How to Start a Career in the Container Shipping Industry as a Student

The container shipping industry has grown immensely in the era of globalization, and new opportunities are available for students in different capacities. The opportunities vary and require different skills and expertise, so picking what suits you is easy. It’s like hiring a writer at GradeMiners writing service; there are plenty of writers with different areas of specialization, and you are at liberty to choose one who matches your needs. So, if you want to start building a career in the container shipping industry, here’s how to get started and be successful.

Understand the Industry

You will have a better chance of success in the industry if you understand it. Dive into the industry and find out what it is all about and what available careers are available. Look at the key players and trends shaping the industry and how they are involved in the day-to-day progress of container shipping. This knowledge will help you understand how you fit into the industry and areas where you are comfortable working.

Enroll in a Relevant Degree Program and Course

The different roles in the industry require you to study a relevant degree. If you are starting your undergraduate program, focus on a logistics or supply chain management degree. If you want to be involved in engineering, consider marine engineering and other engineering fields associated with your desired career. If you are already studying a degree that is unrelated to the industry, you can consider getting extra certification. Certification in logistics-related fields will equip you with the valuable skills and knowledge you require in the industry.

Get Internships and Part-Time Jobs

Many shipping companies provide students with internship opportunities. Visit container terminals and logistic firms and inquire if they have any internship openings. The internship experience will equip you with hands-on skills you might not have acquired during school. If you don’t find an internship opportunity but are rewarded with a part-time role in a shipping company, take advantage of this role to have a clear understanding of the industry’s day-to-day operations. 

Pick a part-time job that you can balance with school. If you take a job that is too demanding, you might find it hard to focus on academics and lag in schoolwork. You’ll have to depend on academic writers like those mentioned in the GradeMiners review to protect your grades; otherwise, you might find yourself dropping out of school.

Build a Network

A professional network can go a long way in assisting you to build your career in the container shipping industry. The network will help you get first-hand information on opportunities in the industry and important insights on how to grow your career. There are many ways you can develop a professional network with people already working in the industry, and the first is through social media. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field you want to join.

You can also take advantage of industry conferences. Professionals in the industry always attend conferences, and this is a good place to network with them. After developing these networks, interact with them occasionally to ensure they always remember you when an industry opportunity arises.

Stay Informed

Stay up to date with industry trends by following the industry publications. The publications will also assist you in knowing of potential changes in laws and environmental regulations. This information can also help you when you get an internship interview in the industry. Organizations like employees who are well-informed about the latest trends in the industry; staying up to date with the latest information will go a long way in helping you impress when you are called up for an internship interview.

Improve Your Soft Skills

There are many soft skills you will need to have to succeed in the container shipping industry, and the first is communication. The industry has different stakeholders, such as port officials, ship managers, and other employees in the company you will be working with. You should be able to effectively communicate with all the groups to reduce potential errors that might arise from miscommunication. 

Another skill you require is problem-solving. The container shipping industry has many challenges, and you should have good problem-solving skills to respond to them and ensure packages are delivered at the desired quality and on time. Talking of time, you’ll also need good time management skills.

Develop Technical Skills

Soft skills are not enough to land you a career in the shipping industry. You need to develop technical skills, and you can start by learning about the relevant software used in the industry. Different software is used to manage and track container shipping, and learning about the ones most frequently used in the industry is integral. Another important skill is data analysis. This skill is important for analyzing the shipping data of your company’s vessels.

Explore Entry-Level Jobs

If you find getting the role you desire within an organization challenging, do not shy away from starting with an entry-level job. You might be overqualified for such jobs, but it is a good way of entering the industry. Some of these roles include logistics analyst or shipping coordinator. You can gain a lot of experience from these roles, which can be a good stepping stone for climbing to high ranks; when an opportunity arises for the role you initially desired, your company will likely give you preference over other external candidates.

Use University Resources

You should consider your university resources if you are wondering where to get internship opportunities or entry-level jobs to set off your career. The people working in career centers have a lot of knowledge of various industries, including the shipping industry, and they will share important insights that will assist you in starting and growing your career.

Final Thoughts

The container shipping industry is growing, and the growth has seen many careers that students are taking advantage of. If you want to start, get adequate knowledge of the industry and determine a career you would like to take. Consider certification or studying a degree in your chosen career path to acquire the required expertise. Internships and networking are also important in helping you get the professional connection you need to propel your career to the next level.