NASA Internship | Entry-Level Roles in Space Exploration

Those who are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in space exploration should absolutely submit an application for a NASA Internship. It’s basically your golden ticket to learning all about space, high-tech research, and working side-by-side with some of the smartest scientists and engineers out there. And yeah, it’s not just about cool science stuff since you also get to meet professionals, make connections, and actually do a lot of work that looks incredible on your resume.

Some of the available programs at NASA include Stem Engagement, Ostem, Pathways, Langley, Ossi, Homer Hickam internships, and many more. However, around 5% of applicants are likely to be accepted as the acceptance rate of the summer internship is highly variable. Don’t stress, though, because we’ve got all the details right here, from how to apply to what you’ll actually get paid. So, if science and engineering are your thing, why not give this opportunity a chance?

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Explore Current NASA Internship Roles for Students and Graduates

About NASA:

Founded in 1958, NASA has been leading the way in space exploration for more than 60 years. From the early days of the Space Race to the present day, this space agency has helped to advance the limits of human knowledge and achievement. Over the years, this organization has been responsible for some of the most iconic moments in history. This includes the first manned spaceflight, the first moon landing, and the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Today, NASA is still exploring new possibilities and working to improve our understanding of the universe. With a budget of more than $25.4 billion, it is one of the most well-funded government agencies in the United States. And with more than 18,000 employees, it is also one of the largest. Its mission is to “pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.” To that end, the agency is responsible for both human spaceflight and robotic exploration programs.

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NASA Summer Internships  

Alright, so you’re thinking about landing a NASA Summer Internship? That’s seriously one of the coolest things you could aim for! These work-study opportunities run for about 10 weeks. You could be placed at one of NASA’s many centres across the U.S., like the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Johnson Space Center in Texas, or even the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. And the best part? It’s a paid internship! Applications usually open around late fall to early winter, and the deadline is typically in February or March. So, if spending your summer working on mind-blowing projects with some of the smartest people on the planet sounds like your vibe, start preparing your application ASAP!

What Are NASA Internships?

NASA’s Internship Program is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in real-world projects alongside the agency’s finest scientists, engineers, and professionals. Plus, it’s a paid gig, so you can earn while you learn! So, let’s take a look at a few of the programs this agency offers.

1. OSTEM Internships: This stands for the Office of STEM Engagement, and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to get experience at NASA. These internships are about giving students exposure to work in fields like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In this program, interns actively participate in real NASA projects, working alongside top engineers, scientists, and mentors who are making a difference in the future of space exploration.
2. Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP): The Pathways Intern Employment Program offers students and recent graduates the chance to work in a challenging environment while receiving meaningful experience. What’s cool about Pathways is that it’s a multi-semester commitment, which allows you to rotate through different projects and departments.
3. NASA International Internship (NASA I²) Program: Not from the U.S.? No worries! The NASA International Internship (NASA I²) Program is designed for international students who wish to collaborate. This program aims to prepare students to work in a global environment while focusing on multicultural and international missions.
4. NASA Fellowships: For those pursuing advanced degrees, NASA offers fellowship programs that support graduate-level research. These fellowships are designed to prepare future leaders in space science and exploration. As a NASA fellow, you’ll receive financial support for your research, access to the agency’s facilities, and the chance to collaborate with scientists and engineers.
5. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Internships: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by Caltech for NASA, offers its own set of internship opportunities. JPL internships provide students with the chance to work on some of the most fascinating missions, like the Mars rovers and space telescopes.
6. Other Internships: You can find a number of other programs in this agency. We are listing only a few of them below.
   1. NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS)
   2. Science Mission Design Schools
   3. DEVELOP National Program
   4. NASA Aeronautics Academy
   5. Space Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP)

Internship Application Deadlines:

Spring: September 12, 11:59 p.m. ET
Summer: February 27, 11:59 p.m. ET
Fall: May 22, 11:59 p.m. ET

Internship Details:

Note: Compensation details and application timelines are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official website.

Acceptance Rate Statistics

Getting a NASA internship is super competitive. For example, NASA and UT Austin’s SEES Internship gets over 1,100 applications each year but only accepts about 260 students, so that’s roughly a 23% acceptance rate. But if you’re aiming for the on-site experience, it’s even tougher, with only about 50 spots available, which makes the acceptance rate around 4-5%. The main reasons it’s so tough to get in? The agency looks for students with strong academic records, experience, and a real passion for space. Plus, since NASA’s such a big deal in the space world, tons of people want in, which makes the competition even more competitive.

Interning at NASA as an International Student

So, you’re not from the U.S. but still want to join the NASA crew? Here’s what you need to know:

• International Internships: NASA collaborates with various international space agencies and organizations. If your country has an agreement with NASA, you might be eligible for an internship.
• How to Apply? You’ll need to go through your country’s space agency or the specific organization that has a partnership with NASA. They handle the selection process and will guide you through the next steps.
• Pro Tip: Check out NASA’s International Intern Opportunities page to see if your country is on the list and get all the details.

For More Queries: You can find answers to any questions you may have about eligibility requirements, transitioning to graduate school, when internships occur, and more by visiting NASA’s FAQ page.

NASA Internship Interview Questions:

So, if you’re thinking about interning at NASA, get ready for a bunch of different interview questions. They might ask about your school background, what skills you’ve got, any research stuff you’ve done, and your general knowledge of space-related fields. Oh, and of course, they’ll wanna know why you even wanna be part of this program and how you’d make the most of it if you got in.

Additionally, they could also throw in some questions about any past work or projects you’ve done that connect to space stuff. If you’ve been part of any space-related clubs or initiatives, that’s a big plus too. And yeah, be ready to talk about your personal values, like how you see yourself fitting into NASA and why you think you’d be a great fit for such a legendary organization.

How to Apply for the NASA Internship?

Applying for the NASA Internship is a pretty simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to be a U.S. citizen or national in order to be eligible for the program. Once you’ve verified your citizenship status, you can begin the online application process by following the steps below.

1. Click below on the “Apply Here” button to get started.
2. Once on the interns’ page, hit the “Click Here to Apply Now” button.
3. Then, select the “View Internships” option.
4. Choose a program of your interest and read the entire description.
5. Hit the “Apply” button and create an account on their website.
6. From there, you’ll be asked to fill out some basic information about yourself, your education, and your work experience.
7. Once you’ve completed all of the required fields, you’ll be able to submit your application.
8. If you are selected, you’ll be contacted by a representative and given further instructions on how to proceed.

Apply Here