Intern in the Commercialisation Department, Data Analytics, Digitalisation, and Business Incubation

Engage in data analytics, digitalisation, and business incubation activities.

This opening expired 7 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline 7 months ago: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Engage in data analytics, digitalisation, and business incubation activities.

You have:

  • You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level.
  • You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.
  • A good knowledge of English or French is required.
  • Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
  • Knowledge and skills in statistics is required.
  • Knowledge and skills in data analysis is required.
  • Knowledge of economic Key Performance Indicators for high-tech start-ups is required.
  • Proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint is required.
  • Knowledge of statistical software (e.g. R, PowerBI) is required.
  • Knowledge of data automation and dashboards is required.
  • Knowledge of programming languages (e.g. Python) is considered an asset.

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation Office (CIC-SUB) represents a visible contribution to ESA’s entrepreneurial effort to boost green and digital commercialisation. By tapping into Europe’s enterprising communities, the Office is expeditiously extending the reach of European commercial space into the global economy and society at large.

In particular, the ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups using space related technologies and/or data. The ESA BICs focus on three main objectives:

  1. addressing real customer needs;
  2. diversifying space as a business (NewSpace);
  3. focusing on acceleration of commercial growth.

The first ESA BIC was launched in the Netherlands in 2004, which has grown into a pan-European network of 32 ESA BICs in 22 Participating States by mid-2025. The Office additionally manages the ESRIC Start-up Support Programme in Luxembourg.

The Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation Office (CIC-SUB) represents the best place for students to engage with decision-makers in industry and aspiring entrepreneurs for future engagements beyond their internships. It will also be an exciting time to join as we will be implementing the new programme to be adopted at the Ministerial Conference in November 2025.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Data Analytics, Digitalisation, and Business Incubation

The European Space Agency (ESA) has a network of ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) across Europe. Each year around 230 start-ups with a space-related business idea are selected for incubation, while over 1950 start-ups have been supported altogether. The ESA BICs help these start-ups to develop and grow their businesses. ESA routinely collects information about the incubatees and alumni of ESA BICs. This has been done to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of the ESA BIC supported start-ups in terms of revenue, employment and investments.

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

  • process and analyse data from start-ups on a portfolio level;
  • create and manage databases related to business incubation activities;
  • identify opportunities for further automation of ESA BIC data collection, processing and visualisation, including developing new approaches and dashboards;
  • prepare presentations and reports on findings;
  • perform other assignments based on operational needs of the team, for example activity coordination, supporting on-site events, conducting business research.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge and skills in one or several of the following areas are required:

  • statistics;
  • data analysis;
  • economic Key Performance Indicators for high-tech start-ups;
  • MS Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint;
  • statistical software (e.g. R, PowerBI);
  • data automation and dashboards.

Programming languages (e.g. Python) are considered an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time you successfully processed and analyzed data? This question assesses your practical data analytics experience. Provide a specific example detailing the data, methods, and outcomes.
What do you think are the key performance indicators for a start-up? This question evaluates your understanding of business metrics. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where you must automate data collection processes? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of a database you managed and the specific tasks involved. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure accuracy when analyzing business data? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or software do you prefer for data visualization? Why? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a collaborative project you completed as part of a team. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to apply for this internship at ESA? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int