Medical doctors, nurses, and mental health care professionals. Researchers, engineers, geologists, microbiologists, and physicists. Writers, human resource specialists, and communications professionals. Computer programmers and IT specialists.
What subjects do you excel in at school? For example, if everyone wants to be your lab partner in physics class, then you may want to think about a future career in applied physics with NASA.
Particularly if you want to be an astronaut, an engineer, or a scientist with NASA, you should choose a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) centered education path. [4] X Research source You should also determine as early as possible if your eventual dream job with NASA will require graduate study. This may affect where you go to school or what courses you choose to take as an undergraduate.
You’re going to have to be committed to your studies, and make sure not just that you get the necessary grades, but that you truly are able to master the material.
Pay attention to where they went for their undergraduate and graduate educations, see if they mention having completed any internships or fellowships, etc.
You’ll learn how to read and dissect complicated texts, sharpen your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and think deeply about important moral questions. All of this will be valuable in your future career with NASA.
Try to fit time into your schedule for extra-curricular activities which will help you accomplish these goals. For example, you may want to join the science club, math club, debate team, run for student government, play on the volleyball team, play in the school band, etc.
If you are accepted into the program, you’ll be able to perform paid work, learn the necessary skills, and gain the relevant experience and connections to hopefully be able to transition into a career with NASA.
You also need to have and keep a GPA of at least 2. 9 on a 4. 0 scale
If your application is accepted, you’ll be placed into a 1-year career development program (which in some cases may be extended for an extra year), and which upon completion of the program, may turn into a more permanent job with NASA.
If your ability to apply was delayed due to your military obligations, you may apply within 6 years of graduating or after having received a qualifying educational certificate.
You’ll need to visit the PMF website (www. pmf. gov) to learn about the requirements and the application procedure.
If accepted, you’ll be assigned to the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where you’ll spend approximately two years training intensively and being evaluated for your suitability as an astronaut. [11] X Research source
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. [12] X Research source Notice that some degrees which may make you eligible for other work with NASA will not qualify you to become an Astronaut Candidate. For example, degrees in Nursing,Technology, and/or Aviation are not considered qualifying. [13] X Research source
If you have completed graduate study, it will be allowed to count for some or all of the required professional experience. You can learn more by studying the application guidelines on USAJOBS.
Your vision must be correctable to 20/20, and if you’ve had your vision surgically corrected, a minimum of one year must have passed during which time you showed no complications. Your blood pressure while sitting down may not be higher than 140/90. You may not be shorter than 62 inches tall nor taller than 75 inches.
You will also apply through USAJOBS if you are on active duty in the military, but you may need to go through an additional application procedure through your respective military service (for example, if you are in the army, then contact your local army personnel management for more information). [16] X Research source
You can use the search function on USAJOBS to filter the results to show positions with NASA.
Just be sure to check your email regularly, and make sure that your spam filters are set such that the notifications won’t be send to the wrong email folder or blocked altogether.
It’s in your best interest to apply as they prefer, and avoid mailing your materials unless you absolutely need to.
For example, one of your resumes may highlight your teaching experience if you are applying to a job that requires you to train or mentor others, whereas another resume may highlight your research experience. Study the job posting carefully to select the resume that best highlights the skills and qualifications you’ll need for that job. Be sure to make note of which version of your resume you used for particular applications; NASA won’t maintain the name you gave the resume. [22] X Research source
You may, however, use a dash instead of a bullet to emphasize points or to list your experience. [24] X Research source
Programs like Microsoft word include special characters and hidden code that won’t translate properly. [25] X Research source If you compose your resume using a simple text file, you should be able to copy and paste without issue.
Make sure as well to use the appropriate technical terms for your industry.
You should, however, include your current job, even if it’s not directly related to the position you’re applying for at NASA.
Most jobs at NASA require at least a four-year degree, and often an advanced degree. It’s important that your degree come from an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education, and not a “diploma mill”. [30] X Research source
You should also outline the computer software, tools, and/or equipment you’ve used or mastered which could be relevant to this new job.
You should also monitor your email carefully for any requests that come your way after your resume has been submitted. Some jobs, for example, may require you to send your college transcripts, or you will have to follow up with proper documentation if you’re requesting veteran’s preference. [33] X Research source These requests typically come near the end of the hiring process, though.
It doesn’t hurt to fill out these sections in your general USAJOBS resume, but don’t freak out when you don’t see them on your NASA STARS resume.
These questions are designed to assess whether you have the appropriate managerial and leadership skills and experience, as well as the required technical knowledge and skills.
If you don’t receive this, you’ll want to go back to your application to see if you’ve missed a step.
For example, you can see if your application has been received, if the review process has begun, if it’s been determined that you are eligible for the position, whether you’ve been selected to interview, or whether the position has been filled or cancelled[38] X Research source
