NNSA's Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program and Graduate Fellowship Program provides students with the opportunity to support NNSA’s mission. We interviewed Franchesca Ramirez to hear her experience in both programs.
National Nuclear Security Administration
August 6, 2024
minute read time
Without the experiences developed during the two programs, I would not have had the early exposure to solidify my career path into the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
The NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (MSIIP) and Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) provide opportunities for students and recent graduates to support the mission of the NNSA. Combined, they have over a thousand alumni who supported non-proliferation, national security, and the peaceful use of nuclear technologies across the Nuclear Security Enterprise! Both programs are incredibly competitive, making participation in both an exceptional accomplishment. Today we highlight the career journey of Franchesca Ramirez (MSIIP Class of 2022-2023, the NGFP Class of 2023-2024, currently supporting NNSA at the Los Alamos Field Office).
How has MSIIP and NGFP contributed to your career success in the nuclear security enterprise/career?
“MSIIP served as my pathway into NGFP and the workforce. Without the experiences developed during the two programs, I would not have had the early exposure to solidify my career path into the Nuclear Security Enterprise.”
In what ways did the combination of the internship and the fellowship programs prepare you for the challenges you face in your current position within the nuclear security enterprise?.
“The internship and the fellowship provided industry insight and gave me a deeper understanding of practices, challenges, and trends in the Nuclear Security Enterprise. In the enterprise, no subject matter expert (SME) has the same thought process or perspective as another SME, demonstrating the importance of different perspectives when finding the best solution to a challenge.”
How did the mentorship and networking opportunities provided by the programs impact your professional development?
“Being a part of a cohort with students aspiring to make a difference in the world is motivating within itself; but being surrounded by people with different skill sets and frames of thought that direct us towards the same goal is inspiring. Having the opportunity to make connections within the program expanded my professional circle, giving me guidance, advice, and access to opportunities. They provided gave me the tools for career success by allowing me to explore what type of leader I want to be by listening and learning from others.”
NGFP and MSIIP are premier channels to develop top talent for our nation’s critical security missions, offering opportunities with the NNSA, national laboratories, and site offices. Both programs are open to students from all academic backgrounds. Applications for the NGFP Class of 2025-2026 open August 1, with the post-bachelor’s fellowship component being offered for the first time. Applications for the MSIIP Class of 2025-2026 also open August 1, available for students attending Minority Serving Institutions. Learn more about how you can take advantage of these opportunities by visiting:
NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program: https://www.pnnl.gov/apply-ngfp
NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/