Discover Unconventional Careers in the Booming Space Industry – Space Odyssey
Are you looking to break into the booming space industry? Space Odyssey is your guide to uncovering the unique, unconventional opportunities waiting in space. Learn all the skills and techniques to move your career into this field!
2001: A Space Odyssey – Behind the Propaganda (reupload)
Discover Unconventional Careers in the Booming Space Industry – Space Odyssey
Space Odyssey: Unconventional Careers in the Booming Space Industry
The space industry is no-longer a realm limited to astronauts, space exploration and elements of science fiction, but a dynamic and ever-growing industry. At the forefront of creativity and innovation, the space arena now provides job opportunities in a range of unorthodox career areas. In this article, we look to explore the unconventional career paths available for job-seekers in the burgeoning space industry.
An Overview of the Space Industry
The space industry is quickly becoming one of the most rapidly growing markets. Every day, new technologies and advancements are being made to explore the unknown depths of space but, in addition to these classic staples of the industry, opportunities are also springing up in an array of diverse and creative Directions.
Today, the range of industries that rely on and use space knowledge and technology are extensive; encompassing sectors such as healthcare, insurance, finance, energy, smart infrastructure, entertainment, and communication. Furthermore, the space industry is not limited to one geographical location, but is posed to become a major worldwide player. The global space industry is estimated to be worth $350-$400 Billion and is tipped to only increase in value over the coming years.
Unconventional Role Opportunities
Traditionally, when considering a career in the space industry, the professions that come to mind are related to engineering, astrophysics, design, and astronautics. However, there are multiple roles and jobs open to individuals who don’t have a background in the traditional disciplines. With the proliferation of research institutions, universities, and companies (such as SpaceX and Blue Origin) pursuing and investing in the space mission there is an abundance of new and exciting opportunities.
A few of the lesser known roles in the industry include:
Data Analysis and Software Development
Working with raw numerical data, data analysts use their expertise to detect and generate trends from information and develop software to display the results in an easy-to-navigate format. This role requires a range of technical and analytical skills as well as the ability to connect the data dots to offer actionable insights.
Systems Engineer
Designing and monitoring network systems is the purview of systems engineers. This role often involves networking, software, and hardware implementation or coding. Plus, this role involves troubleshooting, debugging, and installation where needed.
Space Logistics Manager
Employing their skills in project management, space logistics managers coordinate supply activities related to pre-launch checklists, flight safety regulation protocols, spacecraft inventories, research materials, and other activities.
Project Management
Project managers oversee space mission execution, which could include coordinating teams of technologists designing hardware and software. This role requires knowledge of strategies for mission success.
Space Policy Analyst
Space policy analysts research the facts and figures related to space missions, exploring topics such as the legal implications of space exploration, the acceptance of space treaties, international protocols, and the impact of space policy on national security and the environment.
Space Educator
Exploring space has become a popular topic in classrooms all around the world as teachers look to excite students about the mysteries of the universe. Space educators are charged with teaching children and young adults to think creatively and responsibly about the future of humanity and our place in space.
On-Ground Support
These positions are specialized roles that are sometimes considered part of the launch team, but can also extend to other personnel on the ground. This could include a space launch controller, mission control operators, or launch site technicians. This role requires previous experience with space launches and systems.
Business Development Manager
The public face of any space mission is a business development manager, who is responsible for helping to maintain sound professional relationships with potential and existing clients. This could involve tasks such as managing personnel workflow, finding new business partners, helping with investor relations and seeking out new customer segments. This role requires a background in engineering, business, or related field.
The Benefits of a Career in the Booming Space Industry
A career in the space industry presents a number of incredible benefits, from unique career opportunities to competitive salaries to rewarding intellectual challenges.
Competitive Salaries
The space industry offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, many times surpassing those given by traditional industries. Furthermore, many private companies in the space industry offer special incentives and bonuses for particular tasks or projects.
Innovative Projects
The space industry is constantly innovating and launching new projects every day. This means that each new day brings with it exciting new opportunities and projects to work on.
Opportunities to Travel
Space programs often involve travelling to exciting locations, anywhere from the far reaches of the universe to remote launch sites. Not only do these locations provide unique experiences, they often require engineers and technicians to work in unstructured or isolated settings to operationalize the project.
A Meaningful Career Choice
Working in the space industry offers individuals the satisfaction that comes from working on something of true importance and impact. Individuals working in the space industry have the opportunity to help find new solutions for humanity and to expand our knowledge of the universe.
FAQs
What type of roles are available in the space industry?
The range of roles available in the space industry is broad. From traditional roles in engineering, astro-physics, and design, to newer roles in data analysis, software development, project management, and space policy. The list of roles in the space industry is ever-growing and continually adapting to the industry’s advancements.
What are the benefits of a career in the space industry?
A career in the space industry offers a number of benefits, from competitive salaries and benefits packages to job satisfaction and intellectual stimulation. Plus, many positions in the industry involve the opportunity to travel to unique workplaces and to work on exciting, innovative projects.
What kind of qualifications are necessary to pursue a career in the space industry?
The qualifications requirements differ from role to role. Generally, those roles looking for technical skills such as software development or project management require a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Other roles, such as space policy analysts, may also require a background in law, politics, or public policy.