The EUSPA Traineeship Programme: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the heart of EU Space

This year's edition features two tracks: Corporate Services & Administration and Space Programme Operations, offering placements across all EUSPA sites. Traineeships are open to undergraduates and graduates from a wide range of backgrounds.

EUSPA is now accepting applications for its Traineeship Programme, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative projects, make a tangible impact in the European Union's Space Programme, and develop professional skills that pave the way for a wide range of careers.

After completing induction training on the Agency's mission and procedures, EUSPA trainees dive straight into the deep end. "Our traineeship programme is designed around the trainees themselves, giving them meaningful responsibilities and involving them in the diverse activities of our Agency", says Patrick Hamilton, EUSPA Head of Administration.

While enjoying a high degree of autonomy over their activities, support is available at all times. All trainees are assigned a project officer not only as a supervisor, but also as a mentor. "Trainees are valued members of the team, and their contributions are taken seriously. They bring new perspectives, making the traineeship a two-way learning experience. While senior mentors guide and support trainees, their insights and energy enrich our work, having a tangible impact on our activities", confirmed Martina Vondraskova, Head of Human Resources within EUSPA.

Milena Veliz, a graduate of European Union Studies from the Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid, experienced this right at the start of her traineeship in EUSPA's Market, Downstream and Innovations Department. When asked to highlight a project where she felt the impact of her work most strongly, she recalls her involvement in the preparation of the User Consultation Platform (UCP): "I supported market segment leaders and worked closely with the Communications Team. Being able to moderate the Space Q&A session was especially rewarding, as it made me feel directly involved in connecting users' needs with EUSPA's mission."

What to expect?

The EUSPA traineeship scheme is a development programme aimed at providing young graduates with the soft and hard skills necessary for a successful career in both private and public sectors.

This year, placements are offered across all sites of the Agency. A traineeship at EUSPA might hence take place anywhere from Paris, Toulouse or Madrid to Noordwijk. The traineeships are clustered along two main tracks: the Traineeship in Corporate Services & Administration covers Accounting and Finance, Communications, Human Resources, Legal and Procurement and other areas, while the Traineeship in Space Programme Operations covers EGNOS, Galileo, Secure Communications and more. Applicants may select up to three areas of interest and may indicate locations to which they would be willing to relocate.

Continuous learning lies at the heart of the Agency's daily work, which is why trainees are invited to participate in various training, on-site events, workshops and language classes. Traditionally, the team spirit among the group of trainees, coming together from different parts of Europe, is very high. Thus, a traineeship at EUPSA also lays the foundation for lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences. "Meeting people form across Europe is a very enriching experience, and the various perspectives create a truly inspiring work environment", confirms Filip Sperl, Trainee in EUSPA's Human Resources Department.

Space for everyone

EUSPA welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds both in terms of educational and professional background, nationalities and age. Potential applicants whose educational background is not conventionally associated with space are encouraged to apply. While space is traditionally associated with the STEM fields, its reliance on expertise in project management, humanities, and the social sciences is growing. The current cohort of trainees reflects a wide range of disciplines such as Geopolitics and Strategic Studies, Sociology, Finance, Philosophy, Information Technology and Electronic Engineering, European Legal Studies, and Space Science and Engineering, just to name a few.

Launch your career with EUSPA

A traineeship at EUSPA offers young professionals valuable hands-on experience, helping them develop key skills, broaden their expertise through cross-departmental work and build a strong professional network. Since the launch of the programme in 2013, nearly 300 trainees have kickstarted their careers in fields such as consulting, engineering, legal and procurement, IT, public relations and EU affairs.

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