BSc in In­ter­na­tion­al Ship­ping and Trade

I have a strong maritime background, having served on a navy vessel and sailed on a full-rigged ship. While I greatly value my practical experience at sea, I became increasingly motivated to pursue a career in the maritime sector from the shore side. After researching the different opportunities within the industry, I found that the BSc IST programme offered the best path to combine my seafaring background with academic knowledge and long-term career opportunities. 

What I value most about the programme is how it combines economic subjects with the maritime sector, which makes the knowledge directly relevant for future career opportunities. I also appreciate how CBS is strongly connected to the industry, offering networking opportunities and real insights into our future. Finally, the structure of the programme, with an exchange semester and a year-long internship, provides both international exposure and practical experience that pushes us in the right career direction. 

What I found most difficult was figuring out the study technique that suited me best. At first it was challenging to adapt, because the workload and structure were different to what I was used to. I had to experiment with different methods before finding an approach that worked well for this programme. In the end, the process taught me how important it is to stay flexible and be open to trying new ways of learning. 

Before starting the programme, I would have liked to know how important it is to stay proactive from the very beginning. Networking opportunities, company events and internships come along at an early stage, so being prepared to engage is essential. I also wish I had known how demanding the workload can be at times, and the importance of balancing academic studies with activities in the industry. 

There are infinite possibilities after the programme. I could choose to take a master degree or to start work straight away. It is also possible to get a traineeship and dive into the industry. I don’t yet know what I will do, but I believe that the combination of academic knowledge, international experience and practical training will give me a good foundation to explore the different opportunities within the maritime sector. 

If I could give myself a piece of advice before starting, it would be to relax and not worry too much about grades. The most important thing is to stay engaged, learn as much as possible, and enjoy the process. I would also remind myself to speak English as much as I can, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, because it quickly builds confidence and makes both studying and networking much easier. 

I chose the BSc IST programme because I find shipping fascinating in its complexity and importance. It’s an industry that most people don’t notice, but it supports globalization, affordable goods and easy transport. It crosses countless jurisdictions and involves everyone from port agents and crew to insurers, arbitrators and shipbrokers. What excites me most is its unpredictability – every geopolitical shift has an impact, and no two days in the industry are alike.

What I like most about the programme is that it opens up countless career possibilities. While it is focused on shipping, it also includes courses on trade that provide you with a strong foundation for roles beyond shipping, whether in operations, chartering, brokerage or other areas. I also value the friendly but motivating environment at CBS – students challenge and support each other, allowing personal development while preparing for exchange and internships. 

For me, one of the most difficult parts has been the amount and level of mathematics. It’s much more advanced than I expected compared to Danish upper secondary school, and courses like statistics, microeconomics, and corporate finance rely heavily on it right from the start. In the beginning I often felt lost, but over time I learned that steady practice helps a lot, and the maths brush-up course offered in the first semester was also a great support. 

I wish I had known that in the first year, many courses don’t directly relate to shipping. If you expect to study shipping full time from the start, it can feel frustrating and hard to stay motivated. The connection to the industry isn’t always obvious until later, when you see how law, finance and economics link to real shipping cases and careers. Having that perspective earlier would have helped me to be more patient and trust the process. 

I imagine that operations or chartering would be something that could suit my interests, but I’m also intrigued by areas like marketing and the influence of social media, so I plan to keep exploring courses and opportunities that catch my attention. I don’t know exactly what I want to do when I graduate, but that’s also what I value about this programme – you’re not stuck in one industry or role just because it’s centred on shipping. 

Relax and don’t worry about feeling behind in the first semester. Many students think the others are smarter, faster or more prepared, but almost everyone I’ve met has found the first year overwhelming. The workload is heavy, and it takes time to adapt to reading, group work and a completely new study routine. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away – give yourself time, take things step by step, and remember that you’re not alone in this.