Do you dream of doing something extraordinary? 

Are you looking for ways to marry your strengths to an exciting new career? 

Explore the space sector. Discover the skills and knowledge you will need to be a part of this growing industry. Space can be more than astronauts, rockets and satellites. 

Here are 9 tips on how you can explore a new career option in the space industry:

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‍1. Research:

The global space industry is expected to generate revenue of $1.1 trillion or more in 2040, up from the $350 billion in 2019. Since this is a fast-growing industry, it is important to stay abreast with all the news and happenings. Ensure you subscribe to enough resources to stay ahead of the game.

Subscribe to websites, buy books and magazines, watch space science shows and movies and visit museums to learn about space history.

Here is a list of books, put together by NBC that can help you get started, including, 'The Right Stuff,' by Tom Wolfe, 'Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars,' by Nathalia Holt and more.  

Here is a list of blogs by feedspot that you can follow that include space.com, the blog by NASA and more.

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2. Network:

As with any industry, it is not just what you know but who you know that can make the difference. Don’t be shy, reach out to as many people as you can.  Look out for people within your network and other professional social media platforms to connect with.

Also look for the most influential people you can follow including Elon Musk, Sara Seager, K. Radhakrishnan and more. Here is a list by space.com to help you get started.‍

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3. Choose STEM:

Pick STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses in school and graduation programs as this background can really help in propelling you faster and further into the space industry. Keep a lookout for graduation and post-graduation programs, online certifications and other study material related to the space industry. You might want to think about studying some complementary subjects like people management or entrepreneurship if you envision starting your own company someday.

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4. Find what you love:

There are many aspects and different job roles and functions within the space industry. It is more than just astronauts and satellites. Take time to figure out your strengths, it could be product design, software engineering or data science. And then see how you can find a niche overlap within the space sector.

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5. Look for internships:

Take up internships and fellowships within the space sector. For example, NASA has internship opportunities to help aspiring students and fellows to be a part of their space exploration team that will let you work with leading experts to gain value in the experience as you work on research and mission projects. They also have a program called Pathways that lets you work and explore careers while still in school. Space X also offers an internship of a year-round program that offers an unparalleled opportunity to play a direct role in transforming space exploration. Opportunities are available across all engineering functions and business operations at SpaceX. 

You can also check out Brooke Owens Fellowship that offers paid internships & executive mentorships for undergraduate students in aerospace. And Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship that offers a highly selective internship, mentorship, and networking program that provides summer opportunities to current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students passionate about commercial spaceflight.

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6. Take part in competitions:

Take up internships and fellowships within the space sector. For example, NASA has internship opportunities to help aspiring students and fellows to be a part of their space exploration team that will let you work with leading experts to gain value in the experience as you work on research and mission projects. They also have a program called Pathways that lets you work and explore careers while still in school. Space X also offers an internship of a year-round program that offers an unparalleled opportunity to play a direct role in transforming space exploration. Opportunities are available across all engineering functions and business operations at SpaceX. 

You can also check out Brooke Owens Fellowship that offers paid internships & executive mentorships for undergraduate students in aerospace. And Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship that offers a highly selective internship, mentorship, and networking program that provides summer opportunities to current college juniors, seniors, and graduate students passionate about commercial spaceflight.

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7. Get on social media:

Social media platforms have become the reality of our networking and making a personal brand and presence felt. According to Social Media Week, ‘Social media’s role as a news source in space travel has become even more important in recent years.’ NASA has 14 million Twitter followers on their main account and regularly receives incredibly large amounts of interaction with their tweets. You can follow companies and people who are pioneers in this industry. For example, follow Michael Sheetz, Space reporter for CNBC. It is time to put yourself out there!

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8. Work hard:

No matter what industry you choose, there is no substitute for hard work. It is time to roll up your sleeves!

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9. Be persistent:

Grit is another big factor that can contribute to your success irrespective of the job or industry you choose. Be persistent and don’t give up!