NNSA's Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (MSIIP) and Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) provide students the opportunity to support NNSA’s mission of nuclear safety, national security, and nonproliferation. Today, we highlight the achievements of Sia Paulsen (MSIIP Class of 2022-2023 & NGFP Class of 2023-2024).
National Nuclear Security Administration
August 20, 2024
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The mentorship and networking opportunities provided by both programs have been essential to my professional development.
NNSA’s Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (MSIIP) and Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) provide opportunities for students and recent graduates to support the mission of 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 Sia Paulsen (MSIIP class of 2022-2023 and NGFP Class of 2023-2024).
- How has MSIIP and NGFP contributed to your career success in the nuclear security enterprise?
“I started out as a full-time MSIIP summer intern and then balanced the part time internship with a full academic load. Transitioning to a full-time stint at NGFP was easy thanks to the MSIIP internship. I felt like I had a head start since I had a year to learn about NNSA. While completing the NGFP fellowship, I wrote my master’s thesis. I learned fairly early that time management coupled with direct communication to my office was essential to completing both personal and professional goals. Both programs offer lifelong lessons that cultivate our career and talents.”
- 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?
“Having spent one year in D.C. with NGFP, I could somewhat predict my workflow. My MSIIP year was virtual but it was great to learn how some offices navigate their day-to-day online. Now that I am in the office every day, I appreciate the programs for teaching me how to be flexible in all workplace environments.”
- How did the mentorship and networking opportunities provided by the programs impact your professional development?
“The mentorship and networking opportunities provided by both programs have been essential to my professional development. Sitting down once a week with my mentor and supervisor was fun and a nice way to get to know the office on a more personal level. The job I have now is because I networked! An NGFP fellow knew someone who needed to fill a position and asked for resumes. I sent mine in, had a coffee chat with the recruiter, and had a meet-and-greet with the team.”
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 1st, with the post-bachelor’s fellowship component being offered for the first time. Applications for the MSIIP Class of 2025-2026 also open August 1st, 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/