Celebrating Our Graduates - Hayley Nitschke

Celebrating Our Graduates - Hayley Nitschke

Bachelor of Space Science student Hayley Nitschke has been awarded one of two places at Airbus UK for a 12-month graduate internship in 2023.

Hayley entered a competitive call by Airbus UK for a 12-month graduate internship, open to all Australian upcoming graduates in the Space Science sector.

She spoke about how her Space Science course has prepared her for the internship and offers advice for future students.

What was a highlight of this course?  

I found Microgravity Science to be a key highlight in this course.

During this subject, we designed an experiment from a simple concept into a physical experiment which was then launched on a parabolic flight.

The subject was challenging in that we had to learn how to work as a team and face challenges such as learning to solder, writing code to allow the experiment to run, and ensuring that it fits within our size constraints.

Overall, it was a very rewarding class as we were able to see how our work and experiment functioned in a simulated microgravity environment.

Did you complete an internship and what was the highlight of this?

At the beginning of 2022, I completed a 2-month internship in Adelaide working with a space company.

The highlight of this experience was that I gained exposure to where the space industry is and where it is heading.

I was able to meet people within the industry, and made great connections which helped me in the job I will be doing once I graduate.

Overall, I developed a greater understanding of what the workforce is like and what the expectations are for this.

What advice do you give future students who are interested in your course?  

The degree allows for a mix of science and engineering subjects while focusing on space and the space environment.

It allows for students who have a keen interest in space to complete subjects and undertake extracurricular activities which would not be available for a more generalised degree.

I would also strongly recommend for students in the course to take every opportunity that is given to you through the degree, either through an internship or volunteering for different programs as it helps you develop your skills working with professionals in the industry and is great at bolstering your resume.

Student Hayley Nitschke Graduating student Hayley Nitschke with intern with Airbus UK next year.

Who are the educators that have helped you throughout this course?

I found Dr Gail Iles to be incredibly helpful for me and other students throughout the degree.

She provided many opportunities for us to expand our learning through extracurricular activities such as volunteering or opportunities to work with industry.

Seeing a female in the space industry was a key motivator to me applying for the degree in the first place.

Having her as a role model who wants you to succeed is key to enjoying your experience at university.  

We worked closely with masters and PhD students as teaching assistants in our subjects throughout the degree.

This was incredibly beneficial as it allowed for me to converse with students who have more experience and understand their perspective on the projects completed throughout the degree.

09 November 2022

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.