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Working at SOI
Think that the SOI is only for astronautical engineering majors? Think again!
The SOI is currently involved in a broad range of technical support categories for NASA and industry, therefore the work supported by the SOI requires a broad range of skills and academic knowledge. Recruits come from all different programs and backgrounds, and a particular student’s academic pursuits are matched with SOI work opportunities, ensuring that everyone involved learns to the best of their abilities. The SOI recruits Capitol College students from all programs, specifically from the following academic disciplines:
Astronautical Engineering- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Information Assurance
- Software Engineering
SOI students are trained to perform work under general supervision as follows:
- Astronautical engineering students are mostly assigned to a flight operations team to train as satellite controllers and mission planners.
- Computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and software engineering students are mostly assigned to a development project team such as designing, developing, testing, and operations integration for new satellite ground control systems.
- Electronics engineering technology and information assurance students are mostly involved in systems administration and information technology security tasks.
Internships
Over 80 students have worked with SOI since its inception, averaging 25 each academic semester. The number of students in the co-op and internship programs has grown each year; students selected are the most promising in their majors, based on their academic performance and recommendations from their professors. In any given semester, more than half of SOI students are on the Dean’s list.
Each semester, approximately five students are selected into the internship program. Qualified applicants must:
- have junior or senior standing
- be recommended for outstanding job and class performance
- maintain a high GPA
- be enrolled full-time in a program leading to an engineering degree with space applications
All interns will go through an interview process. The interns are all employed in one of our programs and they are provided with tuition aid currently funded by Capitol College.
A Day in the Life
Marcel Mabson '10
Major: Astronautical Engineering
Why SOI: My favorite part of SOI is the ability to work with NASA engineers that have experience that spans for 10 to 30 years, and being able to take in and utilize their knowledge to do better myself. On the other hand, at SOI I am not seen just as a student, I am treated just like a engineer, as part of an greater team working toward a common goal.
Career Influence: Being a part of SOI has helped me decide on my career choice; as a freshman I wanted to do so many things at NASA, like flying a spacecraft and helping with spacecraft development, but didn’t know which one I would enjoy. At SOI, I have been able to do tasks in many areas, and these experiences have helped me narrow my focus towards a career in testing or flight operations.
Laurence Tornabene '10
Major: Astronautical Engineering
A Day in the Life: Typically, on a normal day of work I first check the configuration management, and proceed on to ensure everyone is still on track towards the common goal; this semester it is to complete the bulk of commanding before the end of the year. If someone is straying form this goal, I help guide them towards the proper path, and help solve any problems or issues at hand.
Career Influence: I think, in a direct fashion, working for the SOI is the first step down my career path. By networking while still in college, I feel that I already have a good start into working in my desired field.
