• Question: You have all studied very different subjects, some of which one would not usually associate with going into studying space. How did you get into studying space-related stuff after getting your qualifications?

    Asked by Wardell'sAstronauts2 to Anne, Beth, COLFlight, Jon, Tom on 10 Oct 2015. This question was also asked by Nyles_Thadee_Paige.
    • Photo: Columbus Flight Directors

      Columbus Flight Directors answered on 10 Oct 2015:

      Sergio:
      Hi Wardell’s,
      I had never thought too much about space when I was in high school. I started studying aeronautical engineering, because I really liked airplanes.

      In the last year of university, I decided to take a couple of optional courses which were about space, just out of curiosity. And this was what opened my eyes: I loved these courses so much that I decided that my life had to be dedicated to space travel. I chose my master’s thesis with a space subject and then started looking for a space job, and here I am! 🙂

      Simon:
      This ones easy for me! Ive been a space cadet ever since I was 8! I studied the traditional subjects to work in space: Maths, Physics and Chemistry. But I would also say stick with your passion and if you want to work in the space field you will also find a way to combine your academic interests with space. You dont only have to be an engineer or a scientist to work in space!

    • Photo: Beth Healey

      Beth Healey answered on 14 Oct 2015:

      Like Simon said I couldn’t recommend more sticking with subjects which you really enjoy and are passionate about. You will be much more likely to do well in something if you are interested. In the long term you will also be more likely to get a job doing something you are passionate about. For example I did Art A-level to get into medical school so don’t always stick to conventions to look good. Many of the medical schools I applied to saw it as a good thing that I had lots of interests!

      Having said this sometimes you do occasionally have to take subjects to meet entry requirements so it’s worth checking if you already know what you want to do (especially if you are torn between two options and would enjoy either!).

      Since starting medical school I have just followed my interests. I have worked on lots of expeditions (which some people advised me against) and this gave me the experience necessary to come to Antarctica with ESA.

      Also there are lots of opportunities for students with ESA. While I was at medical school I went on a Space Medicine workshop at the European Astronaut Center. It really opened up my eyes to the opportunities for doctors to work in the space industry. Take a look at these student placements, maybe there is something of interest to you:

      http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Student_placements2

      Good luck!!

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