Get to know an Astroscale U.S. Intern: Sophie McKeown

Introduce yourself! Where did you grow up? 

I’m Sophie! I grew up in Manitou Springs, Colorado and lived there basically my whole life. I really love to travel and spend time exploring Colorado. 

What is your role at Astroscale? 

I am a Marketing Intern for the MarComms department, and I help with a lot of marketing and event needs. I focus on active debris removal and life extension digital marketing campaigns, and also do a lot of work on the blog and social media channels. Whenever there’s a chance to support a project, I do my best to step in and help. 

Where do you go to college? What do you study? 

I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my freshman year where I studied political science. I ultimately realized that wasn’t the best fit for me, so I transferred to CU Boulder. I’ve been there for a year now and I absolutely love it. I’m studying PR and marketing with a double-minor in business and sports media. 

What sparked your interest in space? 

Honestly, I never really saw myself going into the space industry, but as soon as I got to Astroscale it was just so fascinating. It really felt like I was doing something meaningful and using my skills for a great mission.  

Why did you choose to intern at Astroscale? 

The people and social culture really drew me in. Even during my original interview I could tell that I would love my coworkers and they made me feel like I was going to be an integral part of the team. Also, Astroscale’s mission is just something that is super important to the people who work here and that’s something I find very important. 

What has been the highlight of your internship? 

I think the highlight was getting to workshop with the whole MarComms team and think about our future as a company. Looking forward at what’s in store for this team really felt full circle for me. 

Which part of the office is your favorite? 

My favorite part of the office is our massive coffee machine. I love that thing, and I’m going to miss it dearly. 

Who at Astroscale has been a great mentor to you and why? 

There are two people. Krystal, our Director of U.S. Brand and Communications, has really shown me the ropes in space. I really relate to her as a Boulder alumni, and she works so hard. She’s a great personality and someone I really look up to. The second person is Sarah, our Senior Designer and Creative Strategist, whom I see as both a coworker and a friend. She really helped me navigate my way through the summer. 

Advice for recent college school grads or potential interns? 

My advice would be to start making connections as soon as possible. Krystal likes to say that you have a kind of superpower as a student where more people are willing to help you out and say yes to things you ask them. Don’t be afraid to ask because the worst they can say is no. 

How do you spend your time outside of work? 

Outside of work I like to play soccer. I’ve recently picked up pickle ball – I’m pretty good, not going to lie. I also love to do spin classes, go camping, and read my books … pretty Colorado of me. 

Star Wars or Star Trek? 

I would say Star Wars because my dad forced me to watch it when I was little. I haven’t seen Star Trek, and I don’t plan to. 

What’s your biggest takeaway from this internship? 

I’ve learned that you have to be very passionate about what you do. If you’re passionate about your job, that’s when you’ll do your best work. Everyone deserves to find something they really love to do and to do it well.