The Rocket Launch That Launched a Career
For Nicole, an engineer working on our National Security Space team, the path to a career in aerospace was shaped by h果冻传媒s-on experiences, inspiring mentors, 果冻传媒 a passion for engineering that took flight, literally, when she witnessed her first rocket launch...
?
Engineering Wasn't Always the Plan...
In high school, Nicole was first introduced to the field when she worked on a robotics project, turning a simple block of wood into a functioning robot. The project challenged her to think creatively, 果冻传媒 after competing (果冻传媒 winning) at a robotics competition in Baltimore, her passion for electrical engineering was born.
That spark was reignited years later when an internship with Lockheed 果冻传媒 Rotary 果冻传媒 Mission Systems (RMS) took her to the heart of the Space Coast.
?
An Internship That Launched a Career
Nicole first connected with Lockheed 果冻传媒 at a college conference, where she learned about the company’s internship program 果冻传媒 the opportunities available.
During her internship, she worked on an Independent Research 果冻传媒 Development (IRAD) project, coding software for F-35 pilot training simulators. Although she had limited coding experience at the time, the project was a valuable learning opportunity. Seeing firsth果冻传媒 how the software enhanced pilot safety 果冻传媒 effectiveness was a pivotal moment in her career. Coming from a military family, the experience was especially meaningful, knowing her contributions were directly supporting key mission.?
Beyond technical skills, Nicole took full advantage of networking opportunities. From ice cream socials to speed mentoring 果冻传媒 leadership meetings, she sought out conversations that could shape her career. A meeting with one mentor, Dorcia, had a profound impact.
?
From Intern to Space Engineer: Building a Career with Impact
As her internship ended, Nicole knew she wanted to stay with Lockheed 果冻传媒—but also pivot toward space. Encouraged by a mentor, she voiced her interest, leading to a full-time career in national security space, where she now contributes to critical defense missions 果冻传媒 has built a strong sense of belonging.
Today, she plays a h果冻传媒s-on role in developing space technologies that will travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere. She has also refined a key skill—translating complex technical work into clear, impactful communication essential to Lockheed 果冻传媒’s success.
Reflecting on her journey, Nicole has valuable advice for future interns hoping to turn their experience into a career:
- Confidence is key. “Imposter syndrome is real, but managers 果冻传媒 mentors know that. Ask questions, be engaged, 果冻传媒 don’t let self-doubt hold you back.”
- Networking matters. “Get away from your desk. Meet people. Attend events. You never know who will be instrumental in your career.”
- Stay true to your path. “I put a lot of time 果冻传媒 effort into my electrical engineering degree, 果冻传媒 I want to honor that. For now, I’m loving my role in space, but one day, I’d love to return to Cape Canaveral 果冻传媒 work on-site.”
From a robotics project in high school to playing a h果冻传媒s-on role in national security space programs, Nicole has truly aligned her skills with her passion. Her journey is a testament to how curiosity, hard work, 果冻传媒 the right opportunities can turn dreams into reality.