Find solution
What is the best nursing program / career to start in?

How do I start a career with the space program?

  • I am in undergraduate school at a liberal arts college, and I love Physics and Math. I really have a desire to work in our space program. I have interests in Astrophysics and Rocket Science. What is the path to a career in space? Any advice for internships, studying abroad, or choice of graduate school? What do I do after graduate school? Where would I have to live? What kind of jobs are available? I always wanted to go into space, but I am not a military man, and working with the program sounds great. Thanks for any advice.

  • Answer:

    Hi - I work for Lockheed Martin - Space Systems Company. I interned at NASA Johnson Space Center for three semesters. I have no military experience. How I did it: 1 - great grades in science, math, engineering, physics, etc. 2 - applied for internship at NASA-JSC through my undergrad school. 3 - got a Masters in Aerospace Engineering. 4 - applied for jobs through contacts with my grad program. What you know and who you know matters. Your track record on grades, national level tests (GRE) and design projects matters. How much money you have, can borrow or can get because your smart matters. Your job interview skills matter. The space industry is a tough gig. The pay isn't as high as some (ie S/W programmer). You'll have to be ready to move around - the company and the country to get work because funding for programs moves around. There's no end year bonus. It isn't all glamorous, in fact most of it is organizing paperwork. But every once in a while there's a payoff. One of the Mars Rovers took a picture just after its landing. Far in the background is the heat shield it used to enter the Martian atmosphere. I worked on that. My point is that if you are romantizing space and you don't have the gut level desire to labor for years on a project that may have its funding cut at any moment, thus making months of your work completely meaningless... then don't do it. Watch movies about space and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. However; if you like hard work, creative challenges, getting paid lower than the industry average and your patient; the space program might be your ticket.

Shane F at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

go to a collage that follows that kind of career.

Chris C

get an education and become an ace fighter pilot.

Helt2

I know USA, United Space Alliance has an internship you can apply for. After that, just apply at contractors and keept trying.

wtc69789

I just want to add something to the everything the person from lockeed martin noted. Who you know is a big part of getting into the space program. Best thing to do is do well in science competitions spnsored by aerospace companies. The other way is to do an internship or Co-Op. Co-Op's seem to get you farther because you are full time for a semester. Take a look at the co-ops offered by United Space Alliance. In the end, you may end up losing money by renting a place to stay in the area they send you to, but it will get your foot in the door and give you a really good idea what the space industry is all about.

RocketScientist

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.