Nikolaj

Meet Nikolaj, a student from BSc in International Shipping and Trade

Why did I choose my programme?     
I chose this programme because ever since I heard about shipping and how the whole business worked, I have been fascinated by it. So, in the 8th grade, I was determined to go into shipping. I was considering whether a traineeship or a bachelor’s was the right way to go, but chose this bachelor, as it gives the opportunity of exchange and internship. 

What do I like the best?     
CBS has a lot of opportunities and really wants to help you with your studies and student life. For Shipping and Trade, we also have a lot of company events which help connect school theory to how it is used in real life practice. You also gain a sense of belonging as the people around CBS are diverse. 

What do I think is difficult?     
In terms of studies, it is balancing school, work, friends, family, and free time all at once. I still find it a bit hard, but I have become better at it. It is something that takes time. One thing that helped me was looking at how other students managed their spare time, where I tried to copy some of the things they did.  

What would I have liked to have known before starting my programme?     
I would like to have known how hard the first year would be. Shipping is a bit of a niche bachelor, so I was expecting much more shipping courses the first year. The first year only had 2 shipping courses and 6 more general business knowledge courses, which include a lot of math.  

What do I want to do after finishing my programme?     
After finishing my programme, I am going to try to pursue a career as a shipbroker or in chartering. The whole aspect of world trade and making deals is what excites me the most. I might take a master’s before that, but that is yet to be decided as the bachelor gives you a lot of opportunities 

If I could give myself a piece of advice, before starting it would be…     
I would say that I should have given it my all in terms of social activities with my programme. Intro week and other things that pop up help you connect with your classmates and build that sense of belonging that we all want. You should of course not drain your social battery, but sometimes it is nice to be out with other people 

Sidst opdateret: Web editor - Student Communications // 28/09/2023