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.
