Today, I mailed my college transcript for the first time since submitting one to the place I currently work. I’ve worked here for just over 2 years. I’ve been recognized for my efforts and compensated for my performance. The hours are flexible and I just got more vacation time than I know what to do with. In a time when jobs are hard to come by, when I should be at work counting my blessings, why on earth am I applying for a new job?
This isn’t just any old job opportunity. If I’m going to work anywhere besides my current gig, it better be something really special. This better be rocket science or include a round trip to the moon. Or both.
On November 15 of last year, NASA via Michael Curie via Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters released media advisory 11-385 entitled NASA Accepting Applications For Future Astronauts.
Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience. Successful applicants frequently have significant qualifications in engineering or science; or extensive experience flying high-performance jet aircraft. Educators teaching kindergarten through 12th grade with these minimum degree requirements also are encouraged to apply.
I started receiving messages from friends and family. For those of you who know me, this the above is not my bio, it’s the job requirements. Yes, absolutely I will apply – thank you for letting me know. Can this really be happening? Slow down tiger, nothing’s happened yet.
Two months ago, I logged in at USAJOBS and spent a few hours completing the application for NASA’s rare open requisition for new astronauts. Questions included are you a citizen of the United States and are you registered with the Selective Service System (yes). Instructions included please detail your flight training experience (yes, once, an R22), and please mail your official transcript with transcript cover sheet to be received by July 31, 2012. Done! Okay, now what?
So what am I doing now that the government has asked me to sit back, relax and let them do their thing? First, I wrote this article and published it to my website for the world to see. And now you’re reading it, for one reason or another, and I’m asking you as sincerely as I’ve ever been: please, if there’s anything you might be able to do to help me get selected to be an astronaut for NASA, please e-mail me or comment below or otherwise work your magic and I will be eternally grateful.
I’m willing to follow any lead or discuss any idea you may have short of breaking the law. The goal is to land a job with the government. They frown upon that sort of thing. If you know anyone who might know someone that works at NASA, especially in Houston or with HR or anyone otherwise able to influence the selection process, please help! If you have any other ideas for increasing my likelihood of being selected, please e-mail me or start a discussion below.
Thank you to the moon and back!
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