Hear from an ESA Junior Professional: Maureen

Can you describe your role as a Junior Professional at ESA and the main projects you worked on?

My journey as a Junior Professional at ESA revolved around managing the Rapid Response Team, a small internal IT group focused on enhancing the daily work of ESA’s workforce by providing customised solutions not currently addressed by the wide range of software available at ESA. You can picture it as a dynamic innovation hub within the ESA IT Department. The team is a dedicated group of problem-solvers tasked with transforming bold ideas into tangible prototypes. We collaborate closely with various teams across the agency, diving deep into their needs, sketching out possibilities and crafting adaptive solutions through a hands-on, iterative approach. In this role, I worked on an array of prototypes that brought ideas to life, ranging from an AI-powered chatbot to an intuitive project tracker or a customised calendar designed to keep projects on course. Projects like these allowed me to flex my technical skills while collaborating with brilliant minds across ESA’s diverse directorates.

What was the most exciting or rewarding part of your work during the programme?

The best part for me was seeing how my work actually helped my colleagues day-to-day. I loved knowing that the tools and prototypes I put together made their jobs a bit easier, whether by saving them time or just reducing inefficiencies on a tricky task. That’s what I am always aiming for. So, when colleagues told me they liked what the team has done or that it made a difference, it really meant a lot. It felt good to play a small part in how ESA is evolving.

How did being part of the Junior Professional Programme help you grow professionally and personally?

Professionally, the JPP threw me into the deep end of the space sector, and I loved it. It gave me a real, hands-on introduction to how the organisation works, piling on knowledge and skills I wouldn’t have picked up anywhere else. I got to dive into AI projects, figuring out how to take a rough idea and scale it into something solid: turning sketches into working projects. Along the way, I learned to juggle different stakeholders, keeping everyone in sync, and got a lot sharper at managing my time and organising tasks. It wasn’t just about picking up tricks of the trade; it showed me how all these pieces fit together in a place like ESA, giving me a bigger picture of what’s possible here.

On a personal level, it was the people that made it special. I worked with this amazing mix of brilliant minds who made every day inspiring. Being around them opened my eyes to new ideas and kept things interesting. Sitting close to the action in the space sector, with a front-row view of the inspiring activities at ESA is a unique opportunity. It challenged me to think bigger, sharpen my approach and really find my footing. The programme didn’t just make me better at my job, it added something special to who I am, and that’s something I’ll carry with me.

What kind of mobility, training and development opportunities did you take advantage of during the programme?

I undertook a rotation at ESA’s headquarters in Paris, which was both enlightening and enjoyable. Collaborating with a different team there gave me fresh insights into the agency’s operations and broadened my perspective on how its various components work together. The experience was enriched by new challenges, diverse colleagues and the unique atmosphere of Paris. Beyond that, I’ve embraced a teaching role within ESA, which I find deeply fulfilling. Drawing on my MIT AI training and hands-on experience, I’ve developed introductory AI courses tailored for ESA colleagues designed to break down complex concepts into accessible, foundational lessons.

Additionally, a particular highlight was participating in a rigorous yet rewarding course from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) on sustainable space activities, which was an exceptional experience. It aligned seamlessly with my strong interest in Clean Space, an initiative focused on maintaining sustainable, debris-free orbits, a cause I hold dear. This passion drove me to contribute to ESA’s space debris team, where I applied my learning in a practical setting, enriching my understanding and bringing the coursework to life.

In all, the programme has been an extraordinary platform for professional growth, offering avenues to enhance my skills, explore new environments and share knowledge with others.

What was it like working with experts in your field and being part of an international team at ESA?

Working with experts at ESA and being part of such an international crew was a game-changer for me. It was like stepping into a classroom every day, except the teachers were these brilliant people who’ve been around the space block, and the lessons were hands-on. I picked up so much just by being around them and getting a wider view of what’s going on in the field. It’s the kind of learning you can’t get from a book.

The diversity of the team was a big part of it too. You’re working with colleagues from all over Europe, each bringing their own take on things, and it really opens your eyes. It also makes you rethink how you get your point across. I quickly learned you’ve got to be clear and organised, picking the right words and laying concepts out simply, because in a mix of cultures, it’s easy for communication to get lost in translation. It’s been a great time, challenging in the best way and packed with moments that make you say: “Wow, I’m really part of this.”

What has been your most memorable experience at ESA so far?

The people I’ve met at ESA have made this journey unforgettable. I’ve crossed paths with multiple talents, and there are too many amazing moments to pick just one. But if I had to narrow it down, being part of the YPSat-1 team stands out as something really special. YPSat-1 is a satellite that hitched a ride on Ariane 6 in July 2024, recording pictures and videos of its inaugural flight. What made it awesome was that it was entirely driven by us young professionals at ESA. We took it from a spark of an idea, through design and building, all the way to watching it do its thing in orbit.

I got the opportunity to be at ESOC in the main control room for the launch, right there with the operations team as it all happened. The tension and the cheers when it lifted off were unreal. Being that close to a real space project gave me a whole new grip on what goes into space missions. The cherry on top: we created a plaque on the satellite with names of all YPSat-1 contributors on it. I can casually say my name’s been to space – how unbelievable is that?! It’s a memory I’ll carry forever, and it’s the kind of thing that makes working at ESA feel like a dream.

How do you feel the programme prepared you for the next steps in your career at ESA?

The Junior Professional Programme really set me up nicely for my next steps at ESA. It gave me a solid feel for the technical, operations side and that unique ESA vibe. I got a front-row seat to the organisation's culture, which helped me figure out how to navigate projects and tackle challenges down the road. On the practical side, it sharpened my skills, especially with IT projects. I learned the ins and outs of the processes you’ve got to stick to. Those little rules and steps that keep everything on track and how to play by them without losing momentum.

It also taught me how to talk to different people involved, from team members to managers, in a way that keeps things clear and moving forward. Whether it’s explaining a tricky tech bit or lining up priorities with various stakeholders, I’ve learned how to make sure everyone’s on the same page. The programme didn’t just prepare me with skills, it gave me a confidence boost and a clearer picture of where I can go next. It’s like I’ve got a stronger foundation to build on, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Junior Professional Programme?

My advice is simple: don’t hesitate - just apply! It’s an incredible opportunity that you won’t regret. It’s one of those rare chances that can totally change the game for you, and I haven’t looked back since I took the leap. You’ll get thrown into this amazing mix of real projects, brilliant people and a vibe that’s all about pushing the boundaries of space. It’s a big learning curve, but it’s worth it.

If you had to describe the ESA Junior Professional experience in three words, what would they be and why?

I would describe the experience as "Inspiring, transformative and collaborative." It’s inspiring because of the talented people you meet, transformative due to the growth opportunities and collaborative because of the teamwork across international teams.

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