Learn more about NASA's Pathways Program

1. Explore a Career at NASA
NASA’s Pathways Internship Program

2. Table of Contents
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 NASA Overview
• Mission and Vision
• Core Values
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Locations
 Pathways Internship
• Program Requirements
• Fields of Study
• Value and Benefits
• PAXC
 How to Apply
• New USAJobs Applications Process
• Resume Tips and Format
 What Happens After I Apply?
 Opportunities to Apply

3. NASA Vision
“To discover and expand knowledge
for the benefit of humanity”

4. It’s an exciting time to be
part of NASA!
We are Going to the Moon to Prepare for Mars
Artemis, named after the twin sister of Apollo who is
also the Goddess of the Moon and the hunt,
encompasses all of our efforts to return humans to the
Moon – which will prepare us and propel us on to Mars.
Through the Artemis program, we will see the first woman
and the next man walk on the surface of the Moon.
Meet the Rocket: NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS)
will be the most powerful rocket we’ve ever built. When
completed, SLS will enable astronauts to begin their journey
to explore destinations far into the solar system.

5. And we’re making an
impact, right here on Earth!
 Monitoring Sea Level Rise: Operation IceBridge is yielding
an unprecedented view of Arctic and Antarctic ice. IceBridge
collects critical data used to predict the response of Earth’s
polar ice to climate change and resulting sea-level rise.
 Detecting Famine Conditions: NASA is part of an
interagency effort funded by USAID that provides early
warning on instances of global acute food insecurity.
 Finding New Water Sources: Using satellite and remote-
sensing data from NASA, Radar Technologies International
developed software that can locate underground water.
Working with international organizations and governments,
the firm is helping find water sources for refugees in drought-
stricken regions.
 Image-Analysis Software Sees Cancer in 3D: Using filters
created to study the shape of astronauts eyes in space,
researchers found they could also identify the 3D shape of a
tumor within an image series.

6. NASA Core Values
Safety
Integrity
Teamwork
Excellence
Inclusion

7. Diversity and Inclusion at NASA
Our commitment: We promote the principles of diversity and inclusion in an effort to identify the best talent, achieve scientific
and engineering excellence, and ultimately realize mission success.
Our Programs: We support a diverse, welcoming, inclusive and equitable NASA community through Special Emphasis
Programs and Employee Resources Groups that are focused on nine critical segments of our workforce:
• African American
• American Indian/Alaska Native
• Hispanic/Latino
• Individuals with Disabilities
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Allies
• Veterans
• Women
• Young Professionals

8. NASA Locations

9. What is the Pathways
Internship Program?
The Pathways Internship is similar to a co-op opportunity
where current students are provided with paid work
experiences and dynamic development opportunities for
multiple semester.
Pathways offers the chance to jump-start a NASA career, as
it presents a path to NASA employment after program
completion.
Quick Facts:
 Pathways interns are civil servants
 Opportunities are available for both STEM and non-
STEM majors (we currently have a 70/30 breakdown)
 Degree levels: College sophomores through Post
Graduate
 Applications Dates: The majority of opportunities are
announced in the fall, around September or October, for
appointments that begin in January and again around
February and March for appointments that begin in May.

10. Pathways Program
Requirements
1. U.S. citizenship
2. Successfully completed at least 30 semester hours of
undergraduate education
3. Currently enrolled in (or accepted for enrollment to) an
accredited college or university on at least a half time basis:
Engineering programs: http://www.abet.org/
All programs: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
4. Currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.9 or
higher (on a 4.0 scale)
5. Be able to complete at least 640 hours of Pathways work
experience prior to completing your degree requirements
6. Have at least one academic year remaining in your degree
program. *Center requirements may vary, please read each
vacancy for specific Center details.
* Veterans Preference does apply to all Pathway opportunities

11. Preferred Fields of Study
STEM Majors
Technology: Airborne Science Research, Balloons & Sounding
Rockets, Computer Science, Electronics, Nanotechnology,
Software Engineering, Systems Engineering/Design
Engineering: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering,
Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Detector Systems, Environmental Engineering, Instrumentation
Engineering, Materials Engineering, Composites Applications,
Mechanical Engineering, Microelectronics & Signal Processing,
Optical Engineering, Robotics, Thermal Engineering, Welding
Engineering
Science: Applied Optics, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science
*Just a sample, not limited to listed majors
Non-Technical: Business, Administrative, Accounting,
Economics, Finance, Logistics, Management Information
Systems, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing,
Management, Human Resources, Education
*Please note, Engineering Technology degrees do not
qualify for Pathways engineering positions. Each position
will list preferred or required majors, please see vacancy
for specific educations requirements.
Business and Related
Majors

12. NASA Internship Value
NASA Voted Best Place to Work in the
Federal Government 8 Years in a Row!
 Contribute to meaningful work that will
have an impact
 Be part of a diverse workforce united by a
common purpose
 Foster and inspire innovation and new
ideas at NASA
 Access to continuous learning
opportunities and mentorship

13. Pathways Internship Benefits
In addition to pay and valuable work experience, you
may receive the same benefits as permanent
employees:
• Eligible for conversion to a permanent or term
employment after completion of program and degree
requirements
• Promotion eligibility while in the Pathways Program
• Health and life insurance
• Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift
Savings Plan
• Paid Federal Holidays
• Annual, Sick, and Military Leave

14. Promoting Agency Cross-
Center Connections (PAXC)
PAXC is a student-led organization that connects students
from all NASA centers to encourage communication,
knowledge-sharing, and ultimately promote a more unified
NASA organization as a whole. PAXC organizes engaging
events for young professionals at NASA including guest
speakers, center trips, games nights, and more!
Other PAXC activities include:
• Ongoing communications including bi-weekly meetings and
newsletters
• Virtual speed networking events, “pen-pals” program to
meet other interns
• Recognition via “Intern of the Week” spotlights
• Movie and game nights
• Meditation Series

15. How to Apply:
USAJobs Application Process

16. USAJobs: Logging In
1. Go to www.USAJobs.gov to create
an account.
2. Create a profile (fill in the fields).
Make sure you indicate veteran’s
preference status.
3. Create an alert so that you receive
an email when opportunities match
your criteria
4. Look for announcements titled
“Student Trainee.” The
announcements will highlight which
track this particular internship is part
of. Students can choose to apply to
one or both track options as positions
become available.
5. Once you find an opportunity, follow
the instructions in the “How to Apply”
section of the announcement.
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17. Adding Documents
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• Upload documents to your profile
• Use when applying for positions
• Now REQUIRED
• Up to 5 Resumes and 10 other
documents

18. Uploading Documents to USAJobs
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To add documents to your USA Jobs Profile such as DD-214s, Transcripts,
SF-50, certifications/licenses, etc., click on “Other”. As previously
mentioned, you may add up to ten documents to your profile to re-use
with every application submitted.

19. Applying for Positions
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• Now that NASA is no longer using NASA Stars, there will be some changes in the application process.
• Your qualifications will no longer be based on keywords; rather your resume will be reviewed to ensure your
experience is in line with the position you are applying to.
• It is recommended you watch USAJobs resume tutorials on either the USAJobs Home Page or by visiting their
YouTube Channel.
• Announcements will basically look the same, with the addition of “Required Documents”. Currently NASA does not
require applicants to submit documents with their application.
• Pay special attention to required documents, as not submitting them will result in a disqualification for the position you
are applying to.

20. 20
Applying for Positions (continued)
Once you click on the “Apply Button”, you will be taken to the next
phase of the application process.
Prior to moving forward with the
application process, you will select
the documents you wish to submit.
To continue, follow the prompts, read
the questions, and provide appropriate
responses.

21. Applying for Positions (continued)
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After completing the assessment questions,
you will be taken to the “Documents” tab of
the application process.
At this point you will click on the dropdown
menu and select the documents you previously
uploaded to the application.
Select the appropriate document and do the same
for the rest.
**Note: You may upload multiple documents to
The accepted documents tab.

22. Applying for Positions (continued)
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Click on “continue”
You will receive a warning message if
you previously selected documents, but
now did not assign them. If you wish to
assign these documents, you may do so
at this time.
Click on “continue”. You will have the
chance to review your documents again.
Click on the acknowledgement tab and submit.
***You have now finished the preliminary application process. You will receive additional email correspondence if there
are additional steps in the application process. You will NOT be notified if you are missing documents***

23. • How to Apply for Federal Jobs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gih8-cwTCQU
• Resume Writing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
• USA Jobs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/usajobs/videos
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Useful Links

24. Resume Tips

25. Resume Formats
• Standard 1 page resume
• Tailored to the specific positions that you are applying
to
• Bulleted lists that show your experiences and skills
• Look at the position you are interested in – what
skills or experiences are required? Those should
be reflected on your resume. Do not assume that
they will know you are familiar with Excel/C++/etc.
if it isn’t on your resume
• Recommended for 95% of positions that you apply for

26. Narrative Format
• NASA is in that 5% of employers that the 1-page
bulleted format is not the best fit.
• Narrative Format
• Narration (story) of your professional journey
• You narrate your story in third person and
strengthen on your achievements.
• Include skills, tools, software, and knowledge
that you have gained
• Include your Name, phone number, email
address
• Email should be professional. Not
surfer222@somewhere or
Jessieisawesome@somewhere.
• School emails are OK, but be sure to
update it if you stop attending and/or that
email closes after you graduate

27. Resume Tips: The Basics
1. Include your contact information (City,
State, Zip Code)
2. Use a professional email address
3. Create a professional message on your
voicemail
4. Check with your references before using
their names
5. Check your spelling and grammar
6. Include all major education factors (GPA,
graduation date, degree level, major,
relevant coursework)
7. Please make sure to read the entire
vacancy.

28. Resume Tips: Stand Out
1. Work Experience (you are not limited to 1 page)
• Document all related jobs
• Use school projects if you lack job
experience
• Describe unrelated jobs the right way
2. Think like an employer (tailor your application to the
position)
3. Federal resumes can be longer and require more
information than private sector/non-profit resumes.
Important sections for STEM
• Computer Skills: Describe your knowledge of any
computer skills, software languages, hardware, or any
specialized computer programs.
• Technical Skills: Include any knowledge or capabilities
to perform specialized tasks. This may include
laboratory experience, special tools machine shop, etc.
• Other Skills: List any other skills needed. This includes
soft skills (communication, leadership, teamwork, etc.)
• Previous NASA Program Experience
• List any NASA program experience – Space Grant

29. Resume Tips: Describing
Your Experience
• Focus on the qualification requirements section of
the vacancy announcement - your resume should
describe how you meet the requirements
• Resume should be results driven - Use the S.A.R
method: Describe the Situation, Action and Result.
• Use action words to describe work experience:
managed, assisted, responded, planned,
coordinated, met with, implemented,
communicated with, tested, developed,
spearheaded, etc.
• Include special skills like computer proficiency and
language ability
• Plan ahead - Allow plenty of time to thoroughly
proof read and complete your application
• Apply by the deadline or better yet – early!

30. Resume Builder
• Use the Resume builder on
USAJobs.gov
• This is recommended for your NASA
opportunities.
• NASA wants to see your story – be
clear and concise, but elaborate!

31. What Happens After I Apply?
• 1-2 weeks after application
• NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) works to issue referrals for each announcement
• You will receive an e-mail notification if you were not referred and the reason why
• Upon receipt of the referrals:
• Resume reviews and selection of individuals for interview
• 1-3 weeks after identifying candidates:
• Schedule interviews
• Conduct all interviews
• Make hiring decisions
• 2-4 weeks after interviews conclude:
• Offers are made by the NSSC
• Final notices of non-selection are sent by the NSSC
• If selected, you begin working with your local Pathways Office to get ready for your
internship!
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32. Opportunities to Apply
• Not all Centers hire Pathways every semester
• General timeline (varies by Center)
• Spring – January start date
• Application window: mid-September – early October
• Summer – May start date
• Application window: late January – early February
• Fall – August start date
• Application window: late January – early February
• Full-time opportunities on USAJobs year-round
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33. Connect and Follow us at:
Careers Website
www.nasa.gov/careers
Pathways Program Internships
www.nasa.gov/careers/students-and-
recent-graduates
linkedin.com/company/nasa
@NASAPeople