Right-o, I’m in the midst of preparing an application for a summer 2009 internship in NASA’s “Undergraduate Student Research Program,” and have until the middle of January to finalize the application. Some things are going swimmingly (got my transcripts together, already have a glowing letter of recommendation on its way, have my resume being reworked), but a few things are giving me pause, and I could do with a spot of advice (or at least a friendly pat on the back).
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NASA says they’re looking for undergrads who are majoring in a variety of science/technical fields, mathematics included. Spiffy-- I’m a pure math major, and my advisors think this would be a good internship to strive for. As part of the application, it requests that students choose their preferred geographical locations based on one’s research interests, as listed at http://www.epo.usra.edu/usrp/students/locations/. Thing is… I have no clue which of these fields would be looking for someone who’s mostly worked in pure math topics (a little chaotic dynamics, real analysis, vector calculus, etc.). I have basic mechanics/heat/light/optics calculus-based physics classes under my belt, and will have a few calculus-based statistics classes. Are there any fields that would be likely to find me useful? Any specific centers that would be more likely to want me around? (As it is, I’ve tentatively chosen JPL and Goddard Space Flight Center as 2 of my 3 preferred locations, since they seem to have their fingers in many research pies.)
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Part of the application asks if I’m a full-time student. I’m not. Should I bother to proceed? (My GPA, school activity, academic awards, and volunteerism are all outstanding, but I also have to work to keep a roof over my head and pay off medical bills. I have enough vacation/personal time at work to cover a full summer internship if need be, though.) Would it be a good idea to grit my teeth and enroll full-time for Spring to look good on the application?
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Anything that I’m undoubtedly overlooking?
Anyway. I’m almost finished with my math undergraduate degree (one more statistics class, then some mopping up in basic requirements), and really need to get out there, find internship(s), and figure out where I’m going next. This is my first step outside of my circle o’ comfort… and I’m both scared and excited. It should be obvious that I’ve got no clue what I’m doing or how people normally look for/land internships, but it’s fun figuring it out.
Oh yeah… 4) Any suggestions of where else to look? NSA? Insurance companies?