Marlow Navigation’s Head Office in Cyprus recently welcomed a new group of university students for its annual internship initiative, providing invaluable hands-on industry experience and a unique insight into the world of global shipping.
A total of 10 interns joined the company from universities in Cyprus, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, including Cyprus University, Cyprus University of Technology, Frederick University, the University of Patras, the University of Münster, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and Coventry University.
Students represented a diverse range of academic disciplines. While many were studying Maritime and Shipping-related courses, others came from Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, and IT, reflecting the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of the maritime industry.
This year, the company also hosted a couple of secondary school students exploring potential educational and career paths for the future. Both of these students visited various company departments in order to get a more ‘complete’ picture, followed by creating a presentation summarising their observations, key learnings and findings.
Throughout such internships, students gain practical experience across a range of departments, including Technical Ship Management (HSSQE, Purchasing and Fleet Management), Crew Operations, and Corporate Administration, including Financial Accounts and Human Resources, while working alongside experienced Marlow shore-based colleagues and guided by department heads.
During their time, they rotate through different sections of their department, developing a broader understanding of how the various functions work together to support safe, efficient, and reliable crew and ship management. Many students also have the opportunity to visit a vessel, where they get to meet crew and gain first-hand insights into seafaring life and onboard operations.
Beyond technical knowledge, such internships provide students with valuable exposure to a professional working environment, helping to strengthen vital soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and organisational skills, among other, while building connections with experienced maritime professionals. Such practical experience helps complement their academic studies and offers a strong foundation for future careers in the industry.
Supporting such internships forms an important part of Marlow’s commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals, as well as supporting students within the community. By opening its doors to aspiring talent, the company helps bridge the gap between education and industry, while encouraging innovation, fresh perspectives, and long-term career development.
Looking ahead, Marlow aims to further develop and strengthen its internship initiatives, creating even more structured learning opportunities and set programmes for future students, helping to attract and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals.
