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Chase, Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions: Advize Career Interview
A Cal Poly graduate's unconventional journey from stuntman aspirations to a thriving career as an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions offers a compelling narrative.
The interview reveals a path marked by unexpected detours—teaching computer building and working at a juvenile hall—ultimately leading to a network engineering role that served as a springboard to a space industry position.
This role involves analyzing data from a global network of telescopes, monitoring thousands of satellites, and maintaining a complex system.
A flexible night shift schedule, freedom from excessive meetings, and the opportunity to learn continuously, including witnessing a satellite capturing space debris, are highlighted as significant advantages.
Challenges exist, primarily in communication within the small company, yet a proactive approach and willingness to learn are emphasized as keys to success.
The interviewee's story underscores the value of internships, a strong physics background, positive peer relationships, and perseverance in finding the right career fit, making it an inspirational example for aspiring aerospace professionals.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Chase Crawford
Orbit Analyst II
ExoAnalytic Solutions
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
-
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Aerospace & Defense
Data and Analytics
None Applicable
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Career Path Of An Orbit Analyst II At ExoAnalytic Solutions
Initially pursuing a "stuntman" career after graduating from Cal Poly in 2019, the interviewee's career path took an unexpected turn, involving teaching computer building and working at a juvenile hall before finding their first "real job" as a network engineer at Charter Communications. This initial role, despite its challenges, proved pivotal in opening doors to their current position as an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, a job they secured after only applying for one or two positions and receiving "instant feedback."
Main Responsibilities of an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase's main responsibilities as an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions involve "collect[ing] data and then analyz[ing] data," ensuring the telescopes' functionality, and maintaining a "very put together with duct tape and super glue" system. However, automation has freed Chase to pursue independent projects, culminating recently in the creation of a much-needed team manual, showcasing initiative and a proactive approach to improving workflow.
A Day in the Life of an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, works a unique schedule—"8:00 PM to 6:37 AM, three and a half days a week"—monitoring a global network of telescopes and analyzing data on approximately 1500 satellites for issues like proximity or tumbling. The work varies greatly depending on the day, with "very busy nights" contrasting sharply with the "slowest" Saturdays and Sundays when "satellite operators actually have those days off".
Most Important Skills For An Orbit Analyst II At ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, emphasizes the critical importance of "being willing to learn new things" for success in their role, highlighting the on-the-job learning curve due to a lack of formal documentation and the need for independent problem-solving, particularly during night shifts. This self-directed learning, combined with a positive attitude, proved crucial in navigating challenges and mastering both data analysis and the less-documented aspects of data collection and telescope maintenance.
Favorite Parts of Being an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, most appreciates the "freedom" of their current role, contrasting it with previous experiences characterized by numerous daily meetings. This freedom, coupled with a flexible night shift schedule that aligns with their personal preferences, has been "very life-changing."
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Orbit Analyst II At ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase's biggest challenge as an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions is the lack of established communication and support systems within the small company, resulting in "messages sent to the void." However, recent improvements in inter-shift communication, driven by a colleague's shift change and the development of new internal tools, are slowly addressing these issues.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Space Industry As An Orbit Analyst II
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, finds the most rewarding aspect of their career to be "learning about a lot of things" outside of their initial expectations, citing unique experiences such as witnessing a satellite capturing space junk—an event Chase describes as "the coolest thing" they've seen—as a highlight of working in the space industry.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Space Industry, According To An Orbit Analyst II At ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, finds that the space industry offers diverse career paths, accommodating both those who prefer a "very set...boom, boom, boom" approach and those who enjoy "the freedom to try new things." Success hinges on a willingness to learn, patience, and embracing the unique aspects of working at a small company.
What an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Space Industry
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, learned that the industry is still developing, with processes constantly being improved—"we really don't have it figured out"—and that voicing concerns, even to the CEO, can lead to significant changes, as exemplified by their feedback resulting in an immediate alteration to data loading procedures. This experience highlights the value of proactive communication and the dynamic nature of the field.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Orbit Analysts at ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase, an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, notes that internships are a common entry point, ranging from coding to other technical roles, with some interns even staying on for extended periods. Their own experience highlights that a strong physics background, coupled with the ability to work independently, and a willingness to learn, can open doors in the aerospace industry, even without extensive prior experience.
Significant Career Lesson From an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions
Chase's most significant career lesson was "don't give up on finding a job that's right for you," a lesson learned after struggling post-COVID and a difficult experience at a company that "was not fun, it was not enjoyable." Even though a challenging initial role provided valuable resume material, Chase emphasizes the importance of internships and finding a good fit, stating that "the first step was by far the hardest."
College Experiences That Helped An Orbit Analyst II At ExoAnalytic Solutions Succeed
Chase's most impactful undergraduate experience was "being around really smart and really good people," specifically citing "the people at Cal Poly" as instrumental in shaping a positive attitude and career trajectory. This supportive network helped Chase secure a job and provided ongoing support, highlighting the importance of peer influence in career success.
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