I have applied to all the job positions that have a very long hiring process. I am referring to the U.S. federal government positions that I applied for and discussed in my last blog post. To summarize quickly, these jobs have a background process that can span several months. I decided to apply early and give myself time to finish my last two courses and study for the technical interviews. These jobs are entry level positions and only require a bachelor’s degree.
The reason I mentioned this is because I want to share my future ideal career. This career is one that I’ve always had an interest in and is my ‘dream job’. I am talking about an engineer/scientist position for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). I know it is a common dream job for many people. I have always found space interesting and it is something that I can work towards. How does this tie in with the government positions I mentioned? There are two main reasons why. The first reason is to get professional experience as an engineer or scientist. Starting out in entry level positions with the government is a good way to build your skill set and resume. The second reason is that I want to get my security clearance. Having both puts me in a good position to be considered, but it also opens up opportunities elsewhere. Companies like SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Blue Origin are also similar as far as qualifications goes.
To make me even more competitive, I would also like to pursue my masters in computer science. I’ve even considered pursuing a masters in a different field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or aerospace engineering. I already have the main prereqs and would only need to take a few additional classes to be able to be admitted into the programs. All of these topics are just so interesting to me that it would be hard to decide which path when the time comes.
What makes NASA so appealing? They did put Man on the moon and have made many major discoveries. I argue that it is the exploration of the unknown. Space is mysterious and NASA strives for discovery. NASA scientists are always creating new technologies and making new discoveries. Being part of this agency would be more than just a paycheck for me. It would fuel my creativity and passion for science. NASA is my desired future goal, one that may take years of hard work and dedication to achieve. I have a long way to go and will take the opportunities that come my way.
