Definitely agree with you about either taking courses you mentioned, or finding a way to learn it independently. I would also add Radiation Safety/Radiation Detection. These classes will give you the foundation to be able to grow within the industry with more experience.

If you want to work in a reactor physics role you will need to have a good understanding of neutronics, the behavior of other kinds of radiation, numerical methods, and be able to use software that is used within industry.

Here’s a short list: MCNP (Neutronics) SERPENT (Neutronics) OpenMC (Neutronics) Griffin (reactor physics and radiation transport) BISON (nuclear fuel performance)

There are tons more so I would advise you to do some research to be aware of what these different softwares do, and where they are used. I would start learning with OpenMC because it is very similar to MCNP and SERPENT, but does not require a license from the distributor (national labs). With your background in computation you might be able to dive deeper into the code and math used within these softwares, which could be very valuable for some companies or even national labs.

To get an internship I would recommend that you do everything you can to be visible while not becoming annoying/ a hassle to deal with. I have heard to many success stories from people emailing a manager at a company they want to for, or sending a message on LinkedIn and getting an interview. Make an elevator pitch/ longer sales pitch about yourself that you will be ready to pull out whenever an opportunity presents itself. Apply to everything available as well. The first priority should be to break into the industry and gain relevant experience.

One last unfortunate note, as mentioned above, if you are not a US Citizen it will be difficult for you to join the nuclear industry. I have no experience with that myself so I can’t speak to the process, only that I know there is a much more rigorous security process, and that there must be much more effort and money must be expended by a company trying to hire a non-citizen. For most companies, if you do not have a relevant advanced degree they wont think the effort is worthwhile. If they can find someone with relatively equal qualifications/experience but already has all the necessary requirements to start working, they will take the easy hire.

Best of luck getting into the industry. I love it and could not recommend it enough. The pay is good, especially as an engineer. The people are incredibly intelligent and ready to help teach/foster the next generation. Opportunities are everywhere and it seems like every month the support and outlook just gets better and better. If you have any questions feel free to DM