Aerospace Student Coaching to Develop Realise Potential: Taking a Different Approach

摘要

In institutions of higher education, students who are invited to mentoring or coaching programmes, often focus only on the career mentoring aspects, since that is where their ultimate priorities lie, after graduation. As a result, rather than taking full advantage of what is offered, students end up using their mentors, or coaches as de-facto careers advisors. The aim of this paper is to present a possible structured approach, to organise and co-ordinate a coaching programme for aerospace students. Going by the name of the Master of Space Studies (MSS) Coaching Programme, this methodology has been applied in a very unique environment, which is that of the International Space University (ISU). It works by assigning the student with a specific ISU alumnus, chosen according to certain criteria, such as common interests. In order to obtain the greatest benefit out of it, it is highly recommended that the students and coaches both agree on mutual objectives at the start. To facilitate the communication channels between all the relevant parties and the smooth running of the programme, there is a coordinator with a support team (all alumni as well). Based on previous experience, one of the most challenging aspects to manage is the matching process between students and coaches. However, so far, the programme has been welcomed by many as a very productive initiative.