NASA is a US agency specializing in the nation's space program.NASA's vision statement is to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.A career with NASA can be exciting, creative, and important, but it can also be demanding and competitive.If it's your dream to work with NASA, we've got some helpful advice on how to plan your path to an eventual career with them, as well as some practical advice about handling the application procedure.
Step 1: There are many opportunities with NASA.
If going to space doesn't appeal to you, you may find a rewarding career with NASA.Medical doctors, nurses, and mental health care professionals are some of the professionals that NASA employs.Researchers, engineers, geologists, microbiologists, and physicists.Writers, human resource specialists, and communications professionals.There are computer programmers and IT specialists.
Step 2: Do you have academic talents?
It's important to think about what you're good at as early as possible if you want to start working for NASA.The idea of the position at NASA that would be the best fit for you will be helped by this.What subjects do you excel in at school?If everyone wants to be your lab partner in physics class, you may want to consider a career in applied physics with NASA.
Step 3: Pick out your interests and passions.
Even if you're good at math or chemistry, a career at NASA will be intense, as will the course of study you have to go through in order to qualify.You want to choose a path that will allow you to excel and be passionate about it.
Step 4: A course of study can be designed.
It is a good idea to carefully outline the courses you will take in high school and/or college once you have a plan in mind for your ideal career at NASA.It's a good idea to meet with your advisor regularly to make sure you're taking the right courses.If you want to be an engineer or a scientist with NASA, you should choose a path centered on science, technology, engineering, and math.If your dream job with NASA will require graduate study, you should determine as early as possible.This could affect where you go to school and what courses you take as an undergrad.
Step 5: You have to study hard.
It's a joke at NASA to respond to questions about how to work by studying hard, but it really is important.You're going to have to be committed to your studies, and make sure that you master the material, even if you get the necessary grades.
Step 6: The right school is chosen.
You should plan your path to NASA early on if you're still in high school and reading this.It's a good idea to research college and universities that have strongSTEM programs, and get into the best one that you can.
Step 7: The resume of current NASA employees is a good place to start.
One of the best ways to figure out how to get where you want to go is to see how others do it.The bios of some of the successful individuals who work at NASA can be found on the website.If they mention an internship or a fellowship, pay attention to where they went for their undergrad and graduate educations.
Step 8: Are you able to follow a similar path?
Is it possible to be admitted to these schools?It is possible for you to transfer for your final year or two of college if you are concerned that your academic program isn't strong enough or prestigious enough.
Step 9: It's a good idea to study broadly.
Don't forget to study the humanities even though you will most likely be focused on the sciences.It could be beneficial to study philosophy, history and ethics.You'll learn how to read, analyze and think about complicated texts, as well as hone your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.In your future career with NASA, all of this will be valuable.
Step 10: Become well-rounded.
If you want to develop yourself fully, you need to take care of your body and develop your people and leadership skills.You have to find ways to relax and have fun.If you can fit time into your schedule for extra-curricular activities, you will be able to accomplish these goals.You may want to join a science club, debate team, run for student government, play volleyball, or play in the school band.
Step 11: You can learn about the internship program.
There are three ways to begin working with NASA.For current college students or people who have been accepted into a qualified educational program, the NASA Pathways intern employment program is for them.If you are accepted into the program, you will be able to perform paid work, learn the necessary skills, and gain relevant experience and connections that will hopefully lead to a career with NASA.
Step 12: There are internship opportunities with the Pathway Program.
If you want to review all current opportunities, you can either go to NASA's website or to USAJOBS.You can get notifications for opportunities through USAJOBS.
Step 13: Make sure you meet eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for an internship with NASA, you need to be a US citizen, be at least 16 by the time you start the internship, and enroll or be accepted into an accredited educational institution.You need to have a 3.0 grade point average and keep it on a 4.0 scale.
Step 14: Any additional requirements should be met.
You may need to meet NASA's qualification standards for some positions.In the specific internship posting, these will be outlined.
Step 15: You can apply for the internship.
You can apply through the USAJOBS online application system.We will give you more information on how to handle your application.
Step 16: Apply to the NASA Pathways Recent Graduates Program.
If you did not know about the internship program when you were in college, don't worry.You may be eligible for the RGP if you graduated recently.If your application is accepted, you will be placed into a 1-year career development program, which may be extended for an extra year, in order to get you a more permanent job with NASA.
Step 17: The eligibility requirements for the R GP are met.
You must have graduated from a qualified educational institution within the last two years to be eligible.You can apply within 6 years of graduating if your military obligations delayed your ability to apply.
Step 18: You have to apply for the RGP.
If you want to apply for current open RGP positions, you can either go to NASA website or to USAJOBS.
Step 19: The PMF is a program of NASA.
Individuals who have recently completed advanced graduate course work are eligible for the final NASA Pathways Program.Individuals who are accepted are immersed in an intensive leadership development program which can place them on the fast-track to important government positions and careers.
Step 20: Determine if you are eligible for the program.
You may be able to apply to be a fellow if you have received your advanced degree within the last two years.
Step 21: Do you want to compete for a fellowship?
NASA is one of many government organizations that participate in this prestigious and competitive program.To learn about the requirements and the application procedure, you need to visit the PMF website.
Step 22: There is a program for astronauts.
If you're interested in working at the International Space Program, you should apply to become an Astronaut Candidate.If accepted, you will be assigned to the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where you'll spend two years training and being evaluated for your suitability as an astronauts.
Step 23: If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you can apply for the Astronaut Candidate Program.
You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in one or more of the following: mathematics, engineering, biological science or physical science.You won't be able to become an Astronaut Candidate if you have degrees that make you eligible for other work with NASA.Degree in Nursing, Technology, and/or Aviation are not considered to be qualified.
Step 24: Before applying for the Astronaut Candidate Program, you should gain experience.
You must have at least three years of professional experience before you can apply to this program.Some or all of the required professional experience can be counted if you have completed graduate study.You can read the application guidelines on USAJOBS.
Step 25: If you meet the physical eligibility requirements, you can become an Astronaut Candidate.
You will need to pass a physical to fly with NASA.If you have had your vision corrected, a minimum of one year must have passed before you show any vision problems.Your blood pressure may be less than 140/90 if you sit down.You can be taller than 75 inches and shorter than 62 inches.
Step 26: You can apply through the USAJOBS.
You can apply to become an Astronaut Candidate if you are a civilian.If you are on active duty in the military, you can apply through USAJOBS, but you may need to go through an additional application procedure with your local army personnel management.
Step 27: Apply to NASA.
You can take a career with NASA even if you didn't participate in the program.If you've graduated from college or are in the military, you can apply to NASA immediately.
Step 28: There are open positions with NASA.
If you visit NASA's website, you can learn more about the organization, the people they employ, and the projects they are undertaking, but you will be directed to USAJOBS to find and apply for specific jobs.You can use the search function on USAJOBS to find positions with NASA.
Step 29: You can use the notification service from USAJOBS.
If you're worried about missing job announcements with NASA, you can sign up to receive email notifications when a position that matches your qualifications becomes available.Make sure that your email filters are set so that the notifications aren't sent to the wrong email folder or blocked altogether.
Step 30: Only apply for jobs that are advertised.
NASA doesn't consider other people's work.To find open positions, you should visit USAJOBS and sign up for email notifications of new positions.
Step 31: You should think about applying through mail.
You will need to prepare your resume once you find a position that you want to apply for.NASA prefers that you submit your resume through USAJOBS rather than mailing it in, as the address will be listed in the announcement.Unless you absolutely need to, apply as they prefer and avoid mailing your materials.
Step 32: Tailor your resume.
You can create and save up to five different resume on the USAJOBS site.Pick the one you want to use for the job opening.If you apply for more than one job at NASA, you may want to create different versions of your resume to highlight different skills.If you are applying to a job that requires you to train or mentor others, one resume may highlight your teaching experience, while another may show your research experience.Pick the resume that highlights the skills and qualifications you'll need for that job if you study the job posting carefully.NASA won't maintain the name of your resume, so be sure to note which version you used for particular applications.
Step 33: Don't make your resume format complicated.
Bullet-points and other non-numeric characters should not be used in your resume.Your final resume will look sloppy because NASA's computer program won't translate these characters correctly.You can use a dash instead of a bullet to emphasize points.
Step 34: Do not copy and paste your resume.
If you want to apply through USAJOBS, it's a good idea to first draft and polish your resume in a word processing program.Don't copy and paste from your word document into the resume builder.Special characters and hidden code are what programs like Microsoft word have.If you use a simple text file to compose your resume, you should be able to copy and paste.
Step 35: It's a good idea to refer to the job ad when writing your resume.
It is a good idea to highlight the key words in the advertisement for the job you are applying to.As you outline your work experience and present your skills and competencies, make sure to include those words and phrases.The appropriate technical terms should be used for your industry.
Step 36: It's a good idea to avoid padding your resume.
NASA encourages you to keep your resume focused on the job you want, and to avoid using excessive adjectives when describing your experience.You shouldn't try to fill out your experience with irrelevant work experience.
Step 37: Work history is not relevant.
The resume you send to NASA doesn't need to include your entire work history.They don't expect you to list the summer you spent detasseling corn or the side job you did as a bartender.If it's not related to the position you're applying for at NASA, you should include your current job.
Step 38: Tell us everything you know about your work experience.
Once you decide what jobs to list on your resume, be sure to have at hand the dates of your employment, your salary, and your employers' addresses, as well as your supervisors' names and telephone numbers.
Step 39: If you were a Federal employee, you should be prepared with more information.
Any work you've done with the government will need to be declared.You should list the occupational series number of your position, dates of employment and promotions, and the highest grade you held.
Step 40: Information about your educational history should be included.
The complete names of the schools you've attended and their locations are required.List your major, graduation dates, and degree earned.A four-year degree is required for most jobs at NASA.It's important that your degree comes from an accredited institution that is recognized by the Department of Education.
Step 41: Make a list of your accomplishments.
You should include a list of any awards you've won, training, publications, and co-authored.It's important to include specific titles and dates.The computer software, tools, and equipment you have used or mastered could be relevant to this new job.
Step 42: Keep it brief.
NASA has a length limit on the resume you create through their system.They won't consider a resume over six pages.
Step 43: Don't read the cover letter.
NASA does not accept cover letters as part of the application process.
Step 44: If supporting documentation is required, read the job ad.
NASA doesn't usually ask for supporting documentation when you apply for an open position.If there is an exception to this general rule, read the ad carefully.You should keep an eye on your email after your resume has been submitted.If you're requesting veteran's preference, some jobs may require you to send your college transcripts, or you will have to follow up with proper documentation.Near the end of the hiring process, these requests come.
Step 45: You can submit your resume.
Once you've completed your online resume with USAJOBS, it will be transferred to the NASA Staffing System.The system will extract information from your USAJOBS resume.
Step 46: As you review your resume, keep in mind that it was taken from the USAJOBS site.
Not all of the fields are taken.NASA doesn't give out information from the "Organizations/Affiliations" or "References" sections.When you don't see them on your NASA STARS resume, it's not a big deal to fill out these sections in your general USAJOBS resume.
Step 47: Answer screening questions.
NASA STARS may ask you more questions after your resume is done.You're interested in the position if you meet the minimum qualifications.
Step 48: Answer questions from other sources.
While completing your USAJOBS resume, you may be asked to answer supplemental questions.You will need to verify that your answers were transferred completely.You can change or revise your answers.
Step 49: For specific jobs, answer additional questions.
Some SES positions require you to complete SES Executive Core Qualifications and SES Technical Qualifications questions.NASA recommends that you complete these off-line using a simple text editor and then fill in your answer once you've been able to give them careful thought and attention.The questions are designed to assess your managerial and leadership skills, as well as the required technical knowledge and skills.
Step 50: You should be on the alert for a receipt.
Once your supplemental questions have been answered, you will receive an email from NASA which will confirm that your application has been received.You'll want to go back to your application if you don't get this.
Step 51: The application status page on USAJOBS can be used to track your application.
When you log on to USAJOBS, you can see where your application is in the review process.If the review process has begun, if you've been selected to interview, or if the position has been filled or canceled, you can see.