How to get a job in space?
Tips on how to get a job in space.
Mar 22, 2021 | 8 min read | Declan Igoe
Mar 22, 2021 | 8 min read | Declan Igoe
Getting a job in the space industry is no easy feat. Most space agencies and aeronautical companies unsurprisingly only hire the best of the best. We say unsurprisingly because it goes without saying that there is no room for failure in this constantly-evolving and quickly developing field. With that in mind, there are a few things that you can to augment your profile and increase the chances that you land the position you want in the place you want to be.
Without any further ado, let’s get into them.
There is no such thing as a stupid question, and the more you ask, the more you know. Knowledge is power so speak to a variety of people working in different areas and fields of the space industry and you will be primed to get a space job.
In a few (3-5) sentences summarise your accomplishments. Define a clear goal for your career. State the tools you have been using and that are relevant for the job you want to have. Mention the coding language you excel at.
It goes without saying that Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths are vital to virtually any role in the aeronautical sector. Of course, the traditional route into space involves these subjects but don’t completely ignore other subjects. Politics, business and communication all play a major role in all space activities so make sure to stay as informed as possible - it could be the difference between you getting the job and another candidate. The top of your list of previous experience should provide all the information that a recruiter will be looking for with regard to the job you are trying to land. If you have other experience that is not necessarily relevant to this space job offer but still you wish to include it, place it at the bottom of the list.
It’s a myth that you need a degree to get a space job. Although going to university is certainly the traditional route to getting a job, there are many other paths available such as apprenticeships. Airbus and Rolls Royce are two great examples of companies within the aerospace industry that offer apprenticeships and some even pay you for them so you can earn whilst you learn.
Employers love to see evidence of wide interests, adaptability and practical skills alongside qualifications. Doing things that interest you will help you succeed and you will pick up all sorts of transferable skills.
You will grow your networks and learn vital first-hand experience in the sector. It’s also great practice for future job applications that you will be filling out.
Search on social media for space topics. Organisations such as NASA, the UK Space Agency and many more all have so much information about careers at their institutions all over their own websites.
Going to places and asking questions to real, living people is really important. Most universities will hold public lectures and events alongside prominent scientific institutions so get online and find out if there is something that might interest you in your area.
Our final tip: be positive! We know a lot of successful space people who claim that a positive mental attitude is crucial if you want to have a chance of successfully landing a space job in this wild industry. Positivity breeds positivity after all! The space sector is growing every day that goes by and we know there is space for you to join.
We know that if you stay interested in the space industry, work hard and follow these great tips then you will be on the path to an exciting space career. To summarise, it’s all about getting as much experience as you can with or without having worked before and demonstrating your knowledge alongside a willingness to never stop learning.
Students can get creative, learn a language, enter competitions, pick up new hobbies. People who are currently in employment can also do these things to shine above the rest - if we’re going to conquer the heavens then we need the strongest and brightest minds to lead the way. And that is you.
Space Individuals is there for you every step of the way which brings us to our final tip: Sign up to Space Individuals: Space Individuals is the place where the brightest individuals go to find their dream space jobs. We’ve helped innumerable people on the path to their next career by providing an all-in-one, job-finding portal. Upload your CV, get notified when there are space jobs for you and apply all through our intuitive platform.
The best of luck to you from all of us here. Now it’s time for you to get going...to infinity and beyond. 🚀