Career Paths of Belgian Space People

Belgium might be a small country…

© RIA Novosti, Olga Parfenova.

… but its contribution to space exploration is enormous. One of its best resources is, without any doubt, its people. Talented, creative, dedicated, they are active on every front; from rocket engineering to international space law, from space tourism business development to scientific exploration of the outer solar system.

Most of them would agree that their main driver is their passion. A passion for exploring, for unveiling the unknown, a passion they have been pursuing since their youth. Wouldn’t most of the kids tell you they want to be an astronaut when they grow up? Of course they would! Because space is the last frontier, and that is tremendously fascinating.

Surprisingly, however, …

… young people seem to turn away from science and engineering.

In October 2013, an inter-parliamentary conference about space was held in Brussels. One of the focus problematic was how to get young people attracted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The first output of the meeting resolution is very clear : “the shortage of young Europeans interested in STEM subjects and careers […] could affect the […] STEM related industries and their employment markets; including the space related ones” [1].

Why is that? Are they afraid it might be too difficult? Maybe they don’t have enough information about the careers? Or do they think that type of career is only for the others?

We decided to react!

Space professionals have exciting jobs… and very often they love to talk about it! An interview of one of those unsung heroes will be published on this page every fortnight.

Not only will you discover the daily routine of a vast variety of space jobs, but – most importantly – you will see that those space people are just like you. Belgium is not that big! They had the same opportunities as you, grew up in the same city, have been to the same university, maybe even the same high school! If they ended up where they are today, for sure you can too… with a little bit of luck, and a lot of work, of course.

Do not hesitate …

… to contact us if you would like to be interviewed for this page or if you know anyone who might fit in. We will also happily answer to any kind of question or recommendation!

[1] http://www.dominiquetilmans.be/download/Resolution_15th_EISC_15_octobre2013.pdf