Charting a Course to the Stars: Insights from the Graduate Space Careers Forum

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Global MilSatCom in the heart of London. This prestigious event is a cornerstone of the satellite communications industry, drawing leaders, innovators, and professionals from around the globe to discuss advancements, challenges, and opportunities shaping the field. This event brings together some of the brightest minds and influential players in the satellite communications industry. However, my most cherished moment was taking part in the Graduate Space Careers Forum—a dedicated space for university students and recent graduates to gain invaluable insights into launching their careers in the space industry.

The forum brought together about 100 bright and eager young minds. These were future space professionals hungry to learn from industry veterans, and I was honored to be among the speakers sharing our journeys and expertise. The session I led, titled “Practical Steps to Move from Academia to Your Career,” was particularly close to my heart. This roundtable discussion was an interactive space where I had the chance to connect directly with groups of 10-15 students at a time. We shared stories, discussed strategies, and tackled some of the most pressing questions they had about breaking into the industry.

Key Takeaways from Our Discussions

During the forum, our discussions centered on equipping students and recent graduates with practical strategies to successfully transition from academia to thriving careers in the space industry. The main themes revolved around navigating the job market, building meaningful networks, and identifying career opportunities in a rapidly evolving field. Throughout our conversations, we focused on three essential pillars:

1. Making a Success of the Job Search: Navigating the job market can feel overwhelming, especially when transitioning from academia. I emphasized the importance of tailoring applications to highlight relevant skills, being persistent, and leveraging resources like specialized job boards and mentorship networks.

2. Effective Networking: Networking is not just about collecting business cards; it’s about building genuine connections. I encouraged the students to attend industry events, actively engage on platforms like LinkedIn, and not shy away from reaching out to professionals for informational interviews. Authenticity is key in creating lasting professional relationships.

3. Identifying the Right Opportunities: The space industry is vast and growing rapidly, with opportunities ranging from engineering to policy-making. We discussed the importance of identifying areas of passion and aligning them with market needs. Understanding industry trends and staying open to non-linear career paths can unlock unexpected doors.

My Journey: From South Africa to the Global Stage

As someone who started my career journey in South Africa and later ventured to the UK, I shared my personal experiences of navigating a new country, building networks, and finding my path in a competitive industry. I know first hand how challenging it can be to break into the space sector, especially as an international candidate. My hope was to provide a roadmap that these students could adapt to their own journeys, reminding them that persistence and resourcefulness often lead to breakthroughs.

Looking Ahead

Engaging with these aspiring space professionals was not just an opportunity to share—it was a moment of learning and inspiration for me as well. Their questions, enthusiasm, and determination reaffirmed my belief in Moonshot Africa’s mission: to break down barriers and connect African talent to global opportunities in the space industry. As we continue to build Moonshot Africa, I’m excited to create platforms that empower young people across the continent to reach for the stars—literally and figuratively.

Here’s to inspiring the next generation of space professionals! 🚀