Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
Why this amazing crew trainer has the most fun job in Huntsville
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Kelly used to work on a sailboat in Maine but now she spends her days at The U.S. Space and Rocket Center teaching kids about space.
Read on to learn how she found her dream job and get a sneak peek into what she does every day as a crew trainer.
Meet Kelly
Born and raised in Indiana, Kelly Hann attended the University of Purdue and studied Hospitality and Management. After graduating, she launched her career at Purdue, working in event planning and coordination.
Two years later, she came face-to-face with burnout and decided to take off to Maine and spend the summer working on a sailboat. After that movie-worthy experience, she knew she couldn’t float back into the corporate world.
That’s when her dream job at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center came onto the scene.
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Becoming a crew trainer
Kelly didn’t grow up a hardcore space nerd, but she always had a “low-laying interest” in space. That’s why when she saw the Space & Rocket Center’s Crew Trainer position, she knew it’d be the perfect opportunity for her.
“When I was five, I got to see a shuttle launch, and I fell in love with space after that. I never quite had the aptitude to become an astronaut, but working at the Space & Rocket Center is the next best thing.”
Kelly Hann, Crew Trainer
As a crew trainer, Kelly works with Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® attendees (kids and adults). Here are some of her day-to-day responsibilities:
- Explaining how rockets work + teaching campers to build their own rockets
- Empathetically listening to the needs of the kids + helping them problem solve
- Inspiring camp attendees to learn leadership + discipline skills
- Managing the schedule of her camp group efficiently
- Teaching campers about space + space history
“Sometimes I just walk into the Saturn V Hall and look at the giant rocket and say, ‘Wow, this is my job, I get to be here every day.’
It’s really special to watch the kids connect with space and see their interest grow over the course of attending camp.”
Kelly Hann, Crew Trainer
Kelly has also loved gaining valuable skills through her role and having opportunities for personal growth.
“I used to hate public speaking, but now I get in front of groups every day.
I’ve learned to get out of my shell and step into a leadership position. From working as a crew trainer, I know how to balance providing discipline and structure with having fun.”
Kelly Hann, Crew Trainer
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The vibrant + welcoming culture at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Outside of interacting with the camp attendees, one of Kelly’s favorite parts about her job is the lively atmosphere at the Space & Rocket Center.
“I like that everyone here has a similar interest and goal. Growing up, I’d get teased or called a nerd for being interested in space. But, here, everyone gets it. It’s like you’ve found your people.”
Kelly Hann, Crew Trainer
Kelly has also enjoyed getting to collaborate with other departments at the Space & Rocket Center.
“In a normal company, you don’t necessarily know the executives if you’re in a boots-on-the-ground role. It’s so cool that I get to be on a first-name basis with many of the leaders at the Space & Rocket Center.
Just the other day, I passed Robin Soprano, our VP of Space Camp, and she was like, ‘Kelly, I’ve seen you a lot this week—you’ve been working hard.'”
Kelly Hann, Crew Trainer
Fun fact: A lot of upper-level managers and directors at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center started as crew trainers!
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Check out current opportunities at The Space & Rocket Center today
Kelly’s two areas of focus are Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge®, but the Space & Rocket Center also has crew trainer positions for the Cyber and Robotics their U.S. Cyber Camp® and Space Camp® Robotics programs. Plus, make sure to check out their current offerings across all departments.
“I would encourage people to apply even if they don’t know anything about space.
There’s never a dull moment working as a crew trainer. The Space Camp kids may be crazy sometimes, but they’ll make you laugh like nobody’s business.”
Kelly Hann, Crew Trainer
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of the most fun and unique places to work in Huntsville—apply today.
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