In line with IMO’s World Maritime Day theme for 2019 ‘Empowering Women in the Maritime Community’, ABS issued a video depicting few of the organization’s female leaders discussing career advice for women pursuing a career in the maritime industry.
Women in leadership positions remains a hot issue across all business sectors, and maritime included. Of 6,500 engine officers at sea currently, only 1% are estimated to be female. According to HR Consulting, over 76% of the women’s workforce operated at administrative, junior and professional level roles in 2017, with few reaching managerial levels or higher.
Some inspirational quotes from ABS women leaders include:
The advice that I would share with women starting off in the maritime industry is the advice that I would share with anyone starting off in any industry, which is patience,
…says Richshalla Papillion, Senior Engineer, OH&S.
I would tell women who are just starting their career in this industry to learn as much as you can,
…adds Marcia Lee, CyberSafety assessor.
I think we can help encourage women into the industry just by raising its profile,
…says Elli Lembesis, Senior Engineer.
I read somewhere that there is not such thing as luck. Luck just means preparation and opportunities. Go and take the opportunities that come in front of you,
…advises Thalia Kruger, Offshore Accounts manager.
I think the most important thing is to believe in yourself and believe in the value that you bring to the table and then people will respect you for that,
…notes Julie Pray, Principal Engineer.
Three keys to success are to be a good listener to yourself and to others around you, never stop learning, especially from your mistakes, and never underestimate the power of networking. You never know who you are going to meet, where you are going to meet them or what you are going to talk about, but those connections can be priceless,
…adds Cathy Mann, Senior VP, Marketing and Communications.
