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 everything you need to know on it. It’s got 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.
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 Software Cornwall for those interested in software and robotics.
- In Devon, The Met Office has a range of in-person and virtual 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 Software 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