Is it difficult to get a job at NASA?

and why not MIT? You need to get those grades sky high. Do some volunteer work at an observatory, or a chemical company, somewhere related to what you want to specialize in.

It could be difficult but it's not rocket science. Just make sure you get your application form correction.

You're a girl. That means you'll get 10% hiring preference. If you were black, also, you'd get another 10% (at least). You'd be able to get one of those PR "face" (or interface) jobs that NASA is always sticking minorities into because most of them can't handle engineering or astrodynamics.

I would suggest that, after you have obtained your degree(s), you apply specifically to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. They're the ones who design and operate robotic missions to the planets, comets, asteroids, etc. After all, right now the U.S. isn't doing very much in manned exploration. We don't even have our own spaceships.

Oh, and while you're still in college and/or grad school, it would be a VERY good idea to apply for one or more internship(s) at JPL, and, come to think of it, at the other NASA centers as well.

I'm told, you have to know stuff.

It is not hard, but there have been some budget cuts recently. E-mail them directly: nasa@hotmail.com

The way to work for NASA is to apply for a job at a company that works for NASA or to become a college teacher on a university that does work for NASA.

<QUOTE>I really would love to study stars and planets, and being able to incorporate all 3 would be a dream.</QUOTE>

Oh then what you want to do is work for a university. You know, teaching and helping students get their PhDs and writing science articles and typing on computers.

Seriously, many colleges have "open lab days" with guided tours that shows the public what's on those labs and what they do in it. Browse around a few colleges with science labs and see if they have those events and ask around to see if you can apply for such public guided tours and ask your questions there.

Try for a middle management role. I am sure there are frequent openings for people with the applicable skills. After all, nasa is primarily a government funded beaurocracy these days.

Nowadays nasa is also big on fantasy, SFX, and performing for the media, so a theatrical background combined with an arts degree should see you held in high esteem at interview time.

But don't knock back the chance to work at nasa as an engineer. It is a very desirable field to have expertise in and should supply ongoing work for the foreseeable future whatever the future holds. Just get a few years experience at nasa and a good recommendation and you will be set for life.

Cheers!

You can, and they have many openings in fields across the board, but NASA tends to be a coordinating agency; they have engineers and experts on staff, but I'd suggest approaching one of their many sub-contractors. They kinda do all the 'fun' stuff - developing & building, that is... NASA will define what function something *should* do, the subcontractors actually build the stuff that does it.

It is chellenging. be persistent and learn the relevant skills and hire a pro resume/cv writer