Beginner's Guide for Students Entering their First Research Internship Program

Engaging students at Minority Serving Institutions in high-quality internships, fellowships, and other research participation experiences is important to ORAU and the NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). To that end, we have entered into a partnership to promote engagement in these experiences. This web page was developed out of our partnership.

Here, you can find links to a series of professional development modules and other training resources designed to help you better prepare for your internship experience. These modules focus on both the technical and soft skills identified by NASA as key to your success.

Good luck! We hope you have a great internship!

Pre-Appointment Mentee Framework:

Segment 1: Fundamentals of High-Quality Mentoring

Mentees will learn the benefits of a mentoring relationship, from the impact a mentor can have on their professional development and career goals, to the role the mentee plays in assuring they have a high-quality mentoring experience.

Segment 2: Building Rapport with Your Mentor

Mentees will be guided through an initial meeting with their mentor and how to build rapport with their mentor before their appointment officially begins. The initial meeting and any follow-up is a critical step in setting the mentee-mentor relationship up for success.

Segment 3: How do you stay engaged in STEM?

How do you stay engaged in STEM? Engagement is fundamental. You’ll have a more enriching experience, build a wider network of connections, get a better idea of your career goals, and improve your understanding of professional development opportunities.

Segment 4: Your future as a STEM leader: Do you think you have what it takes?

Your future as a STEM leader: do you have what it takes? Leadership begins at the start of your appointment. Keep in mind your credibility, communications, resilience and other leadership skills that will position you for a bright future.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

ORAU is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as we fulfill our mission to advance national priorities and serve the public interest by integrating academic, government, and scientific resources globally. This commitment applies to our work with our federal and state government agency partners, our relationships with our member universities, and the ways we interact with and provide opportunities for our employees, managers, and leadership team.

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Contact us

For questions about the NASA – ORAU Partnership on Research Appointment Enrichment, contact Desmond Stubbs, Ph.D. at Desmond.Stubbs@orau.org or Margaret Scheiner, Ph.D. at Margaret.Scheiner@orau.org.