7 answers
Sumedha
Student
Little Elm, Texas
3
Questions
Asked
865 views
What advice would you give to a high school junior looking to find an internship in their field of interest?
I'm currently an 11th grader in Texas, and it's been tough for me to find an internship relating to my field of interest (aerospace engineering). Although I have gotten recommendations from sources/connections, applying for them has been tough for me because most require me to be a U.S. Citizen (i.e. NASA). I'm currently in the PLTW Principles of Engineering class and plan on taking PLTW Aerospace Engineering and PLTW Engineering Design & Development next year. I want to apply the skills I've learned in my classes to real-life experiences but not sure what resources would help me achieve this.
Login to comment
7 answers
Sreedhar Chanda
Mechanical Engineer
30
Answers
Kentwood, Michigan
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Sumedha,
First of all, please allow me to say, "Wow!" to your strong interest.
My recommendation is that you should give a university and its professors a chance to guide you into a field where you can apply your skills and your natural talents. Once you get into a university, immediately speak to different professors in different departments (maybe even beyond STEM-related departments) and express your interests. Take careful notes of their feedback and then make a decision as to which field of study you will select as your major. Once you select your major, enroll in independent study, maybe in every other semester. The professor assigned to the independent study might suggest a new or an ongoing industry-sponsored undergraduate project that is related to your interest. Keep in mind that even the Psychology department professor could be working on a project with NASA.
A final note: Always ask yourself if your interest came from within you or if it came from the need to please someone else.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
First of all, please allow me to say, "Wow!" to your strong interest.
My recommendation is that you should give a university and its professors a chance to guide you into a field where you can apply your skills and your natural talents. Once you get into a university, immediately speak to different professors in different departments (maybe even beyond STEM-related departments) and express your interests. Take careful notes of their feedback and then make a decision as to which field of study you will select as your major. Once you select your major, enroll in independent study, maybe in every other semester. The professor assigned to the independent study might suggest a new or an ongoing industry-sponsored undergraduate project that is related to your interest. Keep in mind that even the Psychology department professor could be working on a project with NASA.
A final note: Always ask yourself if your interest came from within you or if it came from the need to please someone else.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Thank you for the insight!
Elizabeth Thesing
Engineering
13
Answers
Springfield, Ohio
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
It's awesome that you have such a strong interest in aero at your age!
While I cannot help with answers about the potential US Citizen hurdle, could you work with a guidance counselor at your high school for possible summer program options in your area meeting your citizen requirements?
Another option is to look for events held for high school students by local colleges and universities. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a number of events geared toward engineering-minded potential students. While these wouldn't be internships, they would give you some idea of what you might like and may even lead to internship opportunities. You might also be able to apply to internships at those universities - and don't be afraid to apply to ones outside of the Aero focus. Any engineering internships are going to give you some idea of what you might be able to do with that degree and what the day-to-day can be like. The subject matter may be different, but many of the general processes of working on a project are the same or very similar, so the experience will only boost your future resume.
While I cannot help with answers about the potential US Citizen hurdle, could you work with a guidance counselor at your high school for possible summer program options in your area meeting your citizen requirements?
Another option is to look for events held for high school students by local colleges and universities. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a number of events geared toward engineering-minded potential students. While these wouldn't be internships, they would give you some idea of what you might like and may even lead to internship opportunities. You might also be able to apply to internships at those universities - and don't be afraid to apply to ones outside of the Aero focus. Any engineering internships are going to give you some idea of what you might be able to do with that degree and what the day-to-day can be like. The subject matter may be different, but many of the general processes of working on a project are the same or very similar, so the experience will only boost your future resume.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Find associations that specialize in your field. I am almost positive others have been through this and can support you.
You can also try the alumni associations of colleges you are considering attending. You will likely find good advice and can further build out your list of connections.
You can also try the alumni associations of colleges you are considering attending. You will likely find good advice and can further build out your list of connections.
Deeshani Batra
Software Engineer
69
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
Hello,
It can be tough finding internships with citizenship restrictions, but there are still ways to gain relevant experience. Start by looking for internships or volunteer opportunities with local engineering firms, universities, or non-profits working in aerospace or related fields. You can also explore online internships or projects, like those offered by platforms such as Coursera, edX, or even NASA’s online programs for students. Reach out to local engineering professionals or professors for mentorship or project collaboration to gain hands-on experience. Networking through LinkedIn or local engineering clubs can also connect you with opportunities that don't have strict citizenship requirements. Keep building your skills and stay persistent—you’re on the right path!
It can be tough finding internships with citizenship restrictions, but there are still ways to gain relevant experience. Start by looking for internships or volunteer opportunities with local engineering firms, universities, or non-profits working in aerospace or related fields. You can also explore online internships or projects, like those offered by platforms such as Coursera, edX, or even NASA’s online programs for students. Reach out to local engineering professionals or professors for mentorship or project collaboration to gain hands-on experience. Networking through LinkedIn or local engineering clubs can also connect you with opportunities that don't have strict citizenship requirements. Keep building your skills and stay persistent—you’re on the right path!
Carl Manson Jr., PMP
5G Program Manager - Verizon
88
Answers
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hello Sumedha,
Your situation is not uncommon. A mentee of mine, affiliated with the National Society of Black Engineers, encountered similar hurdles during her collegiate journey. The majority of the organizations she sought to join required U.S. citizenship, which greatly narrowed her internship prospects. However, don't lose heart. She eventually gained U.S. citizenship and has recently secured a position with NASA.
I highly recommend reaching out to your college's career service department. They are experts in this field and can guide you through any challenges, as well as highlight potential opportunities available to non-U.S. citizens. Stay positive and persistent in your search.
Best of luck,
Carl
Visit local college's Career Service office to seek out guidance.
Consider U.S. citizenship and research the path for citizenship if you find that an appealing option.
Your situation is not uncommon. A mentee of mine, affiliated with the National Society of Black Engineers, encountered similar hurdles during her collegiate journey. The majority of the organizations she sought to join required U.S. citizenship, which greatly narrowed her internship prospects. However, don't lose heart. She eventually gained U.S. citizenship and has recently secured a position with NASA.
I highly recommend reaching out to your college's career service department. They are experts in this field and can guide you through any challenges, as well as highlight potential opportunities available to non-U.S. citizens. Stay positive and persistent in your search.
Best of luck,
Carl
Carl recommends the following next steps:
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Sumedha,
It’s great to hear about your interest in aerospace engineering, and I can imagine how challenging it can be to find relevant internships, especially with the citizenship requirements many organizations have. A good first step could be to look for local opportunities in community colleges or universities. Institutions like the University of Texas at Arlington or Texas A&M have engineering departments that often run summer programs or internships for high school students. Sometimes, they also have partnerships with local companies that look for interns.
Additionally, try reaching out to small businesses in your area that focus on engineering projects. They might not have formal internship programs, but many would appreciate the initiative of a young student eager to learn. You'd be surprised how many professionals are willing to take a chance on students passionate about their field. When you approach them, be specific about what skills you can bring to the table, like your progress in PLTW courses.
Another resource could be networking through platforms like LinkedIn. Build a profile and start connecting with professionals in the aerospace field. There are many groups and forums dedicated to engineering students where you can ask questions and seek advice. Also, consider joining local chapters of engineering organizations like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) which can provide mentorship opportunities and potential job leads. Keep pushing forward, and stay open to different paths that may lead to your aerospace dreams!
Best of luck!
It’s great to hear about your interest in aerospace engineering, and I can imagine how challenging it can be to find relevant internships, especially with the citizenship requirements many organizations have. A good first step could be to look for local opportunities in community colleges or universities. Institutions like the University of Texas at Arlington or Texas A&M have engineering departments that often run summer programs or internships for high school students. Sometimes, they also have partnerships with local companies that look for interns.
Additionally, try reaching out to small businesses in your area that focus on engineering projects. They might not have formal internship programs, but many would appreciate the initiative of a young student eager to learn. You'd be surprised how many professionals are willing to take a chance on students passionate about their field. When you approach them, be specific about what skills you can bring to the table, like your progress in PLTW courses.
Another resource could be networking through platforms like LinkedIn. Build a profile and start connecting with professionals in the aerospace field. There are many groups and forums dedicated to engineering students where you can ask questions and seek advice. Also, consider joining local chapters of engineering organizations like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) which can provide mentorship opportunities and potential job leads. Keep pushing forward, and stay open to different paths that may lead to your aerospace dreams!
Best of luck!
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
49
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
I am not informed or educated on immigration and citizenship pathways.
If you’re allowed to work in the US, then check indeed and other job boards. There are more than a few of those.
If you aren’t allowed to work in the US while being a student, I cannot help you get an internship but could help with getting you some mentorship which would be the next best thing.
Find me on LinkedIn.
If you’re allowed to work in the US, then check indeed and other job boards. There are more than a few of those.
If you aren’t allowed to work in the US while being a student, I cannot help you get an internship but could help with getting you some mentorship which would be the next best thing.
Find me on LinkedIn.