Skyler LaBuff

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

I am passionate about supporting NASA and our exploration goals in LEO and beyond. Being a small part of our nations' human spaceflight program through my role in International Space Station Operations has been the greatest joy I could hope for in a career. As an ETHOS Instructor, I train Astronauts, Cosmonauts, Flight Controllers, and Flight Directors on the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, Internal Thermal Control Systems, and all aspects of the crew and ground response to any potential spacecraft emergency. As a supervisor on the Integrated Mission Operations Contract II (IMOC II), I am responsible for hiring the best and brightest future leaders of human spaceflight ground operations.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

“What I tell students is, ‘Find something to do with your life that you would do even if they didn’t pay you to do it; then, figure a way to get them to pay you to do it. And you win the game.’” - Dr. Wallace "Wally" Fowler, The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. Read the full article at [Longhorn Liftoff Fall 2016](https://utexas.app.box.com/s/vj6c1p47lco379yvgg4kepakltwkih4u)

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Take advantage of teamwork and leadership opportunities, and get work experience in your field! I was a member of, then became Treasurer and then President of our university American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) chapter. I learned a lot from being a student organization leader and it helped me to build my communication skills, management skills, and my professional network. I was also involved in other student clubs and organizations that allowed me to do engineering projects as an extra-curricular activity. Try and get internship or work experience in your career field, or take jobs that strengthen your areas of weakness. For myself, I was an undergraduate engineering tutor through the college which again strengthened my communication skills along with my instructional and interpersonal skills. Nobody is perfect, but put in the work to be a well-rounded individual!