When I started working at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in high school, I got exposed to information every intern at NASA should know. My name is Vighnesh Sachidananda and I love the work I did at Goddard. I made this website so that students in the U.S. could easily apply for internships at NASA and receive guidance so they can make the most of the opportunities they receive. Applying for internships at NASA can be confusing and working in a professional environment can certainly be hard to adapt to initially. I hope the professional tips and tricks and NASA mentor interviews on this site can prepare you to not make the same mistakes I did! Check out some information I wish I had when I started interning at NASA, I'm sure it will take you one step closer to an awesome internship story.
Benefits of Working at NASA
Figure 1: Students gave varied answers when asked to provide the greatest benefits of a NASA internship
As was expected, a multitude of varied responses were received regarding the greatest benefit of working at NASA. It is apparent that each student expects a different experience when working at NASA and each student hopes to achieve different accomplishments as well. The multifariousness of the question proposed is embodied in the answers given when prompted for an “Other” response. For example, one student explained that the greatest benefit of working at NASA for them would be “working with new and advanced technology. In addition, it was seen that more than one benefit is expected from a NASA internship since the majority of students picked multiple answers to this question.
NASA Maps: Goddard Space Flight Center
A Map of NASA Goddard
Image from: http://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/workshops/data_analysis_oct09/directions.html
About NASA
 |
| Source: http://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/seabass/images/NASA_Logo.gif |
"To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind." (Source)
From my experiences, working for NASA as an intern is about doing something beyond oneself. It is truly about stretching your boundaries and reaching out to the greatest extent you can and giving to posterity, to the future of humankind. The work I have witnessed being done is done selflessly. The scientists and engineers at NASA work together, with a common goal, to promote the advancement of our race, the human race. To be in their presence is a gift, one that should not be taken for granted.
"Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on Earth." (Source)
If you get the chance to work at NASA, remember that the work being done improves the lives of us all. Furthermore, the end goal is very different than that of a company in the private industry--NASA does not aim to make a profit at all.
Being an intern at NASA is a truly enlightening experience. At NASA, students are fostered, encouraged, and advocated to reach for the stars!
 |
| Source: http://www.how-americans.com/2010/10/importance-of-nasas-brain-trust.html |
