Oscar is a Law and Anthropology graduate from LSE. He secured a Space Law internship at Orbex in Forres, Scotland, through Bright Network. 
First, in sentences please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I see myself as a creative, innovative individual driven to make a meaningful impact. The space industry aligns with this perfectly because it plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. Whether it's transferring money, monitoring natural disasters, or navigating with Google Maps, all of it depends on space technology.
With the growing focus on sustainability, I want to be at the forefront of the industry's expansion, ensuring it benefits humanity while protecting our planet.
I am dedicated to legal education and have created a website called Learn The Law to help law university students with their studies and increase general engagement and enthusiasm for the law.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I was motivated to apply for this role because of my passion for both space and law, driven by the vast opportunities within the space sector. What drew me to this company specifically was their groundbreaking work in developing one of the most sustainable rockets in the world.
I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to interpreting existing laws in entirely new ways, applying them to an emerging field and working on contracts that have never been written before. The potential to pioneer sustainable space technology with this company is immense, and I wanted to be part of shaping this innovative future.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“Bright Network played a pivotal role in my journey through the connections and networks I built during the Commercial Law Internship Experience 2022, the Bright Network Festival 2022 and 2023, and the Diverse Legal Leaders Event 2023.
These opportunities provided me with extensive exposure to various industries and guided me toward discovering my niche interest in space law.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I take great pride in having taken the time to explore a variety of sectors before committing to a specific area of law. Through Bright Network, I gained valuable experience and connections in fields such as finance law, criminal law, and international law.
This exploration allowed me to identify the aspects of these roles that resonated most with me, enabling me to make a well-informed decision about my career path. Ultimately, it led me to discover and focus on my niche area where I aim to contribute meaningfully: space law."
What was your application journey like?
“It was very hard to find space law roles. Therefore, I had to reach out to organisations within the space industry that aligned with my interests. By doing so, I managed to connect with their teams, attend a few interviews and ultimately secure my role as a space law intern. Although the roles are currently challenging to find, once you do secure them, it makes for a very rewarding and satisfying career.
One challenge I encountered was the lack of opportunities to learn about space law at university. At LSE, the focus was heavily corporate-oriented, with limited attention given to STEM-related industries like the space sector. This gap made it harder to find guidance in this niche area.
However, Bright Network was instrumental in bridging this gap. They provided me with valuable insight and support, as well as the confidence and resources to proactively reach out and forge the career path I want to pursue.”
What have you learned from going through the process?
“One key lesson I learned from this process is to never settle for less than what truly aligns with your aspirations. If you believe you can bring value to a specific sector, like the space industry, don’t compromise by settling for a more conventional path, such as joining a commercial law firm. Keep pushing forward and reaching out to people who can help you carve your unique path.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much shorter the process was than I had anticipated, proving that persistence and initiative can yield results sooner than expected.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“My advice is to be proactive and reach out to space companies that interest you, even if they’re not advertising any positions. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field and expand your network.
One resource that proved invaluable for me was attending a Space Law and Policy course hosted by the European Space Agency. It not only deepened my understanding but also allowed me to build strong relationships with others who share this niche interest.
Entering this industry early may feel daunting because you’ll be among the first, but it’s incredibly rewarding and promises an exciting career. With the space sector projected to become a trillion-pound industry in the next decade, the demand for skilled professionals will grow significantly. Getting involved now puts you in a prime position to thrive as the industry expands.”
Tell us about the future. What's next?
"Looking ahead, I have several goals I’m excited to pursue. One of my priorities is increasing awareness about opportunities in the space industry for non-STEM students. There is tremendous potential for policy and legal work in this growing sector, and I’m committed to raising awareness and promoting education in this area. Writing for Bright Network is a step toward achieving this goal, as it allows me to share insights and inspire others to explore these opportunities.
I also aspire to work for leading organisations like the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency (ESA), or the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), as they are at the forefront of innovation and governance in the space industry.
What excites me most is witnessing how rapidly the industry is evolving; every week seems to bring a new milestone. I’m eager to contribute to shaping this dynamic field while continuing to learn and develop alongside its progress."
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