So you want a career in space?

That’s fantastic! Working in the space sector is one of the best things I’ve done so far.

I get a lot of emails asking “how do I get a career in space?”, “where can I do space work experience?”, “what do I need to study to work in the space sector?” Unfortunately, I don’t have time to answer everyone individually.

Luckily, my friends and I built and ran a website that will answer (nearly) all your questions… SpaceCareers.uk.

SpaceCareers.uk has a whole load of current jobs, events, and competitions, and a huge bank of 30 job profiles, 40 advice articles, and 75 interviews. There’s probably more since I last checked.

Do you have any Devon and Cornwall-specific advice?

This is a bit more niche so I’m collating my own set of Devon and Cornwall-specific space careers advice here. Be warned: it’s a work in progress. I’ll add more when I find the time.

What space companies are even in Devon and Cornwall?

In the UK, we’ve got groups of space companies. They’re grouped locally and called ‘space clusters’. Cornwall has a space cluster, but Devon doesn’t.

The Cornwall Space Cluster has made a lovely map to provide just the answer. To find out which companies are in Devon, it’s more of a challenge but you can try the Space Capabilities Catalogue.

Where can I find out find myself a space job in Devon or Cornwall?

For Cornwall, I’d recommend checking out the Cornwall Space Cluster’s careers website. There’s currently no Devon equivalent. Again, SpaceCareers.uk is a good bet.

Where can I do space work experience or an internship in Devon or Cornwall?

• In Cornwall, Goonhilly Earth Station and Spaceport Cornwall tend to offer annual in-person work experience for school-aged students.
• Mission to Mars at Tech Cornwall for those interested in software and robotics.
• In Devon, The Met Office has a range of opportunities for school and university students.
• SPIN or Space Placements in INdustry (for university and college students) is a nation-wide programme that sometimes has opportunities in the counties.
• Springpod offers virtual work experience for school-aged students and is a great option if you can’t find an in-person opportunity. There’s everything from spacecraft manufacture to using satellite data.

Can I study on a space course in Devon or Cornwall?

Absolutely! Next Steps South West have also produced a map of space-related courses that you can study at college and university level right across the South West.

Alternatively you could look at the list of space-related degrees in the Space Training Catalogue.

What other things can I do?

Cornwall has some fantastic - but hidden - space sites and activities. Here’s a few I’d recommend:

• Watch interviews with people working in the Cornwall Space Cluster
• Keep an eye on Spaceport Cornwall’s website for upcoming launch activites
• Read up on the activities Cornwall Space Cluster
• Attend the Goonhilly Earth Station summer school
• Get involved with tech events run by Tech Cornwall
• Get involved in coding events run by TECgirls
• Try out some of Spaceport Cornwall’s educational materials
• Try some stargazing at one of Cornwall’s dark sky sites
• Find out about the ancient astronomical heritage of Cornwall

Here’s some sites and activities for Devon (I’ll add more to this soon):

• Learn about Our World From Space with Exeter Science Centre
• Visit the Norman Lockyer Observatory
• Visit the Poltimore Inn Observatory
• Try some stargazing at one of Devon’s dark sky sites
• Join the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival