Don't Send Networking Messages Like This

Hello hello

Welcome to Issue 15.

This week, we have a special focus on some very high-level research opportunities at ESA. But getting these kinds of roles isn't just about having a perfect CV.

It's also about your network and how you build it. So later on, I've added a few direct thoughts on networking without being awkward or annoying.

But first, let's look at these TOP roles.

🚀 Spotlight: New on findaspacejob.com

Here are some of the new roles added this week.

• Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Artificial Intelligence for Space Systems @ ESA (Netherlands)

  👉 AI is the future of autonomous spacecraft. This is a chance to work on the brains behind next-generation ESA missions.

• Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Machine Learning for Advanced Control Systems @ ESA (Netherlands)

  👉 Rovers, landers and complex manoeuvres… This role is about using machine learning to make control systems smarter and more precise.

• Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in High-Speed Flight Vehicle Test Bed Design @ ESA (Netherlands)

  👉 A fascinating and challenging area. This research is essential for future reusable vehicles and atmospheric reentry systems.

• Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Product Assurance / ESA Mission Classification @ ESA (Netherlands)

  👉 Maybe not the sexiest title… but this is one of the most important jobs. You'll be working on how to classify mission risk to ensure they actually succeed.

• Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Digital Twin Spacecraft and Simulation @ ESA (Netherlands)

  👉 Digital Twin is a very hot topic. Building a virtual replica of a spacecraft is crucial for modern testing, simulation, and operations. A great field to be in.

🧠 Space Career Thought: How to network (without being too annoying)

Your network is your most valuable asset but "networking" can feel transactional and slightly awkward. Here’s a simple, hopefully more effective way to think about it.

1. Don't (simply) ask for a job… please.

It might have worked for someone… but this generally doesn’t really work. I mean, it places the person in a rather awkward position: who’s to take the initiative, then?

Why not instead ask a specific questions about their work.

• Bad: "Hi, I'm looking for a job at your company. Can you give me one?

• Good: "Hi, I saw your post about the new propulsion test. I was curious about how your team approaches [abc]. I'm a student focusing on this area and would love any insight."

2. First give, then ask

This is not my own idea but I’ve read it so many times I’ve come to internalise it as well… a very effective way to build a network is to be genuinely helpful. Share an interesting article or comment thoughtfully (and nicely!) on someone's post. If you see someone asking a question you can answer, answer it. Be a valuable member of LinkedIn/Reddit/whatever ‘community' you are in and people will eventually notice.

3. The five minute rule

If you want to connect with someone, make your request easy to fulfill. A well-written question can be answered in a few minutes. Asking for a job is a slightly bigger commitment. Start small and build the relationship from there.

🔗 Help This Community Grow

I need your help to expand our reach:

1. Tell me: Which company (or kind of role) should I add next? I’ll use your replies to prioritise upcoming job hunts.

2. Share: Know someone looking for a role in space? Forward this email or share findaspacejob.com - your share helps grow this for everyone.

3. Build with me: Have you got any feedback for the newsletter or board? The more feedback, the better the site becomes.

Your input directly shapes our next steps!

That’s all for the week.

Now you can start spamming people on LinkedIn… let me know if you have any other good (or bad also) examples.

As usual, more to come in findaspacejob.com during the week.

Until next Thursday,

Jaime
Find a Space Job

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👉 Looking for a role?
Know someone hunting for their next space role in Europe? Forwarding this email is a great way to help them out. And if you haven’t subscribed: you can do so here.

📣 Hiring in aerospace?
Get in touch if you’d want to share your job with the Find a Space Job community. You can do so here.