Internships opening doors to careers in space sector

South Australian student Isabella McCulloch is reaping the rewards of internship opportunities within the space sector.

As an intern at the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) and Stone & Chalk, Isabella McCulloch is firmly immersed within the industry she has loved since she was a child. The Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) graduate and current Honours in Science Innovation student’s responsibilities include researching data policies and legislation at SASIC, and event co-ordination and organisation, marketing, networking, administration, database management and student outreach at Stone & Chalk’s Startup Hub located at Lot Fourteen.

It all makes for a busy diary but the 22-year-old is revelling in the experience. “My internships continue to provide me with so many opportunities as I continuously meet people and learn new skills,” she says. “When I started my Stone & Chalk internship, I was quite shy. After several weeks of attending events and being encouraged to step out of my comfort zone, I can now walk into a room and confidently network. I am so grateful I found this role as it has been fun while incredibly rewarding.”

Isabella McCulloch is doing an internship at the ASouth Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) and Stone & Chalk. Picture: Russell Millard

Her involvement in the space sector has also helped to shape her future career pathway. Initially planning on a research role, she is now looking to project management. “I plan to be a bridge between businesses, South Australia’s space sector and the rest of the world,” she says. “How I will do this is still in question but I hope to one day work as a project manager for an Adelaide-based space company and bring in other talent and businesses from across the world.”

Based at Lot Fourteen in the heart of the CBD, McCulloch is also inspired by the energy and drive she sees around her. “South Australia as a whole is doing fantastic in respect to encouraging innovation,” she says. “From creativity stems ideas and solutions and so, if we continue to encourage South Australians to utilise our platforms and tell the world of the opportunities within the state, I am confident that my goal to bring global opportunities here can be achieved.”