Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work at NASA? In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with NASA engineer and professional voice actor Eryn Andrews to explore two fascinating careers that could not seem more different, yet both require creativity, problem solving, and a passion for continuous learning.
Eryn shares what it is really like working as an engineer supporting human spaceflight, including training astronauts, preparing for spacewalks, conducting human performance research, and helping NASA develop future missions to the Moon. She explains how engineers specialize in different areas, why adaptability is one of the most important skills on the job, and what it feels like knowing your work directly contributes to the success of astronauts in space.
We also discuss how someone can build a career at NASA. Is there a specific college you need to attend? Does NASA only hire aerospace engineers? Eryn explains why there is no single path into the agency and why people from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds can find opportunities there.
In the second half of the interview, Eryn shares how she unexpectedly launched a successful voice acting business while working full time at NASA. Learn how she got started with affordable equipment, built her first client base through Fiverr, expanded her network through conferences and professional communities, and turned a simple side hustle into a thriving second career.
If you are interested in engineering, aerospace, voice acting, freelancing, or simply learning about unique careers, this episode is full of practical advice and real world insights.
In this episode we discuss:
- What a typical day is like for a NASA engineer
- Training astronauts for spacewalks
- Human performance research and future Moon missions
- Education paths that can lead to NASA
- NASA engineer salary expectations
- How Eryn became a professional voice actor
- Starting a voice acting business with minimal investment
- Fiverr, networking, and building clients
- Voice acting income potential
- The importance of adaptability and lifelong learning
If you enjoy learning about unique careers and hearing directly from professionals working in their fields, be sure to subscribe for more interviews on Time We Discuss.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Typical day for a NASA Spacesuit Engineer
1:33 - How many projects happen at once for you?
2:09 - Specific types of projects for NASA engineers.
3:48 - Finding your path inside of NASA
5:23 - Secret schools to get into NASA
7:18 - Most proud project
8:34 - Emotional Roller Coaster
10:38 - Project Cycles
11:20 - NASA isn't for you if ...
12:26 - Why Being an Aerospace Engineer at NASA is the BEST Job
13:34 - Getting started as a voice actor
16:44 - How long to make money as voice over actor
20:43 - Resources for aspiring voice actors
23:29 - Secret to making a connection while networking
24:48 - Shout out to David Benson
25:14 - Talent has the floor
25:51 - NASA Engineer Conversation Highlights
26:45 - NASA Salary Information*
27:43 - Voice Acting Conversation Highlights
29:36 - Voice Actor Salary Information*
30:18 - Outro
*See website for references
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Guest Info:
Eryn Andrews
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