Space Communications Job Searching
It’s overwhelming, trying to finding what’s out there. I’ve been asked before where I look to and how I find places to apply.
Find a list of relevant companies (updated periodically) on the original Medium post here.
General Tips for Job Searching:
Know your skillset. There’s a wide range of communications skills including writing, editing, and social media. Other skills could be relevant too depending like photography, podcasting, and videography.
Know common phrases. There is a wide array of communications roles. Varying the terms used in searching for potential jobs. Frequently I look for communications specialist, public relations specialist, digital content specialist, and strategic communications specialist. Some companies simply call communications roles technical specialist.
Read the full job description. Since there are so many kinds of roles, always read the job description and cross-reference your skillset list. If you feel like you can perform most of the duties (and you’re interested), apply!
Experience is as important as Education. Focus on the duties over the education requirements. If you have experience writing but don’t have a communications education, there is nothing wrong with that. Plenty of highly successful people enter science communications without traditional degrees. Start a blog, test social media ideas, gain the experience you want.
Submit that resume if you meet most of the qualifications (and you’re interested). Before hitting the job market for the first time, I read a Harvard Business Review article that most women don’t apply unless they are 100% qualified. Men, by contrast, generally apply if they meet 60% of the skillsets. My personal rule became if I met 80% of the skills required, I’d apply. I could always learn additional skills, like software, on the job.
