Meeting Career Opportunities in the Space Industry

Last week at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan the global space industry gathered. Young professionals and students passionate about a career in the space industry attending IAC were invited to join a networking session. The event was organised by NL Space Campus and the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) at the NL Space booth. During the session, 8 companies pitched and briefly presented their career opportunities, allowing young professionals to see whom they could approach. These opportunities will continue at Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen this November with “Connecting the Curious,” where young professionals and startups can pitch their ideas and network with young talent from Europe.]

Looking Back: A Successful Session at IAC for Young Professionals  

During the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, NL Space Campus, in collaboration with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), hosted an exclusive networking session for young professionals and students passionate about space.  

The session originated from the idea of introducing young professionals and students to the Dutch space delegation and participating organisations already attending IAC. Prior to the IAC, companies and organisations indicated the types of jobs they offer. As these were primarily technical positions, we focused on students and young professionals, conveying that this would be an interesting session for those wishing to work or build a career in the Netherlands. This was a great success.  

Spotlight on eight Dutch Space Companies 

The event saw participation from 8 Dutch space companies, including CGI, Cosine, NLR, S&T, SRON, TNO, TU Delft, and ISISpace. With companies pitching their career opportunities through 1-minute presentations, participants had a unique chance to learn about job opportunities in the Dutch space industry and directly engage with potential employers. The session attracted a fully booked group of 25 young professionals and students, primarily through NL Space Campus, along with a few SGAC members. Multiple companies and organisations spoke with young professionals and students seeking careers in the Netherlands or looking to further develop their careers. 

SGAC’s Introduction: Expanding Global Networks for Young Professionals 

SGAC also introduced itself to the attendees, highlighting its role as an UN-linked advisory body. SGAC offers young professionals the opportunity to develop and build a network on a global level. With over 32,000 members in Europe, SGAC aims to expand its presence in the Netherlands, connecting with the Dutch space industry through such events. This IAC session was a significant step toward that goal, fostering opportunities for collaboration.  

Connecting Young Talent with the Space Industry 

Young professionals often don’t know where to turn for their careers, and organisations don’t know how to reach young professionals. NL Space Campus aims to provide this connection and offers a platform where they can meet and where positive collaborations and future opportunities can arise. By creating a platform for such interactions, the event showed the potential for future collaborations, employment, and project partnerships.  

Looking Forward: ‘Connecting the Curious’ at Space Tech Expo Europe 

Another platform where young talents can grow their network and create career opportunities is “Connecting the Curious”, now organised for the third time, as part of Space Tech Expo in Bremen happening from November 19-21, 2024. This side event, organised by NL Space Campus, SBIC Noordwijk, Aviaspace, and ESA BIC, offers an opportunity to connect, pitch ideas, and expand your network in the European space industry. The session will take place on Wednesday evening of 20 November, just a short walk from the main exhibition area. You’ll be able to participate in two rounds of short pitches, where anyone can present what they’re looking for—whether it’s advice, partnerships, or new opportunities. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, practice your pitch, and get inspired by others in the space industry. With a maximum number of participants, registration is essential, as past events filled up quickly.  

The Space Tech Expo itself is one of Europe’s largest technical space conferences, attracting hundreds of organizations from across the continent. With free entry, it’s a golden opportunity for students, young professionals, and startups to gain exposure, build connections, and accelerate their careers. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the space industry!  

Register now to secure your spot at Connecting the Curious: https://www.nlspacecampus.eu/events/connecting-the-curious-bremen-edition-2024/  

Find more info about Space Tech Expo Bremen and how to register here:  https://www.nlspacecampus.eu/events/space-tech-expo-europe-2024/