What is the best way to get a job as a physicist at NASA?

In summary, if you are a physics major, the best way to get a job as a physicist at NASA is to look into summer internships or co-ops, and to have research experience and contacts.
  • #1
misterme09
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I want to work for NASA. As a physics major, what is the best way to get a job as a physicist at NASA?
 
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  • #2
misterme09 said:
I want to work for NASA. As a physics major, what is the best way to get a job as a physicist at NASA?

Hi Misterme,

As an upperclassman undergraduate, now is the perfect time for you to get involved in NASA projects. Do you have plans for this coming summer yet? If not, now is the time to start looking into summer internships. Internships introduce you to NASA research and provide you with knowledge, skills, and NASA contacts.

Co-ops are an excellent way to work at NASA on a more permanent basis as a student. Many co-op students have the option of becoming full-time employees after they graduate. Co-ops also provide the same benefits of an internships but with the added benefit of many terms to return to work.

Since you live in Houston, many professors at your university have contacts with JSC, and some may even work there. Have you looked at your department's research? A lot of time, professors can take on undergraduate students to work either on NASA projects or at a NASA center (since you're so close by).

Once you have NASA research experience and contacts, it will be easier for you to determine if and where within NASA you wish to work once you graduate. Many NASA employees are hired without having done any previous NASA work, but getting involved early is beneficial (and fun!).

Good luck!
Laura

A good place to start looking is NASA's website: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/postsecondary/opportunities/index.html.

And since you're in Houston: http://education.jsc.nasa.gov/UnivPrograms.cfm?id=1 [Broken]

There's also:

Lunar and Planetary Institute Summer Intern Program: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern

NASA GSFC Solar Terrestrial Probes / Living With a Star Summer Internship: http://stargazer.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/summer_internship.htm [Broken]

NASA GSFC Summer Institute on Atmospheric, Biospheric, and Hydrospheric Sciences: http://neptune.gsfc.nasa.gov/summerinstitute [Broken]

NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics Undergraduate Research Program: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~tgregg/pggurp.html

NASA Summer Undergraduate Internship in Astrobiology: http://astrobiology.gsfc.nasa.gov/about.html [Broken]

NASA Education Associates Program: http://server-mpo.arc.nasa.gov/Services/eap/Home.tml [Broken]

NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Student Internships: http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/programs/ESMD%20Student%20program.htm [Broken]

NASA Lewis' Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Program: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/education/LERCIP_GRC.html

NASA MSFC / USRA Visiting Researcher Exchange and Outreach Program: http://space.hsv.usra.edu/vreo

NASA Robotics Academy: http://robotics.gsfc.nasa.gov/ [Broken]

NASA Academy: http://academy.nasa.gov/ [Broken]

NASA GSFC Student Internship Program: http://sip.gsfc.nasa.gov/ [Broken]

NASA GSFC Independent Verification and Validation Internship: http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/ivv.jsp [Broken]

NASA GSFC Summer Aerospace Workforce Development Research Internship Program http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/sawdrip.jsp [Broken]

NASA GSFC Summer Institute in Engineering and Computer Applications: http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/sieca.jsp [Broken]

NASA GSFC/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Student Internship Program: http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/apl.jsp [Broken]

NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars Program: http://research.nianet.org/larss/index.html [Broken]


(Individual program links taken from http://www.astromiror.org/opportunities.html.)
 
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  • #3
Besides NASA itself, many NASA contractors, big and small, also offer internships. Now is a good time to start contacting the larger companies and NASA itself. The smaller companies start looking a bit later. IMHO, smaller is better, but that is just my opinion.

Good luck!
 
  • #4
WOW, impressive post there. (Directed towards Laura.)
 

1. What qualifications do I need to become a physicist at NASA?

To become a physicist at NASA, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field, such as astronomy or engineering. In addition, relevant experience through internships, research projects, or previous work in the field of physics is highly recommended. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or PhD, may also be required for certain positions.

2. What skills are important for a physicist at NASA?

In addition to a strong background in physics, a physicist at NASA should have excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Being able to work well in a team and communicate complex ideas effectively is also important. Familiarity with computer programming and data analysis software is often necessary for carrying out research and experiments.

3. What kind of work does a physicist do at NASA?

A physicist at NASA can work in a variety of roles, depending on their specific area of expertise. Some may conduct research and experiments to better understand the laws of physics and how they apply to space exploration. Others may work on developing new technologies or instruments for space missions. Some may also be involved in data analysis and interpretation of findings from spacecraft and telescopes.

4. What is the application process like for a physicist at NASA?

The application process for a physicist at NASA typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting materials, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. If selected for an interview, you may be asked to participate in a phone or video interview, and potentially an in-person interview at one of NASA's facilities. The process can be competitive, so it's important to highlight your qualifications and relevant experience in your application.

5. How can I prepare for a career as a physicist at NASA?

In addition to obtaining the necessary education and experience, it's important to stay updated on the latest developments and research in the field of physics and space exploration. Networking with professionals in the industry and participating in relevant conferences and workshops can also be beneficial. It's also important to continuously develop and strengthen your skills, such as through online courses or workshops, to stay competitive in the job market.

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