60 Second Interview: Maritime trader

Edward wasn’t exactly sure what path to take after school - that was until he gained a unique insight into the world of work during a placement in the shipping and maritime industry. He’s now employed as maritime trader, working in a fast-paced environment at a petroleum company.  

In today's interview, Edward tells about the challenges of his role, and how work experience was crucial in helping him get to where he is today. 

Name: Edward Webster

Company: Rix Petroleum

Industry: Transport and logistics

What is your job? Maritime trader

How long have you worked here? Since July 2015

Education: Business and Economics at Northumbria University; A-levels – History, Economics, English Literature

1. What was your very first job?

Litter picking at a caravan park - aged 12.

2. What did you want to do when you were at school?

I always wanted to own a business, but had no idea where to start or what it entailed.

3. How did you find out about the industry?

After a year-long work placement where I spent a period of time within a shipping and maritime department.

4. How did you get there?

Work experience was really the key factor for me entering the industry. Within the marine and shipping industry I witnessed first-hand the importance of positive working relationships and how key they are in facilitating progression, especially in the trading position I’m currently in.

5. What is a typical day like?

As a maritime trader, I manage sales enquiries. We will receive fuel (diesel/fuel oil) enquiries from trading houses, ship-owners and charterers etc. A typical day entails managing the pricing, whilst factoring in the day’s market movements with my primary responsibilities being negotiating and fixing fuel stems.

6. What’s the best thing about your job?

It’s an extremely dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with no two enquiries being the same. One could be a 1000 metric tonne order for delivery to a naval vessel in Sweden, whereas the next I will be asked to quote for a barrel of lubricants delivered to the local dock in Hull.

7. What is the most challenging thing about your job?

The shipping industry is vast and ever expanding, so often keeping up with the latest changes – whether regulatory or operational – can cause frustration. But changes are introduced nonetheless and as a supplier of marine products it’s crucial that I keep up to date. For example, emission controls govern what grade of fuel a ship can burn when within a certain proximity to land.

8. What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?

University had prepared me well for many of the technical and theoretical aspects of my career in shipping, however much of the practical and “real-world” experience necessary for the job was gained through work experience in a petroleum distribution company, lending assistance at a local depot and driving trucks on a weekend.

9. What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?

That university doesn’t necessarily prepare you for all aspects of working life, for example general working practices. Although theoretically speaking I believed myself to be fully competent, I still needed time to adjust to a professional career – for instance, communicating within a wider group of peers and knowing how and when to exchange information with my bosses. 

10. Where would you like to be in 5 years?

Ideally in a challenging and rewarding position with increased responsibilities appropriate to the role. There is still much to learn and an open and enthusiastic mind is essential!

If you're good at thinking on your feet and solving problems like Edward, why not find out more about careers in Transport and Logistics? 

Image credits

https://pixabay.com/en/freight-tanker-vessel-boat-ship-863449/ 

Courtesy of Rix Petroleum