IT’S time to aim for the stars as you look for a job, with investment rocketing in the SpaceTech sector.
In the Sixties, America saw off Russia to become the first to land a man on the moon.
Aspire for a career in space tech[/caption]
Londoner Zamzam Hersi is a Spacecraft Controller at Inmarsat[/caption]
But this time around new countries, including India and China, are joining the space race to develop reusable rockets, create space-age defence systems and launch commercial satellites.
Industry insiders are predicting a surge in Space-Tech investment, creating tens of thousands of jobs worldwide.
At the heart of this is the UK space sector, employing 52,000 people and generates more than £7billion to UK GDP.
Elon Musk found inspiration for his low-cost rocket launches while serving on the board of small UK firm Surrey Satellite Technology.
Demand for new staff in the UK sector is growing fast.
Currently, four in five employees have a degree in a science, technology, engineering or maths background, known as STEM.
Top jobs include in-orbit servicing and satellite data analysis, spaceport operations management, software engineers and AI experts.
Londoner Zamzam Hersi is a Spacecraft Controller at Inmarsat.
Zamzam, who grew up interested in science-fiction and outer space, had been thinking about a career in medicine after her A-levels but instead took a gap year and then went to study aerospace engineering, going on to graduate from the University of Leicester.
She said: “It was the perfect choice for me as I could combine my love for problem solving and designing with a focus on space systems. To break into the space industry, you have to be proactive. I emailed 50 professors asking for work experience and eventually secured a role.
“I also used SpaceCareers.uk, UKSEDS and LinkedIn as resources for keeping in the loop of opportunities in the industry.”
There are also many more standard roles, including HR, commercial management, project managers and even space lawyers.
These don’t require STEM qualifications.
Ingmar Kamalagharan of the UK Space Agency says: “Most people are not aware of how much they use space in their everyday life, from making a bank transaction to navigating and being able to call anyone around the world or access the internet.”
Ready to launch your space career?
If so, be sure to do your research on possible roles.
The sector is developing fast, with new jobs coming on board.
For help to decide what is right for you, see Spacecareers.uk and nationalspaceacademy.org/careers/careers-advice-and-information.
If you are at school, college or are planning on changing career, then take part in competitions and challenges.
These will help you stand out on applications for jobs or work experience.
STEM.org offer challenges, and education project Esero gives opportunities to engage with space sector role models.
It’s vital to ensure you have the right skills for your chosen role.
See spaceskills.org, which offers more information on what you will need to know.
And network.
At ukspace.org you will find a calendar of events.
Manage being a leader
THIS year Gen Z are predicted to make up 27 per cent of the global workforce – but if you’re young and ambitious, you can end up managing someone much older than yourself.
Business coach and TikTok sensation Kate Waterfall Hill said: “I was promoted to MD in a marketing agency aged 29, overseeing other directors who had been on the board when I arrived as a graduate.
“It was a challenge to lead people older and more experienced than me.”
Here, Kate shares her advice:
1. EMBRACE A LEARNER’S MINDSET: Don’t come in with all the answers – come in with questions.
The temptation to prove yourself can be overwhelming when you’re a younger manager.
Resist it.
Your experienced team members often carry insights that no management book will ever capture – and you need to listen and build trust.
Show you value their experience.
2. LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE, NOT EGO: I’ve watched countless young leaders stumble not because they lacked ability, but because they felt compelled to be the expert in everything.
Your role isn’t to be the authority on all matters – it’s to be authoritative in bringing out the best in your team.
3. SHARE YOUR OWN LEARNING PROCESS OPENLY: When faced with new challenges, articulate your approach.
Say: “Here’s what I’m thinking, I’d value your perspective on this.”
It will create space for your experienced team members to contribute without feeling like they’re correcting you.
4. DRAW ON EVERYONE’S UNIQUE TALENTS: View yourself as the conductor, not the soloist.
The most effective teams are united by complementary abilities.
5. FOCUS ON PURPOSE AND VISION: When purpose is clear, experience and age become secondary.
Focus on building a narrative that draws on both innovation and experience.
6. KNOW YOURSELF: Understanding your values and strengths provides a quiet confidence.
This self-knowledge creates a natural authority that transcends age.
Job spot
POSH bakery chain Gail’s is hiring for team members and assistant managers.
Take a look at what is on offer at jobs.gailsbread.co.uk/search.
One to tech out
FASCINATED by AI? Then dust down those brain cells to net yourself an exciting new career.
A US-based firm has launched a scholarship for young people with innovative ideas about how to boost cybersecurity using artificial intelligence.
Vectra AI, which specialises in detecting online threats, says its scheme aims to inspire the next generation of AI leaders.
Chief Hitesh Sheth said: “The next generation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cybersecurity. We hope to empower young minds to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the fight against threats.”
The scheme is open to senior school pupils and graduate and undergrad students.
One winner will get $10,000 (about £8,000) to support their education.
Two runners-up will receive $5,000 each, and all three winners will be mentored by Vectra experts.
Apply by March 31 at vectra.ai/ai-scholars.
Job spot
TRADE kitchen supplier Howdens has vacancies for assistant depot managers, kitchen sales designers and trade counter sales staff.
For more details see careers.howdens.com.
Better brains
ALMOST half of Brits want to learn new skills this year but more than two thirds admit they would find it easier to lose weight or get fit than achieve “brain gains”.
A new survey also reveals 57 per cent want to achieve career goals by switching jobs, getting a pay rise or working towards a promotion.
Now the Skills For Life campaign, which conducted the survey, has joined forces with wellbeing charity Better in a bid to boost “learning health”.
The charity runs more than 240 leisure centres nationwide.
Better’s Joseph Rham said: “We are delighted to be supporting Skills for Life in 2025 with several of our leisure centres and gyms across the country hosting free personal development – or ‘PD’ sessions – with career advisers from the National Careers Service.”
You can find out more at better.org.uk/healthy-communit ies/skills-for-life.
