Understanding Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and Domain Science Skills Development in National Laboratory Postgraduate Internships

Background and Context: Harnessing advanced computing for scientific discovery and technological innovation demands scientists and engineers well-versed in both domain science and computational science and engineering (CSE).However, many universities lack the resources needed to provide integrated training.National laboratories offer internship opportunities capable of developing these skills.Objective: We present an evaluation of federally-funded postgraduate internship outcomes in CSE at a national laboratory.We seek to answer three questions: 1) What computational, research, and professional skills do students improve through internships at the selected national laboratory?2) Do students gain knowledge in domain science topics through their internships?3) Do students' career interests change after these internships?Method: We developed a survey and collected responses from past participants of five federally-funded internship programs and compare participant ratings of their prior experience to their internship experience.Findings: Our results indicate that participants improve CSE skills and domain science knowledge, and become more interested in careers at national labs.Participants found skills developed during their internships to be relevant and useful in their post-internship positions.Implications: The perceived impact of postgraduate internships often centers on career opportunities and applications of course material.We show national laboratory internships are an opportunity for students to build critical technical skills, in both CSE and domain science, that may not be available at all institutions.This suggests internships and other experiential learning in settings such as national laboratories have the potential to make substantial contributions to building technical competency in graduate students.