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to do more hands on/lab work. F(Due to COVID-19)

Advice

Keep applying!!
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Pathway

May 2020 • Huntsville, AL

What I liked

the type of work and different department to work in

What I wish was different

researched the different the departments and what they are working on

Advice

regardless of what project, company of field you are interning at, there are always valuable experiences you can utilize in future jobs or interviews
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Science Mission Directorate Internship - JWST

June - August 2020 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I really enjoyed getting to know NASA from an internal perspective. Networking with other interns and NASA scientists was an extraordinary experience I will never forget.

What I wish was different

Due to the pandemic, the internship was remote. It would have been extraordinary to have this experience in person.

Advice

Even if you think you’re not going to get it, apply anyways. You miss all the chances you don’t take.
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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.

Advice

Pay attention to all details.
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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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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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Software Engineering Intern

June - August 2020 • New York City, NY

What I liked

Everyone was super accommodating even though it was an online internship experience.

What I wish was different

I wish it was in person, but they really did their best and made it a great internship experience.

Advice

I would say to talk to as many people as possible and absorb as much as possible.
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Engineering intern

June - August 2019 • Mountain View, CA

What I liked

The people

What I wish was different

The way tasks are assigned

Advice

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Engineering Trainee

August 2018 • Edwards, CA

What I liked

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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Computer Network Engineering Intern

May - December 2019 • Merritt Island, FL

What I liked

Engaging environment. Find your interest and pursue it. You have the opportunity to work on leading research and help shape the future of manned space flight operations.

What I wish was different

If I had come in with a particular area of interest, I could have utilized my time early on efficiently.

Advice

Come in with clear goals. You can tailor your experience based on what you would like to pursue. The engineers there will work with you to find a task you find interesting.
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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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research assistant pvamu

September 2019 • Prairie View, TX

What I liked

the learning's experience was wonderful and I enjoyed working in a field that I very much enjoy. I also had to work with professional from who I could lear directly that would not hesitate to challenge me on new tasks

What I wish was different

I would have liked to be longer

Advice

do not hesitate rot show it if you don't understand something. ask questions because the answer to those questions will help you move forward. The very base of science is inquiries.
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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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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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