The Space Industry has a plethora of opportunities when it comes to career options, it’s a lot bigger than just astronauts. Whether it is the admin side of things, managing business ventures, exploring the effects of gravity, or scouting the stars, there is a multitude of paths to choose from. To get involved with this system of jobs, you have to be smart and qualified, with an interest in the greater universe. This is a guide on how to find your way into the Space Industry and find your ideal career.
Get the Right Qualifications
With very few exceptions, the majority of roles within this industry require a degree as a minimum prerequisite. Few admin and business positions may or may not ask for this, but generally speaking, it is best to obtain a university grade education before attempting to step foot in this industry. The Space Foundation University is a solid sounding board for all space related courses and intel acquisition, supported by experts in the field and comprehensive curriculums. What you study will dictate your niche.
Choose Your Niche
So, how do you choose your area of interest? You look through all the options and explore every aspect until you find the one that fits. Here are some potential options to consider.
Astronaut
Once you become an astronaut, that is the peak of your career, and you can’t move much further. It is a lengthy process involving years of training in harsh, arduous conditions. You will be pushed to your limit time and time again, to prepare you for the bizarre contrast that space will hold. For humans, this is the optimal path of adventure. You have to be smart, adaptable, and prepared for the worst. Given there is not a pressing need for hundreds of astronauts, these positions are extremely difficult to come by, competitive, and demanding. The key facts are:
- Salary ranges from about $60-100,000.
- Bare minimum graduate degree, preference of more (masters, doctorate).
- Pilot experience is essential.
- 20/20 vision.
Scientist
Scientists are always needed in this industry for research purposes, as without research there can be no space exploration. The most commonly associated branch of science career is astrophysicists, aka, those that study celestial objects and quantum theory. Most of the jobs in this industry require a doctorate. You will also find biochemists and biophysicists, and meteorologists.
Engineer
There are various types of engineer career options to pick from. Each role specializes in a particular area and requires a variety of skill sets. Intelligence, common sense, technical skills, and dexterity are all prime examples of what will be asked of you in these areas. Engineers have one of the most important careers in this industry, as along with technicians they keep things moving.
- Aerospace
- Computer
- Materials
- Mechanical
- Robotic
- Telecommunications
Each branch offers a lucrative path of fulfillment. Without engineers, there would be no satellites, space engines or spacecraft, or space stations, so it really is an incredible role that demands excellence at every stage. There is no room for error, as the cost may be a life. The salary prospects reach high up into the $100,000s.
Technician
Technicians are along a similar path to engineers but are more technically focused. They can work in various areas, sometimes testing communication systems to ensure that are no errors or bugs that need working out. Sometimes it is in the designing of equipment and technical aspects of bringing everything together. This is a mid-level position but still an important one.
The Advantages of a Career in the Space Industry
Much like any career, there are good bits and bad bits in this branch of work. The advantages here are varied and start with the salary perks.
- All the jobs in this field are above the average wage. This is because it is filled with high-quality candidates from a field of various qualifications and expertise.
- The top end of the pay scale is above $100,000.
- Impacting real change in the world.
- Seeing new horizons in a unique way.
- Innovations in the world of science and medicine.
- Understanding our history.
- Publicly endeared.
The Disadvantages of a Career in the Space Industry
There are also some downsides to consider before pursuing this goal.
- The required level of education in extremely high. You will need a high IQ and incredible levels of perception.
- It is super competitive, so there are not that many roles.
- It is constantly moving, so you have to keep up. Some people enjoy the challenge, whereas others find it overwhelming.
Overall, the majority of lucrative career choices in the space industry require a degree and higher. Most astronauts, astrophysicists, and more have a doctorate qualification and constantly work to update their knowledge in their field.
