Working at ESA (young graduate trainee), interview process at European Space Agency (Ex-YGT) / ESTEC

I was a young graduate trainee in 2017-2018 for the european space agency, in ESTEC, Netherlands. Here I explain the process I took during my interviews, and a few tips on how to get the job.
TLDR/TLDW:
* Record yourself answering questions, something as simple as "how to make a cup of tea". Watch it back and see how well you explain, and what your hands are doing.
* Take things to the interview! I can't stress how important this is. I always bring something to the interview, evidence of why I'm the best candidate. It gives you the chance to control the interview, let them ask questions about something you know, rather than the made up questions they have, which you might not have the answers for

[@josemanuelcregolozares7175]

Thanks a lot really. I'm so grateful to you for sharing this info with other applicants. Aside, the fact of sharing your experience in a more close approach is priceless. My application was around 4 weeks I think, and still no changes when refreshing email. Hope I get to the next phase! Regarding the first interview, I would like to ask you if you had a calculator on hand. In Spain, they might ask you questions that might need quick calculations or similar when doing an interview and I saw in the tips that something similar could be asked (maybe I'm panicking too much on this but I don't know what level of technical questions to expect from ESA). Thanks again for the video, really helpful. Best of luck to everyone!

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

Thank you for your kind words! I can't remember if I did, but I'm sure I probably did have one. Paper as well. I know when I arrived there was paper, a glass of water, a pen (and possibly a calculator) on the table waiting for me - but I don't recall being asked any technical questions when I was there, I think, in part, that was due to the projects I bought along, I could take about these in detail enough that they seemed happy with my knowledge. Good luck with the application!

[@slavidim7278]

Hey Max, very helpful video. I wish I saw this video before the online interview. Could please let us know what were the 5 questions that you had?

[@giuseppem.4227]

Very helpful video Max, thank you a lot! Here is a question: were there technical questions in the first interview or in second one? Which of them is more "technical"?

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

There were technical questions in both, the first was quite technical (things like, "describe a spacecrafts power system"). The second was also technical, but I would say experienced base, like tell me about a time you did this. I know for sure one question was "Do you think spacecrafts use analogue or digital electronics?". The answer being, mainly analogue due to cosmic ray interactions and radiation tolerance, but, they are moving to more digital systems.

[@callummccall3027]

Hi. Thanks for all your helpful tips and comments! Did you have the option to re-record your answers to each question or did you just have the one opportunity? Also, were you able to move onto the next question when you were finished with your answer? Rather than sitting in silence for a short time waiting for the two mins to run out. Thanks!

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

Hey there! I don't think you get the option to rerecord - I know some interviews this is possible, but my one at ESA was a one shot thing. However, you do get the option to press next once you're done, so there's no awkward silence!

[@Wshadow56]

Hey, thanks a lot for your insightful video ! How long did the total process take you (from application deadline to job offer) ?

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

I applied during the normal time frame (which I can't remember when it is now!) but I received an email on 13th Feb regarding a Sonru interview. However, many people received there's before and after me. With Covid, I imagine it'll be a lot slower. So, a week after I had my video interview, then on the 17th March I received an email to say my Sonru was successful, and that on the 28th I would have a face to face interview with a panel of interviewers in the Netherlands. Costs are initially covered by you, and then reimbursed after. On the 13th of April, I received an email to say I was selected - so overall, a long time!

[@emax6200]

Thanks a lot! Your video was really helpful! I'll try out your tips! I also have some questions for you if you don't mind :) 1. Do you have any idea what made you stand out as a candidate? Was it your international experience (CERN), specific experience relevant to the position, maybe a broad background in your field of study or something else? Did you receive any feedback from your supervisor why he/she chose you? 2. I'm aware that the odds of getting selected are higher for those candidates from underrepresented states. However, do you know if being from a "full" member state is considered an advantage/disadvantage over "associate" or "cooperating" state? Thanks in advance!

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment! In response: 1. I think the biggest thing that made me stand out was my passion for the role, which was shown with all the things I brought with me to the interview. I had several things, probably about 5/6 items, laid out on the interview table. Working at CERN I don't think helped an awful lot - it certainly wasn't a similar role, CERN was a small amount of electronics, and a lot of LabVIEW programming. ESA was all electronics, FPGA programming, and mathematical modelling. I did dig out my form that they tick and rank you on during my time at ESA, but I can't remember what it said, and it wasn't too enlightening either. So, unfortunately, I don't know! 2. That's true indeed, ESA is an equal opportunity employer, so they do select candidates from under represented countries, but it's not the be all and end all; during my time Italy was hugely represented, and I still saw Italian YGTs, so take that with a pinch of salt. I don't think being a full member gives you an advantage if I'm honest, but in this I could be wrong!

[@emax6200]

@@LifeofanElectronicEngineer Thank you for your quick response! I find it very insightful. I know a few YGTs who had worked at CERN (I'm also an ex-CERN engineer) and thought that it's somehow important. I'll try to focus then on showing my motivation and passion in case I'm invited for an interview. Your latest video might also help me prepare!

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

@@emax6200 Ah nice! Perhaps it helps only because CERN already did the hardwork in picking engineers ;) I wish you all the best, anything else, let me know!

[@joem6202]

Hi, great video, do you have any information about the biological sciences positions they have available? Any tips on what to bring to interview in this instance and what’s sort of academic background would be required? Thanks

[@floair69]

Thank you very much Max for your insights ! I've just applied for a JPP and I was wondering about the process. Found everything here ! If I may ask, 1) What did you focus on : passion for space, interest of ESA, past experiences or academic background ? 1 page for the cover letter is not much.. 2) What would be the 3 pros & cons from you experience over there ? Thank you! :)

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

Hey there! Glad you found this useful! To answer you questions: 1) for my cover letter, I broke it into 3 sections. The first, was about me, kind of wishy-washy, my love for space in a very quick time line of my life through to university. Then, I focused on why I wanted the position at ESA, and why I thought I would be a good candidate. In short, "about me", "why ESA", "why me". 2) pros, a foot in the space industry, with an ESA YGT under your belt, it 100% opens doors, and gives you some predetermined status by other employees. Generally I've found that I'm not so thoroughly interviewed for other positions, as people hold YGTs in a reasonably high clibi. On the other hand, you do have other employees who will grill you even more! Another pro, at least for me, was more international experience. It shows a good level of competence I think, you have to function in a different environment, different language, etc. You'll encounter more difficulties living abroad and it'll help you hone your problem solving skills. Lastly, just the shear experience of being at ESTEC was awesome, lots of cool conversations, projects etc! A few cons would be, it only really lasts for a year. I was offered an extension for a second year, but it's really not common and depends a lot on the department. That means you have to pack up and move on, as it were, but it's not really that big of a deal. Another con, rent is fairly high out there, which can eat in to your funds. However, given that ESAs tax is (or at least was) only 10% on income, and they were offering YGTs repatriation allowences of 9%, your salary is almost tax free. I can't think of anymore cons to be honest! Depending on how sociable your are (me, as an engineer, by definition I tend not to be so!) You can make as many friends with other YGTs as you want. There's usually 100 of you!

[@floair69]

@@LifeofanElectronicEngineer Thanks again Max! I really appreciate having this kind of feedbacks ! I am even more excited for next steps All the best and maybe/hopefully our path will cross one day :) Florian

[@NatachaMV]

Hey Max, thank you for your videos ! Before your YGT experience, what was your background? Then, how was your experience there ? What projects have you worked on ? Thanks in advance :)

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

So, before YGT, I was an undergraduate at Plymouth University, studying a masters degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I had some experience at CERN (2 months summer student) and 1 year sandwich placement at National Instruments :) I have another video about succeeding in an engineering job interview, and I discuss my CV in it :) At ESA, I worked on a research based project, studying the possibility of using digitally controlled high frequency DC-DC converters. It wasn't for a specific mission (which was a slight shame, many YGTs helped with actual missions) but I learnt a lot nonetheless. I was given a lot of free will, and time to do pretty much whatever I wanted. In the end, I co-authored a paper on the work with my supervisor. Hope that helps!

[@NatachaMV]

Thank you a lot for your answer, it's very helpful. Is your paper accessible to the public ? (IEEE)

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

@@NatachaMV I think not, sadly, but I can send you a copy :)

[@labrosdardamanis4234]

Hello Max, this comment is a bit late, but i still hope that you will see it!! French language seems to be a must know for the newer YGT positions. Was that the case when you were working there??

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

Hey there! Nope, it wasn't and I'd be surprised if it is the case now. English and French are the main languages used, but I think you only need to know one of those, as far as I'm aware!

[@michaeljacksonina97]

Hi Max! I wanted to ask you, the only documents needed are CV and Motivation Letter?

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

I believe so, yes! At least until you get through to the other rounds :)

[@mateoslab]

thanks for this. I graduated with a first in electrical and electronics engineering. I am now doing a masters in embedded systems and would love to work for ESA. I don't really have any job experience. How can I apply for a job at esa?

[@thealchemist8212]

Did you get the job in ESA???

[@matteoz5654]

Did you get a job offer there after the YGT? I heard that very few trainees get hired after the program ends, is it true?

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

It's true, it's very unlikely that you get a job offer, it's also just as unlikely that you get your YGT extended. Mine was extended, but for personal reasons I had to move back to the UK. I also had to turn down a CERN fellowship for the same reason; saying no to ESA and CERN at the same time was a killer!

[@matteoz5654]

Thanks for your video and your reply :)

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

@@matteoz5654 No worries!

[@miles951]

Did you learn Dutch while you were there?

[@LifeofanElectronicEngineer]

I tried, but when I spoke Dutch to people, they tended to reply in English, so I guess that shows how good my Dutch was! The Dutch are very good at languages, and most of them speak English, but out of politness, I tried to learn at the very least "good morning/thank you/good evening/please" etc :)

[@fab9992]

Hello I wanted to ask you what is the salary for A2 level in ESA ? Thanks

[@_TeXoN_]

esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/Table_Staff_Salaries.pdf Around 5-6k net salary.