Tejal Bhakta...

Tejal volunteering at the Engineering Expo

BEFORE NASA:

I am a junior Management and Marketing major at Texas A&M University – proudest member of the fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 2006 A-A-A Whoop!! I graduated from Early High School in Early, TX and it is as “COUNTRY” as it sounds. At A&M, I was involved in an array of activities from my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, to the L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness – International Living Abroad Programs. Starting out at A&M, I had my aspirations set on becoming an attorney… BUT things change! I never would have thought I could work for NASA.

HOW I GOT HERE:

Through the L.T. Jordan Institute, I received an internship at a law firm in Singapore. After working there, I realized law was not the avenue for me. That left me thinking, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY DEGREES??? After talking with my advisor, she had mentioned this amazing opportunity to work at Johnson Space Center. She encouraged me to send my resume through our local career center; I did; I got a phone interview with the sweetest Anne Roemer and the rest is history!

MY FIRST TOUR:

I worked my first tour at JSC in Projects Procurement. What is procurement you ask? YOU GET TO SPEND NASA’S MONEY!!! Okay, but on things supporting the Space and Life Sciences Directorate. I worked on research grants, cooperative agreements, and a variety of purchase orders. Don’t worry, they just don’t throw work on you and expect you to know how to do it. JSC has an excellent mentoring program that helps guide you through your journey.

Paul Dye's Homeade Airplane

LIFE AFTER WORK:

I had a blast during and after work… I hung out on many occasions with my co-workers and fellow co-ops. From trips to Las Vegas to laser tag, there is something for everyone. For all of you athletes out there, you can play in the intramural sports here at JSC (but watch out for those flying softballs!).

Mark, Matt, Me, Meghan, and Paul at an Aggie Baseball Game

For any of you that interested in having the time of your life and gaining some real work experience… then JSC is just the deal for you! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at tbhakta@neo.tamu.edu.