Young Professionals

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  • 1.  ASCEND w/Simon Shuham

    Posted 27 Apr, 2021 08:00
    ASCEND Q&A w/Simon Shuham


    1. Tell us about your participation in ASCEND 2020.
    For ASCEND 2020 I helped organize the Space Force panel, working with fellow YP Alexis Harroun. I also recently participated in the 2021 ASCENDxSummit series on the Next Generation Workforce panel of YPs. Both events were really well run and brought a fresh perspective on the space industry. 
    2. What was your favorite part of ASCEND 2020?
    ASCEND is a really unique conference. It brings together a diverse set of opinions from military officials, space CEOs, venture capitalists, authors, etc. I really enjoyed that each session had its own flavor and unique view on the space industry. Too often, space events feature the same set of speakers discussing the same set of topics. I think it's important to recognize how intricately intertwined the future of space will be and begin representing that unified vision during conferences like ASCEND.
     
    3. As a YP in AIAA, what is the benefit of attending/participating in ASCEND?
    Over the course of my early career I've found that conferences like ASCEND open your eyes to new viewpoints, career paths, mentors, and inspirations. I often say that "you don't know what you don't know." There are hundreds of different paths into the space industry and ASCEND is a great place for YPs to discover some of those possibilities. Beyond that, it is the perfect place to network, learn about the industry, and find where you might be able to make a difference in space. 
    4. What can YPs look forward to at ASCEND 2021?
    Given the success of ASCEND 2020 I would say we're in for another fun year of content from an incredible lineup of speakers. I'm hoping that things go according to plan and we can meet in person. ASCEND 2020 was fantastic and adapted really well to the virtual environment but there's nothing that can beat the energy and excitement of hearing some of the most important people in space speak about our off-world future. 
     
    5. In general, what is the best benefit of being a YP in AIAA?
    AIAA has a massive reach across the aerospace world. You'd be hard pressed to find a prominent industry figure who hasn't been a member or deeply interacted with AIAA at some point in their career. I would encourage YPs to get involved with their school, regional, or national AIAA chapters to grow their perspective, meet other talented YPs, and kickstart their aerospace careers. 

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    Interested in ASCEND and want to learn more about it?? Check out their website!

    "ASCEND defines a unique community engaged in a lifelong conversation about the universe. In everything we do — our centerpiece annual event, our supporting events and activities, our year-round communications, interactions and relationships — our mission is to build humanity’s off-world future faster. With you.

    Our core values are content and community. On-site and online, we produce exceptional technical, scientific and engineering programs. Our Guiding Coalition of prominent industry, government, and academic leaders champions ASCEND’s access and influence around the world. And each November we crank up the volume at a one-of-a-kind international event designed to spark imaginations, illuminate insights, and produce tangible outcomes to move us further and faster together."



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    Janice Gong
    Systems Engineer
    LG Chem
    Royal Oak MI
    (586)864-3475
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