"MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance has been the best decision of my career. It not only gave me crucial knowledge on shipping and finance, but also the skills to work in different environments and adapt quickly."
Name: Maria Ceballos-Espinosa
Country of origin: Spain
MSc course: MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance
Graduation year: 2019
I was born in Canary Islands, so I’ve always been surrounded by sea and the maritime industry plays a key role in our lives. However, I’d never thought of a career in shipping until I wrote my bachelor’s thesis on economic zones in the Spanish ports. Back then, my supervisor suggested the MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance at the Business School (formerly Cass) as it combined my first passion (finance), with my new interest (shipping). After doing some research into this course, I realised it was the perfect match for my goals.
I aimed to study at a leading university that could offer me the expertise and knowledge from lecturers as well as the industry insight through the many different events organised by the university. My favourite modules were always related to Professor Michael Tamvakis, so Shipping Economics and Commodities Trading. The amount of information that I got to learn during these two courses is priceless.
A highlight of my degree was having the opportunity to speak to members of the Department of Transport. As part of my degree, I chose to work on the Applied Research Project. I was keen on analysing the environmental impact on UK Ports. I proposed a study on a mitigation strategy to decrease shipping emissions in UK Ports, and made a comparative study across the UK Ports and European Ports. I could meet the Department for Transport in their offices to discuss my ideas and they really appreciated my input. I could see how students’ work played a role in their future analysis.
I also participated in the Maritime UK Master’s Programme which was such a great opportunity for me to share my research with other leading universities and with experts in the industry. Having to present my work in a limited time to such a knowledgeable audience was a challenge, but I enjoyed the event. It was an amazing chance to increase my network, and I met relevant people in the industry who I am still connected with. It is great to see that students work is appreciated and that industry relies on young talent and believe in the next generations.
MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance has been the best decision of my career. It not only gave me crucial knowledge on shipping and finance, but also the skills to work in different environments and adapt quickly. It opened a wide range of careers and offered me a huge network of fellow students that are today working across the sector, which is one of the greatest assets of the course.
I’m currently on a Graduate Scheme at Petroineos Trading Ltd. I joined the company a few months after finishing the course and got to know this company through the Business School Careers Fair, where I had the chance to speak to some members of the company. My Graduate Scheme is a 2-year programme that consists of 4 rotations. I’ve had the opportunity to work within shipping and logistics, oil analysis and am currently on my third rotation working in supply optimisation.
Even though it was an intense year, it was also one of my best, I had an amazing experience studying my master’s. I would suggest future students focus 100% on this course, make the most of the amazing programme, lecturers, and fellow students. They come from very different backgrounds and have a variety of experiences. This course will give the tools for any career you may take in the future. The relationships won’t disappear, actually the Alumni network is one of the strengths of this course.
