BSM supports the mission of the United Nations World Youth Skills Day. We have experienced first-hand the benefits of supporting young people by equipping them with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. We chose this day to launch our new traineeship programme as it captures the spirit of this important day.
We asked two of our very own ‘trainee to career’ success stories, Cindy Yeow Xin Yi, BSM Singapore Human Resources Officer, and Charalambos Georgiou, BSM Cyprus Technical Superintendent, to share their experiences in first entering the workforce, finding their career paths, and advice for their peers.
1. What made you decide to pursue a traineeship with BSM?
Cindy Yeow Xin Yi, BSM Singapore Human
Resources Officer
Charalambos Georgiou, BSM Cyprus
Technical Superintendent
Cindy: Unlike most people here, the shipping industry was not my first career choice during my adolescent years. I grew up believing common stigmas of the maritime industry as my dad worked in a shipyard during the early years of his career.
Upon completing my studies in Psychology, I began searching for work opportunities centred on people. I chanced upon an Assistant HR Officer Traineeship with BSM Singapore, and it piqued my curiosity.
I applied for the position as I wanted to learn more about what my dad used to do. Looking back, although my role was different from his, I was in awe of what the traineeship had provided me. I gained insights into people’s jobs, practices, and how important shipping is to the world.
Charalambos: Upon completing my Mechanical and Offshore Engineering studies, I returned to Cyprus with my eyes wide open for opportunities in shipping.
Initially, I applied for a safety course at the BSM Maritime Training Centre in Cyprus to qualify for work at sea. Meanwhile, in 2015 an Assistant Technical Officer position opened in the Ship Management Centre with an exciting description. I applied and was successful, so my training started.
At the first opportunity, I asked to join a drydock project (scheduled maintenance of a ship) and got the chance to have my first experience onboard. This experience stimulated, even more, my desire to sail.
In the following years, BSM fully supported and sponsored my studies and cadetship onboard our full-managed vessels, which enabled me to obtain my ‘Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch’ licence. It was challenging but, at the same time, a fascinating path opened before me, accelerating my career to becoming a Technical Superintendent.
2. What was your most memorable experience with BSM, both onboard and onshore?
Cindy: During my first big presentation, I was really nervous and started to fumble over what I wanted to present. As I moved through the slides, I realised that my team was with me. I was well prepared and had everything I needed. My team’s soft smiles and nods encouraged me, and confidence swooped in. The presentation went well.
Charalambos: On 8 October 2016, I watched the most beautiful sunshine reflect off the Caribbean Sea. Also, completing the sea service and exams to obtain the STCW III/1 – Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch.
3. What was your biggest takeaway, personal or professional, from the traineeship?
Cindy: As a trainee, we often only have a rough idea of what we want to do professionally. We never really know how it is until we begin the role itself. The biggest takeaway for me is that the BSM traineeship helped me clearly define what I want to achieve in my professional career.
Charalambos: I felt great satisfaction experiencing the transition from a fresh graduate to an experienced professional.
4. Did your expectations before joining the industry match up with the reality of it?
Cindy: The reality exceeds my expectations. The traineeship has been a great stepping stone to the start of my career. As Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Charalambos: BSM traineeship provided me with the opportunity and helped me bridge the gaps and develop the required skills to achieve my goals.
5. In your experience, did you have the opportunity to explore different specialities?
Cindy: Definitely! I started by learning about BSM’s operations and realised that I had a strong interest in project management. BSM provided me with the trust and avenue to be creative and come up with ideas on how we can improve our existing workflow and be ready for the future that is to come.
Charalambos: Affirmative. BSM fully supported me during this journey from an Assistant Technical Officer to becoming a Technical Superintendent and provided me with opportunities to branch out by sponsoring various courses. For example, enrolling me in ‘Competence of Ships’ Superintendents’ from Isle of Man College and other courses related to dealing with specific types of vessels.
6. What advice would you give to your peers looking to join BSM?
Cindy: There is so much to learn in BSM! Never stop learning. Don’t be shy and never stop asking questions.
Charalambos: Be honest with your goals, your visions and do not communicate these to your leader in BSM. Be open to opportunities and accept new challenges. Set step-by-step goals, and as Nikos Kazantzakis said, “Reach what you cannot.”
To apply to the BSM Traineeship Programme, submit your CV here.