The thrill of working behind the scenes of the global supply chain is unmatched. As an intern, you will be part of the team that keeps the world’s economy afloat. Getting an internship with top container shipping firms is like getting a front-row seat in the world’s largest transportation show. Companies like Maersk and MSC offer the best learning opportunities and experiences to prepare you for a solid logistics career. However, juggling internship demands with academic work can be challenging, especially when deadlines pile up. It’s why some students buy research papers – for logistics and maritime specialties to stay on track with coursework while focusing on building practical skills.
Getting your foot in the doors of the top logistics firms may seem impossible, but it’s all about being strategic with your application. Internships in these firms are competitive, but you will stand a chance with the correct application approach and skills. Here are some tips to help you land an internship in the top container shipping firms and make the most of this hands-on learning opportunity.
Understand Industry Basics
When applying for an internship, you must find factors that will help you get ahead of the competition, and understanding industry basics is an essential element. Knowing how the industry operates will help you improve relevancy in your application. The skills and qualities highlighted in your resume and cover letter will be industry-specific, which makes you a relevant candidate, especially if there are specific skills the company is looking for.
Demonstrating that you have industry knowledge, especially during your interview, is a sign that you are invested in learning more and can hit the ground running. What’s more, understanding such basics will help you take on the interviews confidently. You will also find engaging in conversations around supply chains, port operations, and container logistics easy. Therefore, before making your application, it’s best to research the essential aspects of the industry, including the critical vocabulary used.
Consider Applying for Entry-Level Alternatives
Applying for entry-level positions is a strategic move that can help you grow your experience in the container shipping industry. Competition for internships in top firms is usually stiff; therefore, applying for entry levels such as clerical jobs or coordinator roles can help you gain experience even if they are not labeled “internships.” Entry-level positions will introduce you to the industry, and you will be in a better position to hear about internship openings in case they arise. Some companies often advertise for internship positions internally; therefore, you might get a direct hire from your entry-level job to an internship position. Experience will strengthen your resume, getting you ahead of the competition curve when applying for an internship. Most importantly, working in an entry-level position will help you expand your network since you will interact with industry professionals who can provide mentorship or recommendations.
Stay Persistent
Sending out internship applications can be discouraging, especially if you are not getting any callbacks. However, stay persistent; you might just land a position when you least expect it. Container shipping firms often look for resilient candidates committed to working with them. Staying persistent with your applications shows resilience and interest in working for the company. With every application you make, you will improve your job application skills, which will be essential even when you officially join the job market. You will also be more adaptive to feedback, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. Most importantly, sending out applications persistently in these top firms will increase recruiters’ visibility. Recruiters may note your persistent interest in joining the company, which might give you an edge when applying.
Make Early Applications
It is best to apply immediately after a top firm advertises internship positions. You can also start looking for internship opportunities in these companies before your internship date. Early applications will help you with late application frustrations. You will also not be in a hurry to submit your documents when the deadline approaches. When trying to beat the application deadline, you might forget essential documents or information that will get you ahead of the curve. Further, most top shipping container firms usually have rolling applications, so it is vital to make early applications and follow up with the recruiting team to show them that you are interested in working for them.
Prepare a Strong Application
Recruiters first interact with you through documents such as a cover letter and resume before the physical interview. Therefore, strive to make an excellent first impression by creating a detailed resume and cover letter that gives them more insight into your skills and qualities that make you an outstanding candidate. Your resume and cover letter should highlight relevant academic qualifications, projects, or industry experience. Such qualifications indicate that you are ready to set the ground rolling and will not need much onboarding. You should also attach a letter of recommendation from your professor or previous employer in the logistics field for credibility. If you have worked on any projects in the logistics field before, attach a portfolio of the projects to strengthen your application.
A strong application will give the recruiters a glimpse of how impactful you will be to the company even before you are called for a face-to-face interview. Container shipping companies value precision; therefore, making a well-organized application may earn you recognition and attention from recruiters since it indicates that you pay attention to detail. Furthermore, companies usually screen for keywords related to specific skills or qualities they are looking for, especially if they are handling several applications. Therefore, make your application relevant to what the company is looking for in an intern.
Summing Up
Whether it is knowing the buzzwords to use in your resume, applying for an entry-level position, making early applications, or researching more about the industry, there are several ways you can increase your chances of landing an internship in top container shipping firms. Navigating the internship application process can be challenging; however, with the strategies mentioned in this article, you will find the application process much more manageable. Most importantly, it’s best to remember that persistence is critical to landing some of the most coveted internship positions in top container shipping firms.
