How to Apply

We're thrilled you're considering joining ARES! As a member, you'll develop high-power sounding rockets that compete internationally, gain hands-on experience with real flight hardware, and build connections in Australia's growing aerospace sector. From operations to propulsion, there's a place for everyone on our team!

Due to high application volumes, we can only accept a limited number of candidates each semester. This guide will help you stand out and maximize your chances of joining the team.

Application Process

Entry to ARES consists of two stages:

• Initial application – submitted through our online form
• Interview – offered to selected applicants

Before starting, read the sub-team overviews on our The Team page to understand each group's focus and inform your preferences.

Application Sections

Section 1: About You

Basic information about your background and degree. Note that students with limited time remaining at university might be less likely to be offered positions, but this isn't a hard and fast rule.

Section 2: Sub-Team Preferences

Consider both what you're well-suited for and what aligns with your goals and interests. These might differ; balance them as you see fit and explain your reasoning in later sections.

Section 3: Your Application

This is the section you should spend most of your time on!

Relevant Experience

Describe concrete examples of projects you've completed and link them to ARES' work. We value candidates who demonstrate genuine passion and consistently strive to improve their knowledge and skills. If you're applying in the future, consider starting projects now that showcase these qualities.

Skills & Tools

Be honest about your experience with specific tools and processes. We understand many applicants are still learning; this section helps us understand what you know and what we can help you improve on.

What You Know About ARES

We encourage you to go beyond surface-level descriptions. Explore our Instagram and website to understand our history and current activities. Show us you know who we are and what we do, so we can better understand why you want to join.

Why You Want to Join (Very important!)

Tell us what draws you to ARES and what you hope to gain. Think about how you want to grow, what you wish to achieve, and why ARES is the right place for that journey. Really try to convince us!

Time Commitment

Be truthful and realistic. ARES requires significant dedication, with many members comparing it to taking an extra university subject. Consider whether you can reasonably make this commitment before applying.

CV & Portfolio

Upload a polished, professional CV tailored to your chosen roles. We recommend using online resources and templates to really polish things. Carefully select relevant experience (both what to include and what to remove), and check for spelling and formatting errors. If you have a portfolio of past work, we highly encourage you submit that as well.

Tips for Success

• Use concise, formal language when responding to application questions. This can be less true in the ‘why do you want to join ARES section’, where you might want to write in your voice for more authenticity.
• Think carefully about relevance of the experience you’re highlighting.
• Let your passion shine! We particularly love deeply enthusiastic members with a strong desire to contribute to our team. It is important to not just tell us that you’re a passionate person; demonstrate this to us through experiences, values, projects, skills, and aspirations.
• Don’t fret if you feel your experience isn’t up to scratch! This is very common, especially for younger applicants. Your application should instead focus on what you aim to achieve in ARES (with specific and researched answers), and what about you will make you a good fit for the team.
• If you are rejected from the team, don’t stress! Many strong applicants are rejected their first time around; we highly encourage you to submit again the following semester. During that time, think about what projects you can take on that will strengthen your application for next time! You can always send us an email to ask for guidance on this front.