ESA – The European Space Agency – might just be waiting for you.
"Rockstar!" "Princess!" "Astronaut!" is what many of us answered when asked as kids what we wanted to be when we grew up – to be quite honest with you, that's still my answer sometimes. Dream big, I say, and ESA – the European Space Agency – has the answer! For one of those fantasies, that is. They can do a lot, but not make all of us princesses...
What they can do is give you the chance of a lifetime with their ESA Graduate Trainee (EGT) Programme, making you a part of Europe's gateway to space. And the best part? ESA highly values the skills we develop through gaming. But before we get into that, let's dive into the EGT Programme!
ESA Graduate Trainee Programme – What it's all about
Through the EGT Programme, recent graduates get up and close with all things space – including the development and operation of space missions – gaining valuable on-the-job experience. ESA offers over 100 opportunities in different fields, including science and engineering, IT, natural and social sciences and, of course, business. If you are graduating from a Master's course in one of those fields, ESA might just have a great opportunity waiting for you, so shoot your shot! You just might land among the stars.
And as if being able to tell friends and family "Oh, yeah, I work at ESA" wasn't cool enough, the additional benefits of the EGT Programme should convince you (bragging rights not listed):
- A unique professional experience as part of a team of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe, working together on inspiring space missions in an international, multicultural and friendly environment.
- A great opportunity to gain extensive experience that could open doors to a career within Europe’s space sector.
- A one-year contract (with possible extension for a second year) with 2.5 days' paid leave per month.
- Excellent employment conditions, including a monthly salary exempt from national income tax in ESA Member States.
- Travel expenses reimbursed at the beginning and end of the contract.
- Expatriation allowance and/or an installation allowance on arrival if you move from another country. Excess luggage costs are also reimbursed.
- Affiliation to ESA’s comprehensive social security scheme and pension scheme.
Sounds good? Of course it does. So, if you're in the final year of a Master's degree in engineering, science or business disciplines, or a recent graduate of a relevant Master's programme, and a citizen of an ESA Member State, Associate Member State or Cooperating State (check the full list here), here's your chance!
To apply, head right over to ESA's job site and take a look at the opportunities.
You can apply to up to three traineeships, so choose the ones most closely related to your skills and interests. Although there are more than 100 traineeships on offer, read the full text until you are confident you understand what it is about. The title can sometimes be misleading and you may find that the job itself is more relevant to you than you had expected.
February is application month, and come September you could be a part of ESA – good luck! And remember, ESA values the carefully-honed skills we gained from gaming, so don't forget to highlight them.
Skills Gamers Develop Without Even Noticing
Which skills, you might ask? It's time to stop being so modest! From years and years of experience gained with a controller in hand, gamers have skills they don't even recognize as special anymore – because to us, they're second nature.
Need an example? Gamers like you and me are stress-resistant like no other. It might have taken some time, but we all started playing Soulslikes panic-rolling out of the way, only to be slain again and again – until we didn't. In the face of high stakes (looking at you, Malenia...), we've learned to keep a level head, trust in ourselves, and overcome any obstacle.
Which brings me to the next point: endurance. We refuse to give up, always finding new ways to adapt to master challenges thrown our way by video game villains by getting creative or, let's be honest, simply being too stubborn to be bested by whoever threatens to take over the world this time around.
And do not even get me started on our thirst for adventure! Exploring new worlds, saving the day or simply checking out this dark, ominous cave on our way to the next dungeon to beat – this curiosity and enthusiasm are qualities highly valued by ESA. Chances are, that's a valuable skill we've carried over into our everyday life without even noticing – and one that's worth highlighting.
So, what are you waiting for? Make your skills count and shoot your shot to enter one of the most fascinating fields out there as an ESA Graduate Trainee! For more info, head over directly to ESA or join the online info sessions in February:
- February 5, 12 pm CET, hosted on CareerFairy: This information session will explain the various entry-level programmes available at ESA with a focus on the EGT Programme. This online event will also include a Q&A session.
- February 12, 5 pm CET, hosted on YouTube: Join former ESA Research Fellow and host, Maggie Lieu, along with current EGTs as they share the work they do on ESA projects, their own personal experience of the application process and the tips and tricks they learned when applying to ESA.
Good luck with your application – let's shoot for the stars, gamers!