Professional Intern Program (PIP)

About the Professional Intern Program

The PIP is a developmental program for entry-level scientists, engineers, and administrative professionals designed to acquaint them with NASA and GSFC missions and operations, integrate them into the workforce as quickly as possible, and prepare them for more complex and responsible duties that they can perform with increasing independence.

Within the overall PIP, there are two slightly different programs:

1. Administrative employees in NCC 600, non-engineering positions in NCC 200, or other two-grade interval series.
2. Aerospace technologists (ASTs) in NCC 700 positions or engineers in NCC 200.

The program for ASTs includes accelerated promotion qualification in as few as 6 months instead of 12 for GS-7 interns. Both programs have two levels of participation and a maximum 36-month participation period. Required program activities include an:

• Individual Development Plan (IDP) prepared for each intern by the supervisor
• Establishment of a mentor relationship with an experienced staff member
• Various orientation activities
• Formal and on-the-job training
• Completion of a PIP project, which the intern describes in a written report and oral presentations given in Levels I and II to a panel of evaluators.

Selection Criteria: Entry-level employees in covered positions (NCC 200, 600, 700, and other two grade interval series) are automatically placed in the PIP and their participation is mandatory. Coverage includes graduates of the Co-op Program, and other employees who enter entry-level professional positions through the Competitive Placement Plan.

• Program Entry Date

Aerospace Technologist PIPs	Professional Development PIPs
Training Program Length	Training Program Length
Program Flexibility	Program Flexibility
Level I Program Description	Level I Program Description
Promotions During Level 1	Promotions During Level I
Reassignment or Separation	Reassignment or Separation
Level II Program Description	Level II Program Description
Promotions During Level II	Promotions During Level II
Individual Development Plan (Appendix A)	Individual Development Plan (Appendix A)
Progress Reports (Appendix B)	Progress Reports (Appendix B)
PIP Project Oral Report Guidelines (Appendix C)	PIP Project Oral Report Guidelines (Appendix C)
Level II PIP Project Written Report Guidelines (Appendix D)	Level II PIP Project Written Report Guidelines (Appendix D)

• PIP Recommended Training Opportunities