We love helping those who are exploring careers associated with space exploration and the space industry. From space scientists to manufacturing engineers, and from computer science to technical writers, there are so many possible careers in the space industry that the career pathways are almost endless.
In addition to our up-to-date list of jobs in the space industry, we’ve put together this guide on how to get a job in the space industry.
1. Research the space industry to understand where space has been and where it’s going. To this end, our team has put together a list of resources that include books, research, websites, podcasts, and more to help you.
2. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people in the space industry. Check out our The Definitive Guide to Entrepreneurial Space and follow our Space Talent Spotlight blog series focused on the leaders and builders at the intersection of space and tech.
3. Study and get involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classes. To be involved in the space industry, a background in STEM is highly beneficial. Check out degrees, courses, and certificate programs about the space industry.
Also, don’t be afraid to take classes related to entrepreneurship especially if you ever think about founding your own company or working for a startup. Read Student Space Contests are Inspiring Tomorrow's Innovators about the First Robotics Program which was started to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills.
4. Participate in internships or fellowships like the Brooke Owens Fellowship which identifies, recruits, and places more than 150 extraordinary undergraduate women and gender minorities into meaningful jobs at phenomenal aerospace institutions.
The Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship is a highly selective internship and mentorship program that provides extraordinary summer opportunities to current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students passionate about commercial spaceflight.
Check out the Space Talent job board to follow organizations and stay in the loop about internships and other opportunities in the space industry.
5. Join or volunteer with organizations related to space like SEDS and Future Space Leaders Fellowship. Here is a list of top programs to build a career enabled by space.
6. Take part in hands-on projects or competitions like the NASA International Space Apps Challenge that can help you pick the segments of the space industry that you find interesting as well as expand your network.
7. Follow space companies and other space-related organizations and people on social media to keep abreast of new developments in technology, the space industry, or companies. For example, Michael Sheetz is the Space Reporter for CNBC and Skywatch is changing the way we access geospatial data.
8. Understand the business of space and its potential. According to The GPS Playbook, the space industry similar to the GPS industry will inspire huge growth including $1 trillion in equity growth in current and new companies.
9. Find a field that interests you and that you love. There are many types of jobs in the space industry. Follow the Space Talent Jobs Board to see a list of careers in the space industry and other available opportunities.
10. Be dedicated and be persistent. Getting into the space industry can take time and effort. Don't give up!
