(Shipping) Letter of Appointment next week. What now?
 

Hi all~

Xiao Di here has been working in the retail sector for sometime while studying for my private degree. I loved my job but I didn't like the prospects. Know of colleagues that have worked for decades and still do not see themselves close to a 5 figure salary bracket.

Put a lot of thought in my career, did a lot of research into how a book dumb bum like me can succeed in life.

Finally decided to go into the shipping line. After all, it's recovering from a huge slump in 2009 and prospects are looking okay for the next few years. Xiao Di thinks that if I work smart, and hard, with luck, I may be able to make some in roads into the chartering/brokering trade.

Long story short, I secured a position as a, in my opinion, saikang warrior at a small local shipping firm/agent.

Job duties will likely be ship husbandry related.

Can any kind soul provide advice for Xiao Di to work on as he seeks a fresh start in an alien industry? Networking? Necessary knowledge? Things to look out for in letter of appointment?

Gamxia

did you receive a huge pay cut for jumping?

how much increment did they promise after probation?

did they give you an idea how much bonuses/commission you are entitled?

No, it wasn't a huge pay cut. The cut was relatively insignificant.

Increments / commission / bonuses weren't discussed in the interview. I didn't want to ask as well. Held closely a piece of advice that a local business owner friend gave to me - At my age, pay should be the least of concerns. Look for a job that gives you a great learning curve. Once you have the necessary skillsets, increments will naturally come looking for you.

wah sound very mature, how old you?

no relevant experience they also hire meh

I am 25 this year... :rolleyes:

Not old, but also not young anymore.

Told myself to stop drifting around life and make concrete steps forward.

Well, I guess my sales experience was relevant in a way to what was in store for me at the company. Basically, talking to and making everyone feel happy. Happy people = less problems = faster turnaround = lesser costs.

That's why I chose a local SME to build my foundation. I felt that there will be more room for learning and growth. It may not look pretty on my resume in future but this is the most feasible step for me to enter the industry.

Of course, as with SMEs, I may not get what I want. Promises may turn out empty. Pay will be peanuts compared to industry bigwigs. What's important is that with relevant operations experience, I put myself in a better position for any future job applications.

So, yeah!

Any advice to go along with my new foray will be greatly appreciated. I'm also thinking about taking courses and certifications in institution like ICS on my own expense. Will these provide a return or are they a waste of time?

up for comments

What is your appointment? Ship husbandry means cleaning jobs. Spray down deck, painting, de-rusting. Or are you a Chandler?

are u sure u know what is a chandler? chandling is mainly food and other small consumables supply to the ship.

if u want people to advise then u should just say what kind of role this is. title? job scope?

having experience in an ops role doesn't pave the way for u to become a broker like u mentioned.

if not how? join the company as junior broker?