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Late Bloomer with Big Dreams: Advice for Becoming a Scientist or Engineer at NASA
Hi everyone,
I’m Kayla, 25 years old, and ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of working for NASA. When I told my mom, she brushed it off, saying it wasn’t a “real job.” Instead of allowing me to pursue STEM, I ended up at a performing arts school, where I played trumpet throughout middle and high school. After graduating, I jumped into the workforce, starting at the airport to afford a car and basic living expenses. I traveled a bit, gained life experience, but nothing ever came close to beating my love for space.
Fast forward to today: I’ve been working as a Project Manager for a software company for the past four years. While I got a late start, I decided last year that it’s never too late to chase my dreams. I enrolled in college and am almost finished with my AS degree in Computer Programming. Next up, I’ll be pursuing a BAS in Software Development. So far, I’ve learned the basics of Python, and while I don’t have experience with robotics yet, I would LOVE to dive into that world—I just don’t know where to start.
This past year, I decided to work with what I have—using my project management and software experience as a foundation to pursue a career at NASA. I’ve already applied to NASA internships for Summer 2025, but I’m worried my lack of direct experience might hold me back. Still, I’m determined to keep improving and building my skills to get there.
I’m particularly interested in roles like:
1. **Robotics/AI Scientist:** Building software for autonomous spacecraft, robots, or planetary rovers.
2. **Data Scientist:** Analyzing data from NASA’s satellites or telescopes to extract meaningful scientific insights.
3. **Planetary Scientist (Data-Driven):** Working on computational models or simulations to study celestial bodies.
4. **Astrophysicist (Computational Focus):** Using programming to model astrophysical phenomena or analyze telescope data.
5. **Software Development/Software Engineering:** Designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software systems critical to space missions, such as launch control software, mission planning tools, or spacecraft diagnostics. Developing algorithms and applications for data processing, simulations, or operational support for NASA’s missions.
6. **Space Operations:** Managing and overseeing the operational aspects of space missions, including mission planning, spacecraft system monitoring, and ground-to-space communication. Coordinating the logistics and execution of launches, satellite deployments, and space station operations to ensure mission success.
I’d love your advice on a few things:
* **Educational Path:** Is my current degree pathway (AS in Computer Programming → BAS in Software Development) solid for NASA’s needs? Are there additional certifications or degrees I should consider?
* **Standing Out:** How can I make myself stand out in the NASA internship application process or when applying to contractors like Boeing or Lockheed Martin?
* **Skills to Focus On:** What technical skills, tools, or programming languages should I prioritize to become a strong candidate for these roles?
* **Portfolio Projects:** Are there any space-related software projects you’d recommend I work on to strengthen my portfolio?
I’d be so grateful for any guidance, resources, or inspiration you can share. My dream of contributing to space exploration has never faded, and I’m eager to take the next steps to make it a reality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m excited to learn from this amazing community!
#space
source
Hi everyone,
I’m Kayla, 25 years old, and ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of working for NASA. When I told my mom, she brushed it off, saying it wasn’t a “real job.” Instead of allowing me to pursue STEM, I ended up at a performing arts school, where I played trumpet throughout middle and high school. After graduating, I jumped into the workforce, starting at the airport to afford a car and basic living expenses. I traveled a bit, gained life experience, but nothing ever came close to beating my love for space.
Fast forward to today: I’ve been working as a Project Manager for a software company for the past four years. While I got a late start, I decided last year that it’s never too late to chase my dreams. I enrolled in college and am almost finished with my AS degree in Computer Programming. Next up, I’ll be pursuing a BAS in Software Development. So far, I’ve learned the basics of Python, and while I don’t have experience with robotics yet, I would LOVE to dive into that world—I just don’t know where to start.
This past year, I decided to work with what I have—using my project management and software experience as a foundation to pursue a career at NASA. I’ve already applied to NASA internships for Summer 2025, but I’m worried my lack of direct experience might hold me back. Still, I’m determined to keep improving and building my skills to get there.
I’m particularly interested in roles like:
1. **Robotics/AI Scientist:** Building software for autonomous spacecraft, robots, or planetary rovers.
2. **Data Scientist:** Analyzing data from NASA’s satellites or telescopes to extract meaningful scientific insights.
3. **Planetary Scientist (Data-Driven):** Working on computational models or simulations to study celestial bodies.
4. **Astrophysicist (Computational Focus):** Using programming to model astrophysical phenomena or analyze telescope data.
5. **Software Development/Software Engineering:** Designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software systems critical to space missions, such as launch control software, mission planning tools, or spacecraft diagnostics. Developing algorithms and applications for data processing, simulations, or operational support for NASA’s missions.
6. **Space Operations:** Managing and overseeing the operational aspects of space missions, including mission planning, spacecraft system monitoring, and ground-to-space communication. Coordinating the logistics and execution of launches, satellite deployments, and space station operations to ensure mission success.
I’d love your advice on a few things:
* **Educational Path:** Is my current degree pathway (AS in Computer Programming → BAS in Software Development) solid for NASA’s needs? Are there additional certifications or degrees I should consider?
* **Standing Out:** How can I make myself stand out in the NASA internship application process or when applying to contractors like Boeing or Lockheed Martin?
* **Skills to Focus On:** What technical skills, tools, or programming languages should I prioritize to become a strong candidate for these roles?
* **Portfolio Projects:** Are there any space-related software projects you’d recommend I work on to strengthen my portfolio?
I’d be so grateful for any guidance, resources, or inspiration you can share. My dream of contributing to space exploration has never faded, and I’m eager to take the next steps to make it a reality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m excited to learn from this amazing community!
#space
source
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