Fitting BSc maritime studies graduates into commodity trading industry

• Main Author: Liu, Jiayun.
• Other Authors: Teh Kong Leong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52809
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The Bachelor of Science in Maritime Studies (MS) Program was launched in 2004 and various aspects of knowledge related to shipping are taught in this program. So far, five batches of graduates have entered the workforce, mostly within the shipping and related sectors. On the other hand, the commodity trading industry (CTI) is booming in Singapore and it is closely related to the shipping industry. There are also some similarities between both industries due to their complex and vibrant nature. The objective of this project is to examine how to fit MS graduates into the commodity trading industry and thereby improve their employment prospects. Our project group researched on three factors, which would have significant impact on the employability of fresh graduates. These factors are personal character, academic background and industrial experience. Surveys and interviews were conducted among the MS undergraduates, MS graduates working in the CTI and employers in the CTI, to better understand the knowledge and aspirations of the students, and the expectations of the industry. This report focuses on the first factor, namely personal character and the development of matching skills. It looks at the personal characters and skills desired by the CTI and what the MS students already possess. Finally, recommendations are made on how to close the gap. My group mates, Li Zixin and Lan Li, cover the other two factors respectively in their reports.