The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a United States government agency that manages the aeronautical, aerospace, and space programs. NASA's vision: "Reach the next level and expose the unknown so that our efforts and learning will benefit all of humanity." There are many challenging career opportunities with NASA, and there are many avenues to get there. A career with NASA is not only exciting, creative, and very rewarding, it will also be demanding and competitive. If your dream is to work with NASA, we have some helpful advice on how to plan your path to a career with them, and in addition, we also offer you some practical advice on how to deal with the application procedure.
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Method 1 of 3: Study Diligent
Step 1. Learn what opportunities exist at NASA
Perhaps, when you think of NASA, the first thing that pops into your head is the astronauts. But if you're not that keen on going to space, you could still have a rewarding career with NASA. Here are a few of the existing job vacancies at NASA:
- Doctors, medical nurses, and mental health professionals.
- Researchers, engineers, geologists, microbiologists, and physicists.
- Writer, human resources officer, and communication expert.
- Computer programmer and information technology expert.
Step 2. Know your academic talent
If you are about to begin your journey to a career with NASA, you should know what area of expertise you are in as early as possible. This will help you to choose what position you want and is most suitable for you at NASA. Consider the following:
What areas are you good at at school? For example, if everyone wants to be your lab partner in physics class, you might be a good fit for a career in applied physics at NASA
Step 3. Find out what makes you interested and excited
Even if you're very good at doing something-like in math and chemistry-a career with NASA can be an intense experience, and the series of classes you must take to qualify for qualification can be very stressful. You should choose something that you are not only good at, but that excites you as well.
Step 4. Develop your education plan
Once you have a clear idea of what career you want to take at NASA, it's a good idea to start planning your education, from high school to college. Meet regularly with your academic supervisor to make sure you are taking the right number of classes.
- In particular, if you want to become an astronaut, engineer, or scientist at NASA, you should take classes centered on STTM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Find out as early as possible whether your dream job at NASA will require graduate education. This will affect your choice of school and the classes you will take at undergraduate level.
Step 5. Study hard
This is a joke NASA staff often uses to answer people who ask them how to join NASA. “Study diligently,” because, in fact, that answer is very true.
It is an obligation for you later to be fully committed to your education. Make sure you not only get the necessary grades, but also fully master the material
Step 6. Choose the right school
If you're-while reading this article, of course-still in high school, start planning your path to NASA right now. Find out about colleges and universities that have strong STTM programs, and choose the best campus of your choice.
Step 7. Study the curriculum vitae of current NASA employees
One of the best ways to determine your future direction is to know what other people have been through. You can go to the NASA website to read biographies of some of the successful individuals who worked there.
Pay attention to where they took their undergraduate and postgraduate education, find out if they took a particular internship or scholarship program, etc
Step 8. Decide if you will follow a similar path with them
Can you reach the campuses? If you are currently in college, but you think your academic program is not strong enough or prestigious enough, then consider changing campuses in the last year or two of your studies.
Step 9. Study the broad field
Although you will focus on the STTM areas later, don't completely forget about the social areas. Studying philosophy, history, and/or ethics will also benefit you.
You will learn how to read and review complex writings, sharpen problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and be able to think more deeply about important moral questions. They will be invaluable in your future career at NASA
Step 10. Be thorough
Prioritize developing yourself to the fullest. This means that not only do you have to develop your knowledge, you also have to take care of your body and improve your leadership and social skills. Finding ways to relax and have fun is equally important.
Try to find time between your schedule to do extracurricular activities that will help you achieve these goals. For example, join a science club, math, debate team; try registering a student/student organization at school, being a member of a volleyball team, or a school band, and so on
Method 2 of 3: Knowing the Different Paths to NASA
Step 1. Study the Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP), or Preparatory Program for Internships at NASA
NASA has a program called the Pathways Program that offers three different ways to start working with them. The NASA IEP program is intended for students or persons who have been accepted into a qualified educational program.
If you are accepted into the program, you will be able to take on paid work, learn the required skills, and gain the relevant experience and connections that will hopefully make the transition to a full career with NASA
Step 2. Look for internships in the Pathways Program
You can see it from the NASA website or the USAJOBS website, including the IEP positions. You can also register to receive notification of Pathways Program vacancies through USAJOBS.
Step 3. Make sure you meet the requirements
To be accepted for an internship at NASA, you must be a citizen of the United States, be at least 16 years old at the time of your internship, currently studying, and be enrolled in or have been accepted into an accredited educational institution.
You must also have and maintain a GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale
Step 4. Meet other additional requirements
For some positions, you may need to meet NASA's Aeronautics, Science, and Engineering (AST) qualification standards. All these requirements will be stated in the internship vacancy announcement.
Step 5. Apply for the Pathways Internship Program
To register, you will be directed to the USAJOBS online registration system. We will provide more information on how to register later.
Step 6. Try applying for the Pathways Recent Graduates Program (RGP), or New Graduate Preparation Program, at NASA
No need to worry if you didn't know about this internship program while you were in college. If you have recently graduated, or are about to graduate this year, you can still take part in the RGP.
If your application is accepted, you will be placed in a one-year career development program (which, in some cases, can be extended up to another year), and once you complete the program, you can gain a more permanent position at NASA
Step 7. Meet the requirements to register for RGP
To qualify, you must be a graduate of a qualified educational institution in the last two years, unless you are a qualified veteran.
If you are unable to apply immediately due to military service, you can apply within six years of graduation or after you receive a qualified education certificate
Step 8. Registering RGP
You can do this through the NASA website, or directly through the USAJOBS website to search for currently open RGP positions.
Step 9. Learn about the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Pathways, or Presidential Management Preparation Scholarship program
The latest NASA Pathways Program is aimed at people who have recently completed graduate education. Those admitted will receive an intensive leadership development program that will put them on a fast-track career in important government positions.
Step 10. Find out if you qualify for the PMF program
If you have received your qualifying degree within the last two years (or if you will be completing your education this year), you will be eligible to apply for this program.
Step 11. Choose the program you like
There are many government organizations participating in this prestigious and competitive program (more than 100 organizations in number), and NASA is one of them.
You should visit the PMF website (www.pmf.gov) for the requirements and application procedures
Step 12. Study the Astronaut Candidate Program
If you are interested in becoming an astronaut and want to work in the Space Station Program, apply to become an Astronaut Candidate.
If accepted, you will be placed in the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, and there, you will spend approximately two years training intensively and being assessed for your eligibility as an astronaut
Step 13. Meet the basic educational requirements required to apply for the Astronaut Candidate Program
For your application to be considered, you must have an appropriate degree:
- You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in one or more of the following fields: mathematics, engineering, biological sciences, or physics.
- Be aware that some degrees that qualify you to work with NASA may not qualify you to become an Astronaut Candidate. For example, a degree in Nursing, Technology, and/or Aviation does not qualify.
Step 14. Gain additional experience before applying for the Astronaut Candidate Program
You must have at least three years of additional relevant professional experience beyond your undergraduate education before you apply for this programme.
Once you have completed your studies, you will be allowed to use them as required professional experience. You can find out more by studying the instructions on USAJOBS
Step 15. Meet the physical requirements required to apply for the Astronaut Candidate
You must be able to pass NASA's long-range physical flight requirements. Among the existing requirements, namely:
- Your eyesight must be full 20/20, and if you have had eye surgery, you should wait a year before applying, and for that one year too, there should be no problems.
- Your blood pressure, while sitting, should not exceed 140/90.
- You must be no less than 62 inches (157.48 cm) and no taller than 75 inches (190.5 cm).
Step 16. Apply through USAJOBS
If you are a civilian, you will apply to become an Astronaut Candidate through USAJOBS.
You will also apply through USAJOBS if you are currently serving in the military, but you will likely also have to undergo additional application procedures through your military branch (for example, if you are in the Army, contact local personnel management for more information)
Method 3 of 3: Apply to NASA via USAJOBS
Step 1. Try applying to NASA even if you don't participate in the Pathways Program
There are many different “paths” you can take to get a career at NASA. While the Pathways Program provides great opportunities, you can still apply to NASA directly if you graduated from university or are in the military.
Step 2. Visit USAJOBS to find job vacancies at NASA
While visiting the NASA website to start a job search is a good idea-you can learn more about their organization, the people they employ, and ongoing projects-you will still be directed to USAJOBS to find and apply for specific jobs..
You can use the search function on the USAJOBS website to filter the results to find NASA jobs
Step 3. Use the notification feature of USAJOBS
You don't have to worry about missing job news with NASA because you will receive notifications whenever there are vacancies that meet the qualifications and criteria you want from USAJOBS.
Check your inbox regularly, making sure your spam filter is set up so that notifications don't go to the wrong inbox, or even get blocked
Step 4. Simply apply on the posted vacancies
NASA doesn't take people's biographies for granted. As previously explained, search for vacancies by visiting USAJOBS and/or registering for email notifications of currently open positions.
Step 5. Think carefully about applying by mail
Once you've found the position you'd like to apply for, you'll need to prepare a curriculum vitae. Although NASA accepts resumes by mail (the delivery address will be on the job announcement), they tend to prefer that you use the electronic application process through USAJOBS.
Apply according to the directions they give, avoid sending things that are not really needed
Step 6. Compile your USAJOBS curriculum vitae
You are allowed to create and store up to five resumes on the USAJOBS website. Later, you will be asked to choose the one you want to use for each job vacancy you apply for. If you are applying for more than one government position, or for more than one NASA vacancy, you should make different versions of your resume that emphasize different abilities.
- Example: one of your resumes is designed to emphasize your teaching experience if you are applying for a position that requires you to teach or train someone else, while another can emphasize your research experience.
- Study job announcements carefully so that you can choose the most appropriate resume with information on the skills and qualifications you need for the vacancy.
- Make sure you remember which version of your curriculum vitae you used for your applications.
Step 7. Create your curriculum vitae in a simple format
Do not use bullets or other non-alphanumeric characters in your resume. NASA's computer program won't be able to translate the characters correctly, and your resume will look messy.
However, you can use lines instead of bullets to emphasize or list your experiences
Step 8. Avoid copy-pasting your curriculum vitae
It is recommended that you pre-compile and organize your resume in a word processing program before applying with USAJOBS, but you should not simply copy and paste from a word processing document into the on-site resume generator.
- Certain programs, such as Microsoft Word, have special characters and hidden codes that won't translate properly.
- If you compose your curriculum vitae using a simple text document, you will be able to copy and paste its contents without any problems.
Step 9. Make the announcement of the job vacancy you are aiming for as a reference for making your curriculum vitae
Emphasize the key words in the job ad you are aiming for when you are compiling your resume. Make sure you include these words and phrases as you outline your work experience and describe your abilities and competencies.
Also make sure you use the right technical terms
Step 10. Avoid embellishing your resume
NASA recommends that you keep your resume focused on the job opening you want. Avoid excessive complements in your description of your experience. Also avoid writing down your irrelevant work experience.
Step 11. Avoid mentioning irrelevant work experience
You don't need to include all of your work experience on the resume you send to NASA. Example: NASA doesn't expect you to write about your experiences selling corn in the summer, being a bartender in college, or any other odd jobs you've done.
However, you should write down your current job even if it is not directly related to the position you are applying for at NASA
Step 12. Provide complete information about the work experience you include
Once you determine what jobs you will include in your resume, make sure you also include the date and period of employment, salary, office address, and the name and telephone number of your employer.
Step 13. Prepare additional information if you are or have been a Federal employee
You must mention all the work you have ever done for the government. Write down the serial number of your position, your exact date and period of employment, promotion date, and the highest position you have ever held.
Step 14. Include complete information about your education
You should also mention the names of the schools you have attended, and their locations. Also state the field of study, degree, graduation date, and GPA (with the scale used to calculate it).
Most jobs at NASA require at least four years of education, and often postgraduate education as well. Your degree must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the Ministry of Education, and not an “empty diploma”
Step 15. List your achievements
List any awards you've received, training you've attended, scientific articles you've written or participated in, etc. Include complete titles and date of publication.
Also list any computer software, tools, and/or equipment you have used or mastered that would be relevant for the job for which you are applying
Step 16. Condense your curriculum vitae
USAJOBS doesn't put a length limit on the resumes you create through their system, but NASA does. NASA will not accept resumes longer than six typed pages (approximately 20,000 characters).
Step 17. Skip the cover letter
NASA does not accept applications as part of the application process, nor do they accept documents such as SF-171, OF-612, DD-214, SF-50, or SF-15.
Step 18. Read the job posting to see if any supporting documentation is required
Usually, NASA doesn't ask you to submit supporting documentation when you first apply for a job with them. However, read the vacancies carefully, in case there are exceptions to this.
- Keep checking your email carefully in case a request for documentation is sent to you after you've sent your curriculum vitae.
- For example, some vacancies will require transcripts of college grades, or supporting documentation if you are a veteran. However, these requests usually only arrive towards the end of the application process.
Step 19. Submit your USAJOBS curriculum vitae
Once you have completed your online curriculum vitae using USAJOBS, it will be sent to the NASA Staffing System (NASA STARS), their staffing system. This system will extract the information NASA needs from your USAJOBS resume.
Step 20. Review your curriculum vitae at the time of extraction from the USAJOBS website
Note that not all parts are extracted. For example, NASA does not extract information from the “Language”, “Organization/Affiliate”, or “Reference” sections.
Filling out these sections on your USAJOBS resume doesn't hurt, but don't worry if you don't find them on your NASA STARS resume
Step 21. Answer the additional questions
NASA STARS will ask you a few additional questions once your resume has been extracted. This ensures that you meet the minimum requirements and that you are interested in the position.
Step 22. Answer other supporting questions
You will be asked to answer supporting questions as you complete your USAJOBS resume. If so, your answer will be sent, but you will have to check if your answer is fully submitted. You can use this opportunity to correct or change your answers.
Step 23. Answer additional questions for specific jobs
For example, some Senior Executive Service (SES), or Senior Executive, positions require you to complete Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ), or Executive Core Qualifications, and Executive Technical Qualification questions. NASA recommends that you finish off the net using a simple text editor and then fill in your answer once you've thought about it some more.
The questions are designed to find out if you have the necessary managerial and leadership skills and experience, as well as the required technical skills and knowledge
Step 24. Always be alert for a notification to come
Once you have answered all of your supporting questions, you will receive an email notification from NASA confirming that your application has been accepted.
If you don't receive it, go back to your application and check it, maybe you missed a certain stage
Step 25. Check the status of your application using the “Application Status” feature on the USAJOBS website
You can log in to USAJOBS again any time you want to see if your application has been reviewed or not.
- For example, you can find out if your application has been accepted, if the assessment process has started, whether or not your eligibility for the vacancy has been determined, and whether you have been selected for an interview, or if the vacancy is full or canceled.
- Good luck!
