{"id":9910,"date":"2024-01-10T12:07:21","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T16:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/advice-from-nasa-mentors-to-students-starting-their-careers\/"},"modified":"2024-01-10T12:07:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T16:07:21","slug":"advice-from-nasa-mentors-to-students-starting-their-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/advice-from-nasa-mentors-to-students-starting-their-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"Advice from NASA Mentors to Students Starting Their Careers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Advice from NASA Mentors to Students Starting Their Careers<\/h2>\n

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4 min read<\/p>\n

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Advice<\/figure>
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GSFC summer interns<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NASA is celebrating National Mentoring Month by recognizing the importance of mentors to students and young professionals whose careers are beginning to take off. Mentors help their mentees gain real-world experiences, make valuable connections, and find the types of roles best suited to their strengths and skills.<\/p>\n

To learn more about early career takeaways, we spoke to three NASA mentors: Renita Fincke, NASA biomedical research projects engineer at Johnson Space Center in Houston; Wade Sisler, executive producer at NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Kyle Ellis, a project manager in the Aeronautics Research Directorate at NASA\u2019s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.<\/p>\n

Below, they share their advice for students and graduates entering the workforce and expand on how to make the most of a mentor\/mentee relationship \u2013 whether here at NASA or in any other organization.<\/p>\n

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\"Renita<\/figure>
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Renita Fincke, NASA biomedical research projects engineer at Johnson Space Center in Houston.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Work hard and carry yourself professionally.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you fully commit to excelling in your role, you\u2019ll be better prepared to take advantage of unexpected opportunities or adjust to changing circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive it your all,\u201d Fincke said. \u201cIn my journey, I\u2019ve discovered that boosting your career involves a relentless pursuit of knowledge, adapting to changes, and being ready to try for exciting opportunities when the timing is just right.\u201d<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re putting in a lot of effort toward your high-level goals, don\u2019t lose sight of seemingly small details.<\/p>\n

\u201cLean in, be punctual, be present, communicate like a pro, and get your work in on time,\u201d Sisler said. \u201cYour mentor will notice. Your entire office will notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Be your own advocate<\/strong><\/strong>.<\/h2>\n

Concentrate on how you communicate. Telling your story in a way that resonates with your audience enables them to understand and see the value in your work.<\/p>\n

\u201cLearn to identify who your stakeholders are and answer the question, \u2018Why should they care?\u2019\u201d Ellis said. \u201cBeing able to tell a clear, succinct story about what you do and why is the key to improving countless things: interest, support, awareness, etc. Don\u2019t take the power of communication for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Wade<\/figure>
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Wade Sisler, executive producer at NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Be resilient.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Challenges and failures are inevitable, so don\u2019t give up!<\/p>\n

\u201cThe path to success is rarely linear, and the ability to adapt is a strength,\u201d Fincke said. \u201cEmbrace the mindset that errors are opportunities for learning, growth, and necessary pivots, so do not fear failure; let it be a catalyst for resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellis recalled that as a student, he spent a lot of time unnecessarily fearing what others would think if he tried something new without knowing for sure he\u2019d get it right. \u201cWhat I learned is that failure is common when you\u2019re exploring possibilities,\u201d Ellis said. \u201cAnd it often teaches us more in a shorter period than the success we experience.<\/p>\n

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\"Kyle<\/figure>
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Kyle Ellis, a project manager in the Aeronautics Research Directorate at NASA\u2019s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Network and ask questions.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Work with a mentor to outline your tasks and goals, and don\u2019t be self-conscious about discussing your most ambitious longer-term career objectives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most successful interns in our office are often the most inquisitive ones,\u201d Sisler said. \u201cFind out what the people in your office do and how they fit into the organization. Tell as many people as you can your story, ask how they came to NASA, and ask them for their insights and advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellis emphasized that NASA is filled with experts who are happy to share their wisdom with students and young professionals.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they sense the spark in you, they\u2019ll most certainly help you along your career and connect you with more like-minded people who are solving some of the most important problems in and out of this world,\u201d Ellis said.<\/p>\n

The support and guidance of an encouraging mentor can make a tremendous difference in a student\u2019s career growth and personal development \u2013 and it\u2019s a rewarding experience for mentors, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cPick up a mentee in your first or second year in a new role,\u201d Ellis said. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing what you learn from someone who is learning from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want an opportunity to work with one of NASA\u2019s amazing mentors? Apply for a NASA internship here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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