Going into Shipping Operations from Finance Background

Hi everyone,

I’m 23 and recently completed an MS in Finance after studying Accounting and Finance in undergrad. I initially expected to enter traditional finance and had a few offers in that space, but they ultimately did not work out.

I’ll now be joining a dry-bulk shipping company as a Shipping Operations Associate. The role is primarily post-fixture commercial operations: managing several vessels, coordinating with owners, charterers, brokers, agents and captains, monitoring voyages, arranging bunkers, interpreting charter-party terms, calculating laytime and demurrage, reviewing costs and tracking voyage P&L. Longer term, there may be opportunities in chartering, commercial work and commodity purchasing.

I’m excited but also nervous. Most of my peers are entering traditional finance, and shipping is completely unfamiliar to me. I’m wondering whether this is a strong long-term career path and how well it can lead into chartering, freight or commodity trading.

For anyone in shipping, dry bulk or commodities, what should I focus on during my first few years, and what does the long-term career and compensation trajectory typically look like?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!