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There are certain key skills sets which remain in demand in the sector because of the engineering and scientific nature of much of the work. Therefore, you are likely to find more opportunities related to STEM subjects such as science, engineering, IT and maths as well as geology and geography.  

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring the role requirements outlined in the person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for. 

• Engineering: teams of engineers work to design and build various space instruments from spacecraft to control instruments to operate on earth and in space.
• Natural science skills are used to explore and learn more about the Earth such as the planet’s weather systems and climate change. These skills are also helpful in understanding resources which are available on other planets, too. These sciences include disciplines such as geography and geology.
• Space scientists explore and research the fundamental questions about the mysteries of the universe. Physicists and astronomers are considering anything from whether there is life on other planets to which asteroids could potentially be a threat to Earth.
• IT and data skills underpin our technologies and create software and algorithms to help us make sense of all the information we are gathering and communicate the findings.
• Other business skills are also required in the industry to help the industry to grow. Therefore, from HR to marketing there are opportunities for everyone. 

To develop these skills, the Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.   

All experiences ranging from volunteering to active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in: 

Societies at University  

The Students’ Guild’s societies based on Streatham campus could be an excellent way to demonstrate an interest in this work area.   

There are many broadly relevant societies in Penryn too and remember, you can if you don’t feel there is one which meets your needs. 

Volunteering 

•  - focuses on various aspects of space science and engineering through lectures and group work to define and design a space mission under the supervision of noted scientific and engineering experts.
•  - annual week-long summer camp held at Andoøya Space Centre in Norway. Note the maximum age for participants is 20. Participants can work on various aspects of a rocket campaign in addition to lectures and other activities.
• offers lots of volunteering opportunities as well as jobs 

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply . Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page. 

•  This is a list of members of the UK Space (the industry’s Trade Association) which is brilliant for exploring more about the industry. These profiles link through to the organisations’ websites and provide contact details.
•   is a list of members which are SME (small and medium sized enterprises). Very handy for exploring the sector, looking for prospective employers or gaining work experience.
•  – a directory of Space sector companies around the world.
•  list of private space flight companies.

Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ Employability Schemes 

• Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements
• Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university
• The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience, ideal for working in the international landscapes of the Space sector. 

Finding part-time work  

You could also have a look at , our vacancy database with employers who are targeting Ó£»¨¶¯Âþ students.  You might also find it helpful to approach some specialist recruitment agencies in addition to making speculative applications and approaching employers directly.

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers. Undertaking relevant work experience will not only make your applications stand out, but it will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector.   

Graduate schemes and internships 

•  - European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company. Various  including internships for current students
•  - internships, graduate opportunities, postgraduate funding and vacancies.  Or the following link takes you to their graduate scheme:
•  - a defence technology company and one of Europe’s largest space system integrators. QinetiQ offer a ‘Year in Industry’, summer placements and a two-year Graduate Development Programme
• in world class science, research and Technology development with a Space focus
• offers job opportunities within many organisations in the sector
•  A scheme to enable students to gain experience before you graduate by doing a degree project in a space industry company
•  - internships, industrial year placements and graduate programmes in a variety of areas
•  - a useful page of links for opportunities for placements and graduate jobs
• is a jobs board for international job opportunities in the Space Sector
•  – for Grad Schemes and Apprenticeships.  

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.  

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access  via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.  

•  – offers paid placements for up to a year in (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) STEM subject areas
•  - introductory opportunity for those considering employment in the space sector. 

Recruitment Agencies 

³§±ð±ð for a list of specialist recruitment agencies and search by sector. 

Note - ensure any recruiters you connect with are members of a professional body such as the .   

For great advice on making applications in this sector by - useful for researching the Space sector. It includes a great map of .   

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use  Several of the jobs boards listed above also offer international opportunities.

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

•  – Space focussed Masters courses.  It may be helpful to do a search on more specific courses here, such as ‘Astrophysics’ depending on your interests.
•  

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.  

•  offer courses for students 

Advice 

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.