More careers events promised following PICS-Space success

Space South Central and its partners are looking forward to offering more careers events following the success of last week’s Post-Doctoral Industry Summit (PICS-Space) in Southampton.

Organised by Space South Central and satellite company SSTL, the aim of the free, all-day event was to connect post-doctoral researchers of all disciplines with space industry employers and career opportunities.

PICS-Space attracted interest from more than 100 university students, featured speakers and exhibitors from organisations including Airbus, In-Space Missions, the Satellite Applications Catapult and Theyr, with an opening keynote speech from Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Chair of Surrey Space Centre.

Also in attendance to present and offer guidance to post-docs were staff from Space South Central founder members, the universities of Southampton, Portsmouth and Surrey. All three institutions have long, successful track records working with businesses on commercial projects – some leading to spin-out companies like co-hosts SSTL which, 40 years later, is a world leader in its field.

Panel discussions explored ‘Making the Transition from Academia to Industry’ and ‘Planning Ahead for Your Future Career’, and post-docs could also meet employers and get resume tips in a CV clinic.

Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central Enterprise Network, said: “The UK space industry grew by £1 billion in the past year alone – and with more than 130 space-related companies in Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight, there are exciting career opportunities at all levels for people with all kinds of skillsets.

“Events like PICS-Space help our region’s growing businesses find the talent they need, and inspire people to explore their career potential in the sector.

“We’re delighted with the feedback we’ve had about PICS-Space from both post-docs and employers, and we look forward to running more careers events with our academic and industry partners in future.”

Roy Haworth, Head of Digital Design Support at Airbus, said: “The event was a very successful day, and Airbus would be interested in any future post-doc event.”

Looking for new recruitment channels or want to inspire the space sector’s next generation? If you’re an employer in the space industry or a related field and want to be kept informed about any future Space South Central careers events, email info@spacesouthcentral.com.