You’re not alone if you’ve spent a lifetime wanting to go into the aerospace industry. It’s a versatile, unique industry full of many more job positions than you may even know. Luckily, new job opportunities pop up each time a trend or technological advancement arrives.
That’s because the aerospace world is ever-changing and improving. Follow along as we highlight several exciting career paths for students looking to pursue space exploration.
1. Aerospace Engineer
The prospect of seeing your hard work put to good use in space exploration is hard to fathom. That’s something that aerospace engineers understand better than most, and it’s an attainable career. Aerospace engineers develop, design, and test systems for spacecraft and aircraft, as well as the crafts themselves.
This is one of the best and most rewarding career paths in space exploration. Not only can you design and even build spacecraft, but you can also contribute to changing the industry’s landscape. Space exploration may be advanced, but new developments constantly pop up.
You must at least have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering to enter the field. However, a master’s degree can take you much further in the aerospace industry.
2. Space Mission Operations Planner
Becoming a space mission operations planner takes a lot of hard work. After all, it’s a high-ranking position that you must work your way up to. However, once there, you have the power and privilege to plan and execute important aerospace missions.
Naturally, you must have a deep understanding of the nuances of space law, aerospace engineering, and the business side of operations. It’s a rewarding career path that comes from years of proving your worth in the industry. Don’t be intimidated by the weight of responsibilities that come with this job title.
By the time you’re even a candidate for the title, you should have a deep understanding of its gravity. You can begin your journey by majoring in aerospace engineering. From there, don’t be afraid to work in each applicable department within the industry until you become an operations planner.
3. Astronaut
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt the urge to look at Earth from the viewpoint of outer space. Countless people dream of becoming an astronaut at one point in their lives. However, it’s an attainable career path if you put in the hard work and take the necessary steps.
First, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). However, earning a master’s degree in these fields can make you a much more appealing candidate for becoming an astronaut. Astronauts must master many disciplines, including physical activity, leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
You must not only excel in math and science but also be healthy and capable enough to perform difficult tasks under extraordinary circumstances. Becoming an astronaut is a hard journey, and only a select few get the opportunity. However, it’s worth taking the first step if entering space has been your lifelong dream.
4. Cybersecurity Specialist
Protecting space exploration technology and satellites is quite important and difficult. Today, cybercriminals endanger countless people and organizations, including NASA. That’s why there is a greater demand for cybersecurity specialists than ever.
NASA looks for excellence, so it’s worth pursuing advanced computer science and engineering degrees. The responsibility of protecting such sensitive data is immense, but it’s a rewarding job. Cybersecurity jobs pay well, and they carry the benefit of protecting organizations you love and respect.
The added benefit of upward mobility and career advancement is worth the journey as well. Cybersecurity professionals who specialize in space exploration technology must have strong problem-solving and communication skills.
5. Geospatial Data Scientist
Part of why space exploration is so prominent is that it provides insights into outer space and the world below. Geospatial data scientists gather and examine information collected by sensors and satellites. Without them, we wouldn’t know nearly as much as we do about the atmosphere both in space and on Earth.
This job position will exist for as long as we keep satellites in space. Natural, geospatial scientists must have a background and degree in both data science and geospatial principles. You must also be proficient in programs like QGIS, PostGIS, and ArcGIS, as they are essential for managing geospatial data.
This is a great job opportunity for people passionate about space exploration who are data-minded. The data you discover, unpack and analyze can be put to great use.
Space Exploration is a Versatile Industry Worth Pursuing
Don’t hesitate to pursue a career in the aerospace industry. Sure, it takes a lot of work, integrity, and patience, but it’s also lucrative and personally rewarding. That’s especially true if you’re gifted in science, mathematics, and problem-solving.
Whether you become a geospatial data scientist or an aerospace engineer, there is no shortage of rewarding job opportunities. That’s especially true if you’re willing to consider getting an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree.
