The last day in Cyrpus, it was hard to believe. For our last company visit we toured the Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) training center, a company that specializes in the training required for individuals in the shipping industry. Different from all our other company visits, BSM had no presentation planned but rather the entire two hours were spent touring the facility. It was nice to not have to sit in a conference room and offered us an alternative. BSM had plenty of simulation rooms and classrooms offering all kinds of education in areas such as working the engine room, and working in a team to maneuver a ship from its port to its destination.
One of the simulations we saw involved those piloting a ship. Unfortunately, we were there when they ran the ship aground. Still, it showed us how difficult and high pressure these jobs are. With 90% of trade in the world done through shipping, there is high pressure on only a few individuals to ensure the cargo and the ship get to its destination.
Throughout the entire trip, the company visits slowly sparked my interest in the maritime industry. Seeing the simulations and listening to our guide speak about naval architecture, it really made me wonder if it is something I should pursue. With the industry growing rapidly, I could apply my degree with elements of electrical and mechanical engineering towards something with a marine focus. He went into great detail about the contracts and requirements shipman had to do at sea. In asking him about naval architects, he said some go to sea, showing me there is flexibility in the job. Overall, it was very interesting to see a company have the job of being a labor supplier in the shipping industry.
For the remainder of the day, we travelled into the Troodos mountains to a village called Omodos, a mountain range in Cyprus. We had a great meze lunch filled with risotto, pork, and laughs amongst ourselves. That evening, we had dinner together at the beautiful Dionysus mansion. It was hard to believe this trip was finally coming to an end. It seemed as though all of us had gotten so close and nobody wanted it to end. Nonetheless, we were fortunate enough to have these opportunities and form great experiences.
