The European Space Agency (ESA for short) is looking for new talent and young gamers are currently in demand like never before! We offer you an overview of ESA, who they are and what they do!
The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for enthusiastic young talents who want to start their career in the field of space travel. Because there is so much potential, they also want to target young gamers and that's where we come in.
ESA Overview:
ESA is an intergovernmental organization with 22 member states dedicated to the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of all.
From observing Earth to developing inspiring space projects and training astronauts, ESA brings together scientists, engineers and business people from across Europe in a diverse and multicultural environment.
This description alone should make any sci-fi fan's heart beat faster, but it gets even better! ESA is currently also looking specifically for young gamers for its Young Graduate Trainee Programme (that's why we're here).
ESA has recognized that gamers have a very special set of skills that qualify them for the programme.
That's Why Young Gamers Are Perfect For ESA's Young Graduate Trainee Programme
Many gamers acquire a lot of skills through their hobby that can help them in their professional life. Perhaps without knowing it, they hone talents such as reaction time, stress resistance and process optimization, to name just a few.
Let's take a closer look at some of these skills and why they qualify gamers for the Young Graduate Trainee Programme.
Process Optimization
Let's start with the point that may seem weird to some of you at first: process optimization. In many games, especially (but not exclusively) RPGs, it is important to act with foresight, plan your build and make your playthrough as effective as possible.
Efficiency is very important in gaming, especially if you want to conquer higher difficulty levels. Sure, not everyone min-maxes their playthrough down to the smallest detail, but if you look at how meticulously some people plan their builds, process optimization is a skill that every gamer has to a certain extent.
Another part of this optimization for many is the gaming hardware they use or the performance in the game, such as frame rate, graphics, etc. Gamers are skilled at tuning their equipment for the best possible experience, which is another strength of gamers.
Enthusiasm For New Technologies
What may sound less like a skill at first, looks quite different at ESA. It is not for nothing that they are looking for engineers and scientists as well as gamers for their Young Graduate Trainee Programme.
Gamers often have a natural curiosity that can be an advantage in scientific and technical areas of their lives. It is not without reason that the best add-ons for games, mods etc. are often programmed by gamers themselves.
This technical affinity also manifests itself in some people building their own computers, for which you first have to get to grips with the necessary hardware.
In general, it seems that gamers are much more open-minded and enthusiastic about new technologies and I don't think it gets much newer than the technology you need for space travel.
Analytical Thinking
Okay, you could argue that analysis and process optimization somehow belong together, but that's mainly because they complement each other so well.
Analysis usually precedes process optimization, because you first have to figure out what you can improve! Whether you're analyzing your next boss encounter, the resources available to you in the game, or the performance of your latest build, analysis is an important part of gaming.
This strategic thinking and the ability to precisely weigh up one's strengths and weaknesses and apply them to a situation also characterize gamers outside of games.
What Does ESA's Young Graduate Trainee Programme Offer?
ESA's Young Graduate Trainee Programme is particularly suitable for those of you who are interested in modern technologies and want to test their limits.
The YGT offers graduates the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the development and execution of space missions in an international and multicultural environment.
For those who have been thinking about a career in the European space sector for some time, ESA's program is an ideal starting point! Although job offers are mainly aimed at engineers and scientists, there are also plenty of opportunities for graduates in the fields of IT, natural or social sciences and business.
Here's What ESA Offers:
- Inspiring missions and a unique workplace: ESA launches fascinating missions and conducts unique space projects that exceed the imagination of every gamer.
- Competitive salaries and benefits: ESA offers competitive salaries that are exempt from income tax in the member states. In addition, there are various additional benefits such as health insurance and other perks.
- Work-life balance and vacation: With 32.5 days of annual leave, flexible working hours and comprehensive arrangements for parental leave, illness and care, ESA creates a good work-life balance.
- Learning and development opportunities: ESA offers a wide range of in-house language courses as well as training and development opportunities in areas such as engineering, management, IT and personal development.
- Entry programs for young talent: In addition to the Young Graduate Trainee Programme, there are various entry-level programs for students, graduates and young professionals. These programs offer the ideal way to enter the world of space travel.
The Young Graduate Trainee Programme In Detail
If you are wondering whether you are even eligible for the Young Graduate Program, what the conditions are, etc., we have all the hard facts about the application process and the program itself right here for you.
- Target group: Students in the final year of their Master's degree program or recent graduates.
- Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of an additional year.
- Number of open positions: Over 100.
- Application process: Calls for applications are published in February and are open for one month. Interviews take place in April/May, followed by the final selection in June. The successful candidates take up their post in September/October.
Ready to take the plunge into the world of space travel? Apply for ESA's Young Graduate Trainee Programme and become part of a fascinating journey into the unknown.