SpaceX Application, Max Fagin

SpaceX asks for a video to accompany my application that provides a "succinct explanation of [your] accomplishments and/or project work."

I choose to interpet that to mean "An excuse to sing and dance about myself for 5 minutes."

Thanks to Sara Le for being available at the drop of a hat, and thanks/apologies to Heather Duckworth for letting me butcher her choreography.

Please Note: Comments to the nature of "you are not nearly as good as a professional singer/dancer" will be deleted for stating the obvious. I don't pretend to be a professional singer/dancer. I'm an engineer with a minor aptitude for song and dance, and not visa-versa.

Good thing too, as I'm pretty sure SpaceX doesn't hire actors ;)

Contact: maxwell.h.fagin@dartmouth.edu

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• SpaceX
• Application
• Video
• Max
• Fagin
• One
• Chorus
• Line

[FreedomLiberty21]

dude, if nothing else, this guy should get an internship at SpaceX

(but I do hope you get a job there. Humanity needs enthusiastic young people who will take us further in space)

[maxfagin]

@FreedomLiberty21 Thanks :)

Unfortunately, I didn't get the internship. But there is a new position offered each summer; and I haven't nearly exhausted my repertoire yet...

[pcnerd1010]

\/ Guy below me sucks dick...that's why he's down there. :P cuz he can suck mine...I found this vid entertaining! Haha I'm not a space nut but it reminds me of my astronomy teacher. I'm a film major though and although I know how you did a lot of the effects, Im still a lil surprised by how you did the duplicating shot, particularly at 3:47 and again at 4:07...how did you get the middle guy to cross paths with the guy behind him? Unless you just matted it on FCP or something...just wondering lol

[maxfagin]

@pcnerd1010 Your instincts are spot on. I specifically picked a background which was consistent enough to matte out later in FinalCut Pro. I didn't do a perfect job though. I won't point out where the flaws are, but watch closely enough, and you can see blurred appendages in some spots.

[evinado1]

Honestly, the flaming homosexuality in this video would put a lot of people off from hiring you. I commend your background and interest in the space industry, but this just can't be taken seriously. Its painful to watch and difficult to listen to.

[maxfagin]

@evinado1 Well, I don't think I would want to work at any place that 1) Considers singing and dancing to be homosexual, or 2) Was put off by homosexuality. I'm not gay, but I'm confident that if I was, it wouldn't be an issue at SpaceX. When your daily work involves caring about the future of space exploration, my guess is issues of sexuality kind of pale in comparison.

[superman55566]

If there was anyone deserving to be a part of SpaceX its you; you have the experience and the education. Good luck, but please don't ever sing again :X

[KatOfDiamonds]

oh man, Max! I couldn't stop laughing!! This was amazing (obviously)

&& Dear any SpaceX reading this comment, on this video, on this page:

Accept him. Do it.

Regards,

the childhood neighbor.

[ScottTandoi]

@trailmix10ag

Why would you ever comment so negatively?

[maxfagin]

@trailmix10ag I did not get accepted to the position. The manager stated that it was because I had insufficient experience in the field I was applying to (propulsion). But I know (from both her and other SpaceX employee that I have heard from) that this video was well received by SpaceX.

Should I choose to apply again (and I almost certainly will) I will continue to do so in what you seem to think is a "childish" style, as it is in that style that I can best express why I love what I do.

[maxfagin]

@trailmix10ag Finally, I am interested in SpaceX because they seem to be composed of people who not only excel at what they do, but enjoy doing it. I love my work, and I love to love it. I wouldn't want to work at a firm if they saw an expression of love for one's work (like this video) as a mark against my aptitude.

[maxfagin]

@trailmix10ag I also completely disagree with your evaluation of this as "childish", or even as unprofessional. I could have simply stared at the camera and spoken about what I have done, and the reasons why I think it qualified me for this position. But that would have been unprofessional, as it wouldn't represent the best that I could possibly do.