5 min read
Oct 30, 2023
Launching dreams: How Olga Shoraka built her career in AWS's space business
Olga Shoraka found her way into AWS's Aerospace and Satellite business through an internal Amazon networking program. She advises anyone looking to break into this industry from unconventional backgrounds to "go for it —there is a lot more room for cross-disciplinary talent."
Written by the Life at AWS team
From a young age, Olga Shoraka would immerse herself in conversations with her father about the wonders of the universe, sparking a deep fascination that would follow her throughout life.
"I come from two big spacefaring nations, she said. “So that probably explains that it's always been in the background for me growing up.”
Now, as a Senior Customer Solutions Manager at AWS Aerospace and Satellite business unit for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region (EMEA), Olga gets to live her dreams every day. She plays a crucial role in helping space companies propel their innovations forward by embracing the cutting-edge capabilities of cloud technologies.
"Our customers are daring to push the boundaries of what's possible, not only for the future of humanity on Earth, but also beyond,” she said. “And what could be more exhilarating than being part of their success?"
Shoraka points to Eutelsat OneWeb as a fantastic example of the transformative power of space technologies. Eutelsat OneWeb is a U.K.-based operator of a broadband satellite communications constellation that provides internet to communities and businesses around the globe.
“I'm thrilled that AWS is collaborating with Eutelsat OneWeb on a series of innovative projects,” Shoraka said. “We’re also supporting Eutelsat OneWeb in upskilling their talent on AWS knowledge through a multi-year training program."
"Our customers are daring to push the boundaries of what's possible, not only for the future of humanity on Earth, but also beyond. And what could be more exhilarating than being part of their success?"
Olga Shoraka
AWS Senior Customer Solutions Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Aerospace and Satellite
From Wall Street to the stars
Shoraka's journey into the space industry was far from an expected trajectory. Despite her passion for space, she never envisioned herself working in the field. After obtaining a degree in economics, she ventured into Wall Street, exploring the world of technology through roles in sales trading and capital markets. It wasn't until she followed her heart and pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in London that her career path took an exciting turn.
"I'd been following Amazon for many years on the equity research side and admiring its innovative approach to business and the positive impact it's had," she said. "So, when Amazon came on campus to talk to us, it was a no-brainer to apply."
Amazon welcomed her into their post-MBA leadership rotation program, MBA Launch, a three-year adventure that aims to build versatile and adaptable talents across various corporate businesses in Europe. Through this program, Shoraka has explored different domains within Amazon, gaining diverse experiences and fostering a deep integration into the company's culture.
After a stint in the advertising department, where she helped set up European business operations and ran European Union-wide sponsorships for Amazon’s biggest events, and another running sales strategy and operations for the AWS Startups business in EMEA, Shoraka moved to the then newly formed Aerospace and Satellite business.
She attributes the opportunity to the connections she built through Amazon’s internal Connect program, which connects Amazonians across various businesses through informal coffee chats with fun conversation prompts. The goal of the program is to expand the internal Amazon network, get to know folks outside of one’s immediate organization, and learn about exciting things people do across the company.
"I instantly knew that's where I wanted to be," Olga said about her transition to the Aerospace and Satellite business unit. "I wanted to be a part of the ultimate Think Big, helping customers reimagine how they design, launch, and operate space systems, quickly turn data into useful information, and accelerate innovation, powering the space economy. Virtually all humanity’s endeavors on the planet—be it news-gathering, weather prediction, high speed internet, in-flight connectivity, vessels-tracking, agricultural technology, automotive, supply chain, etc.—are based in or supported by space-based platforms. The opportunity to make an outsized impact on human lives and economies around the world inspires me every day."
"I also speak to our customers about our culture of innovation, a topic near and dear to my heart as I believe that our culture here at Amazon is our secret sauce to keep innovating and continuously delighting our customers.”
Olga Shoraka
AWS Senior Customer Solutions Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Aerospace and Satellite
Seizing cosmic opportunities
Shoraka recommends to anyone interested in the space industry to just go for it. She believes we are at an inflection point in the space industry, dominated by a rapidly expanding commercial space sector, which is opening all sorts of opportunities for many different countries and individuals to be involved beyond the traditional realms of rocket science and other specialties.
"If anyone is looking to get into the space industry, but who comes, like me, from a business or other unconventional background, this is the time to do it because this industry is opening up to commercial opportunities and there is a lot more room for cross-disciplinary talent," Shoraka said.
As a lifelong learner, Shoraka thrives on seizing every learning opportunity at Amazon.
"I have had an opportunity to learn whole new industries at Amazon. This is one of the unique attributes of Amazon—it's a company that values being fungible or adaptable,” she said. "I also speak to our customers about our culture of innovation, a topic near and dear to my heart as I believe that our culture here at Amazon is our secret sauce to keep innovating and continuously delighting our customers.”
Shoraka believes there is a lot of opportunity in the space industry for the years to come. She isn’t concerned with focusing on any particular career goal and instead focuses on continuing to learn as much as she can while helping customers succeed in their space missions.
“There is a plethora of opportunities for self-development and growth and pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible in my career. All of that, while making a meaningful tangible impact." Shoraka said. "I feel like I found my professional home at AWS."
She also extends her learnings and knowledge to her children at home. How does she explain what she does for a living to them? Shoraka tells them she helps companies advance their technology in space, but for now, one believes she’s an astronaut and another thinks she builds rockets.
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