I'm an Aerospace Engr major, What SFs should I choose?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 4:04 pm
Hello,
I'm applying to SMART this year for the first time(I'm an undergrad), and I've been reading some of the posts on this forum, trying to get a feel for the experiences others have had with the program. I will admit, initially I was wooed by the PR lingo on any site talking about the SMART scholarship (please forgive me, I'm still very naive to this program).
However, I am disappointed to hear that so many people are dissatisfied with their SMART experience, and that so few have positive experiences to report. I also do realize that people genuinely having a good experience with SMART may not necessarily feel the inclination to write about it on these forums.
But here are my goals:
I am in fact searching for a rigorous research engineering experience, and I would very much like to work at a Sponsoring Facility that is hard at work on novel projects that will advance my field. I do expect to be doing experimental/prototype engineering work both as an intern and during my commitment years, and I care very much that I am intellectually challenged by the research I participate in.
I am not merely looking for a job after college. Pay is important to me, but is not my main motivator. As long as I can cover living expenses (with a little extra to pursue private projects), and tackle new and difficult projects for the DoD, I will be more than content.
I have multiple research interests, so after my commitment I will most likely be returning to school, which is why it is important that I keep my skills sharp during my time at the DoD facilities. I definitely want to continue writing technical reports and research papers on the work that we do, and I will be searching for any opportunities within the organization to get on projects testing new technologies or integrating new technologies into existing systems.
I have been reading posts about Sponsoring Facilities that aren't utilizing their SMART scholars to do much meaningful work, but I will independently research any Facilities I finally settle upon to find out for myself what they are doing. I do understand that SF selection is based upon their individual needs and I may not get my preference, but I would still like an opinion:
Can anyone, from their experience, recommend any research laboratories that provided you with a challenging environment?
Any and all comments, gripes, or praise for said institutions are welcome, as I would like to get a holistic picture before making my final preference selections.
Thank you all very much for your consideration.
I'm applying to SMART this year for the first time(I'm an undergrad), and I've been reading some of the posts on this forum, trying to get a feel for the experiences others have had with the program. I will admit, initially I was wooed by the PR lingo on any site talking about the SMART scholarship (please forgive me, I'm still very naive to this program).
However, I am disappointed to hear that so many people are dissatisfied with their SMART experience, and that so few have positive experiences to report. I also do realize that people genuinely having a good experience with SMART may not necessarily feel the inclination to write about it on these forums.
But here are my goals:
I am in fact searching for a rigorous research engineering experience, and I would very much like to work at a Sponsoring Facility that is hard at work on novel projects that will advance my field. I do expect to be doing experimental/prototype engineering work both as an intern and during my commitment years, and I care very much that I am intellectually challenged by the research I participate in.
I am not merely looking for a job after college. Pay is important to me, but is not my main motivator. As long as I can cover living expenses (with a little extra to pursue private projects), and tackle new and difficult projects for the DoD, I will be more than content.
I have multiple research interests, so after my commitment I will most likely be returning to school, which is why it is important that I keep my skills sharp during my time at the DoD facilities. I definitely want to continue writing technical reports and research papers on the work that we do, and I will be searching for any opportunities within the organization to get on projects testing new technologies or integrating new technologies into existing systems.
I have been reading posts about Sponsoring Facilities that aren't utilizing their SMART scholars to do much meaningful work, but I will independently research any Facilities I finally settle upon to find out for myself what they are doing. I do understand that SF selection is based upon their individual needs and I may not get my preference, but I would still like an opinion:
Can anyone, from their experience, recommend any research laboratories that provided you with a challenging environment?
Any and all comments, gripes, or praise for said institutions are welcome, as I would like to get a holistic picture before making my final preference selections.
Thank you all very much for your consideration.