https://afresearchlab.com/

Air Force Research Laboratory

Mechanical Engineering Pathways Intern

May - August 2018 • Wright Patterson AFB, OH

What I liked

This was a great learning experience. I went in knowing next to nothing about what I would be working on and learned so much about research, the topic I was working on, and working for the government. Working on an Air Force Base was super cool too. It is in a great location, and the National Air Force Museum is right next door, which is a must see.

What I wish was different

All of the paperwork and waiting for stuff to happen can be tedious. Research tends to be a slow process with little advancement made in such a short time.

Advice

Apply early, check USAJOBS every week if you are looking for a government job. If you're remotely interested in research, AFRL is a great place to find out.
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Software Developer

June - August 2019 • Eglin Air Force Base, FL

What I liked

Great time. Really relaxed environment that encouraged learning.

What I wish was different

The pay could have been a little better, but the security clearance made it well worth it

Advice

Jimmy Touma is the best mentor.
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prototype intern

May 2018 - August 2019 • Kirtland Air Force Base, NM

What I liked

The experience working in the laser division and gaining practical experience as well as the wisdom from other practicing engineers.

What I wish was different

NA

Advice

Do as much as possible. There are many tours, sports activities, and intern created events that will add to the experience.
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Engineering Researcher

May 2019 • Wright Patterson AFB, OH

What I liked

It was good experience.

What I wish was different

More mentorship.

Advice

Take a lot of initiative.
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Research Intern

June - August 2018 • Dayton, OH

What I liked

The characteristics of a research environment.

What I wish was different

I wish I knew more about the topics we researched before going into the internship.

Advice

Study Matlab and practice programming.
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High Performance Computing Intern

May - July 2018 • Wright Patterson AFB, OH

What I liked

Got hired specifically for a project that matched my background. Very interested in the work and had lots of freedom to creatively solve real world problems.

What I wish was different

Location was not ideal for me- far from home, and I am very outdoorsy so not much hiking/climbing/swimming/etc in the area.

Advice

Get hired as a contractor if you just want a summer experience (better pay) but do Pathways or another government program to reap the generous benefits if you want to work there long term.
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Research Intern

May - August 2018 • Kirtland Air Force Base, NM

What I liked

I loved my work. I got to work in Astrodynamics and Mission Planning. I got to send real mission plans to an Air Force Satellite to image other objects in space. There was also a great culture surrounding the internship program, and I met a lot of great friends who wanted to explore the area.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

Take a risk. I spent a summer in New Mexico despite never having been there, and it was an amazing experience.
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Intern

June - August 2017 • Rome, NY

What I liked

The chance to gain experience and meet professionals as well as learn new things.

What I wish was different

More intern interaction. We were all kind of cliqued off.

Advice

Network! Use the opportunity to get to know some of the people in roles you want and other roles. You never know who you will meet.
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Embedded Systems Software Developer

May - July 2018 • Fort Walton Beach, FL

What I liked

good work environment.

What I wish was different

less humid outside.

Advice

contact the local YSA group.
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