Ulas Sezgin

What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?

Before I decided to pursue a master’s degree at City St George's, University of London, I worked as a Navy Officer in my country for 23 years. I worked on board various warships at different levels, including as the commanding officer. I also worked in national and international headquarters in several management roles.

In spring 2023, I decided I wanted to shift my career to the merchant navy, and I thought that the best way of successfully managing this transition would be by getting the required background knowledge through a master’s degree.

Why did you choose City St George's?

After my decision to change my career to the merchant navy and shipping industry, I did thorough research to make sure I chose the right university. During my research, I found out that City St George's is one of the most industry-related and employability-focused universities in the maritime field. I thought a master’s degree in Maritime Operations and Management (MOaM) at City St George's would provide the required knowledge for me to fulfil my ambitions in the shipping industry.

Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study a postgraduate degree? If so, how did you overcome them?

Changing my career after such a long time and starting over was not an easy decision. I was a high-level official in my country and the decision would impact both my personal life and my family. However, I realised that I was at a crossroad between two options: I could either continue my career and choose stagnation or start a new career and pursue my ambitions. I made a difficult decision at that point, and I decided to follow my dreams toward a more promising future.

How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support such as a scholarship or bursary?

I had my own savings before coming to the UK. I also found part-time work close to my apartment and I work 20 hours a week which provides me additional support for funding my living expenses.

How are you finding studying in the UK?

As an international student, it is always a prestigious achievement to study in the UK which is known as one of the world’s most important education hubs. The unique education system in the UK helps international students both study and live the education culture in the country. I believe it is a highly valuable experience studying in the UK.

What does a typical week at university look like for you?

My programme consists of a variety of modules, and students are not required to be at the university when they don’t have any classes. When we are at the university, our day typically starts around 9am-10am and finishes around 5pm.

During the lunch break, there are different options for having lunch with friends and classmates. Students can purchase food on campus or bring their own packed lunch and use the available microwaves and facilities.

During the coffee breaks students can have their soft drinks in various cafes on campus. These breaks are always a good opportunity to chat with classmates and other students from the university for creating social bonds. The University is rich in providing such social opportunities for students.

What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?

My programme is specially designed to provide the required background education for future managers of the maritime industry. It includes practical and theoretical knowledge of contemporary management, technical knowledge about ships, shipping economics, maritime operations, maritime law, ports and port management and maritime marketing-related modules.

The lecturers are highly respected professors and professionals who do their best not only to provide academic knowledge but also to share the experiences they’ve gained throughout their careers.

I believe the MOaM programme is well designed to prepare students with different backgrounds to be managers in the maritime industry.

What opportunities and experiences has City St George's offered you so far?

City St George's offers different opportunities for students. I am highly impressed by the library services which provide students with all they need for their studies and research beyond imagination.

The University also provides a high-quality employability service to prepare students for the highly competitive job market. The Careers and Employability team provides 1-1 sessions for CV preparation, mock interviews and personalised support.

The study visits and guest lectures, which are parts of the course syllabus, provide different aspects and help students to get familiar with the industry.

What are your career plans and how has City St George's prepared you for them?

My course is providing me with the required background to be successful in the jobs I aspire to work in the future. After graduating, I plan to get the Graduate visa which allows me to start my new career in the UK for the next two years. I plan to work for a shipping company as a broker or operator. I expect these jobs will provide me opportunities to fulfil my ambitions of improving myself in the shipping industry.

Moreover, the Careers and Employability services helped me in starting my applications to various companies. I used these services to prepare my CV and cover letter for applying to positions within the companies I wish to work for in the future.

What advice would you give to someone considering a postgraduate degree?

What a student will get from postgraduate education is an individual achievement supported by the university lectures. Research and commitment are very important in postgraduate studies. As a result, different students may graduate with various skills and knowledge at different levels.

I would advise students considering a postgraduate degree to prepare in advance and stay focused on their studies throughout the education. The University offers a wealth of knowledge, but how much you benefit from it ultimately depends on individual effort.