Rocket Science Personal Statement

Sometimes, it is rocket science. As I looked through the externship opportunities for this January, one stood out: Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, working with the systems engineering team for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Among all the externships, this was the only one that matched my interests: aerospace, astronomy, and precision mechanical engineering. I’ve been following the progress of the JWST for years - I remember my dad handing me an issue of Popular Science and in it were the early plans to replace the Hubble. Since then, the JWST became one of NASA’s programs, along with the Space Race, Shuttle, and ISS, that inspired me to pursue mechanical and aerospace engineering. Working in Greenbelt is far more than a chance to see this inspiration first-hand, though - anyone can visit the Space Flight Center if they want. But the opportunity to apply my education as a mechanical engineer to an area I’m passionate about, with a direct connection to my career interests, is invaluable. What’s learned in a working environment can’t be replicated in the classroom -
As I apply to summer internships at companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, I do so with the intent to continue into the aerospace industry following graduation. While this externship could solidify my interests in doing so, it may also motivate me to explore career opportunities as well. I also understand this time in Greenbelt is just a brief introduction to the world of aerospace engineering. While I would work alongside those that hold what I perceive to be my dream jobs, I know I must temper my enthusiasm and keep expectations realistic. My goal from this externship is to compare my current interests and understanding of aerospace engineering to those of a veteran in the industry, gaining insight by working within the sector rather than observing from the