Interning at NASA is a dream for many aspiring scientists, engineers, and astronauts. These positions are hard to get, but not impossible. If you have the drive to succeed and are willing to put in the time, you can land an internship at NASA — even if you’re just beginning your career. Getting an internship at any government agency is difficult because of the security clearance process and strict background checks. However, if you meet the eligibility requirements for an intern position, it can be done. Although the challenging application process may seem like a roadblock, this is a great opportunity to show what makes you stand out as an applicant. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and that your references are easily accessible before applying. Keep reading for more information on getting a NASA internship
Are Nasa Internships Really Hard To Get?
Yes. It’s not easy to get an internship with NASA. That’s because a lot of people want to work for a space agency. In fact, NASA is so popular that it’s very difficult to get an internship there. So why is it so hard to get an internship with NASA? It’s because the competition for internships is very high. If you want to work for NASA, you have to really want to work for them. And if you don’t, then you’ll probably need to look elsewhere.
How To Get A Nasa Internship: The Application Process?
- Create a great resume. Your resume is the first thing an employer will look at when deciding whether or not to hire you. Make sure it is error-free, well-written, and easy to read.
- Create a strong cover letter. This is the first piece of your application that will be read by NASA employees, so make sure it stands out from the rest of your application. Again, make sure it is error-free, well-written, and easy to read.
- Create a well-thought-out cover letter for every internship application you submit to NASA (you will need three). Using your previous experience as an example, tell them why you are the best candidate for their internship opportunity and how you have demonstrated that in previous internships or extracurricular activities or projects (see #4 below).
- Get references from previous employers or mentors who can speak to your work ethic, professionalism, and skillset in writing/research/problem solving, etc. Your references should know about your past experiences and achievements (at least 5 years old), so they can speak specifically about how those experiences prepared you for this internship opportunity with NASA’s missions division – which could be any one of several different areas: – Astronautics – Engineering – Earth Science – Space Flight/Mission Operations – Space Life Sciences
- Be proactive in setting up interviews with managers at NASA who have worked with other interns before. They are more likely to remember you if they have worked with you before.
- Take the time to write a cover letter for each internship application, even if you think it’s only a one-time thing. This will help you show your enthusiasm and drive, and make your application stand out from all the others who are applying for the same position.
- Take the time to write an essay for every application (you will need three). In this essay, talk about why you want to work at NASA and what you hope to get out of this internship experience (see #8 below). It’s okay if it’s not perfect; NASA is not going to read everything that you wrote anyway (and they will not expect it from you)!
- Show that your work ethic has been paying off in previous internships/research projects or extracurricular activities by providing evidence of your past achievements in written form (i.e., copies of transcripts, letters from former employers or mentors, etc.). It is much better to have one good reference than ten average ones!
- Take the time to write a short (one or two paragraph) cover letter for every application, even if you think it’s only a one-time thing. This will help you show your enthusiasm and drive, and make your application stand out from all the others who are applying for the same position.
- Take the time to write an essay for every application (you will need three). In this essay, talk about why you want to work at NASA and what you hope to get out of this internship experience (see #11 below). It’s okay if it’s not perfect; NASA is not going to read everything that you wrote anyway (and they will not expect it from you)!
- Show that your work ethic has been paying off in previous internships/research projects or extracurricular activities by providing evidence of your past achievements in written form (i.e., copies of transcripts, letters from former employers or mentors, etc.). It is much better to have one good reference than ten average ones!
- Take the time to write a short cover letter for every application, even if you think it’s only a one-time thing. This will help you show your enthusiasm and drive, and make your application stand out from all the others who are applying for the same position.
What Do You Need To Get An Internship At Nasa?
- A college degree in engineering or science.
- A summer internship at a NASA center is a good way to show that you want to work for NASA, but this is not necessary.
- Show your interest and passion for space with letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors (if you are still in school).
- Get a letter from the student’s advisor saying that he/she recommended you for the internship and that you will be doing an independent study project with him/her this summer.
- If you have a summer internship at a NASA center, you should get a letter from your supervisor saying that he/she recommended you for the internship and that you will be doing an independent study project with him/her this summer.
- Get letters of recommendation from current NASA employees, who can write in their own words why they recommended you for the internship.
- Do you have a child or relative with a college degree in engineering or science? Ask them to write a letter in support of your application.
- If you are an international student, you may need to get a work visa and an H1-B visa.
- If your H1-B visa is about to expire, then apply for another one before it expires.
- If your application is successful, then you will get an interview at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at the center near where your internship is located (this varies from center to center).
- Get references from previous employers and supervisors, if applicable (ask them for their names and contact information if they don’t want to be contacted).
- Take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test if you don’t have a degree in engineering or science from an English-speaking country (you can take it after you apply).
Bottom Line
Interning at NASA can be a difficult and stressful process, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you’re passionate about space exploration, don’t be afraid to reach out to NASA and voice your interest in an internship. As long as you meet the basic requirements, there’s a chance you could get an interview. From there, it’s up to you to showcase your skills and get the job.