Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

[Chris10]

Do sponsoring companies generally prefer those with existing knowledge, or those who they believe offer future potential?

When answering the "Why do you want to go to sea?" (or similar) question that features in almost every application, I usually discuss much of my existing knowledge and competencies and how these would make me suitable for a career in the Merchant Navy. I tend more towards a rational approach than a passionate answer. Whilst I know that there is no set answer I am concerned by my apparent lack of success thus far (Maersk-rejected, Princess Cruises-belived rejected). I understand that the competition is steep and places are limited but I have good grades, have taken part in many extra-curricular activities, read quality newspapers and have over a year of work experience (I'm 19). I dropped out of university but have good reasons for doing so (I have discussed this elsewhere). I don't really know where I am going wrong, my only conlcusion so far is that it would be in the communication process that is the initial application.

Thanks in advance for any information on this topic.

[Brimbo]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

Your putting way to much thought into one question mate Just describe how your past experiences can help you, and what actually makes you want to be a MN officer. Maersk is one of the first to go sometimes so they might have rejected you for that, along with carnival ( if your an engineer, slim pickings for cruise companies! )

[stronglead]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

From what I gather those 2 companies are hard to get into as they have limited spaces and have the numbers to pick and choose it could have been for a number of reasons you where turned down by them, from when i was trying to get a place i was told by some friends (current cadets) that alot is put on your grades which you say you have but also if they believe you can cope with being at sea I know you cannot judge that 100% by talking to someone but if they get the feeling you wouldn't cope they won't chance it as there is a number who will drop out after phase 2 after finding out going to sea is not for them that one simple thing can be the difference between a offer and a rejection.

[Chris10]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

Thank you for the information provided so far.

My grades at Scottish Higher were good enough to get me onto a difficult course at a good university. Unless I am competing against those with good enough qualifications to get into Oxbridge or those who possess already a degree I cannot see why I would be significantly inferior academically. That said, those who possess a degree unrelated to the Merchant Navy would probably have to explain why they spent many years of their life studying for a qualification that they most likely won't get to use.

One of the most difficult parts of applying has been explaining my decision to drop out of university. Since I am heavily restricted in the number of words I can use I want to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. I thus find it difficult to get a balance between discussing the question posed and explaining my decision to leave university.

I must say I am surprised that many sponsoring companies don't appear to have invested heavily in online aptitude tests as this would reduce the number of applicants before the personal statement stage, thus allowing Human Resources staff more time to consider the motivation and achievements of the applicants.

[Brimbo]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

Thank you for the information provided so far.

My grades at Scottish Higher were good enough to get me onto a difficult course at a good university. Unless I am competing against those with good enough qualifications to get into Oxbridge or those who possess already a degree I cannot see why I would be significantly inferior academically. That said, those who possess a degree unrelated to the Merchant Navy would probably have to explain why they spent many years of their life studying for a qualification that they most likely won't get to use.

One of the most difficult parts of applying has been explaining my decision to drop out of university. Since I am heavily restricted in the number of words I can use I want to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. I thus find it difficult to get a balance between discussing the question posed and explaining my decision to leave university.

I must say I am surprised that many sponsoring companies don't appear to have invested heavily in online aptitude tests as this would reduce the number of applicants before the personal statement stage, thus allowing Human Resources staff more time to consider the motivation and achievements of the applicants.

I'm assuming you have at least a C in maths and science, as far as I know thats the bare minimum most companies take, some prefer B's. Your academical results won't be a problem if you got these, anything else engineer/navigationally, or electrically ( dependant on your desired cadetship type ) will help a lot towards it as well.

[Chris10]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

I sat 5 Highers in total, all of my grades were A's or B's. My Highers did include Mathematics, Physics and English, so my qualifications are reasonably strong. I did check up on the Mathematics in the HND course and it didn't seem anywhere near as difficult as what I expereinced at university. Most of my knowledge of navigation is aviation-related though.

[tempest]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

My advice would be not to dwell on the university aspect, at all.
From what you've written it sounds like you mention why you left university in the question of "why do you want to go to sea" Forget about uni, it's really not that relevant, the lecturers in college are only concerned with high school grades. If there's a space for employment and education history list that you were in uni, but don't say too much, you can expand on why in the interview, if they ask.

As for answering the big question, if that's where you feel you're going wrong, remember that it's not just a job but a lifestyle choice, what attracts you about the lifestyle of working on a boat. You don't need a passionate answer about how you've always been drawn to the sea or whatever. And you shouldn't write about you're existing knowledge, keep it simple. What attracts you to a job where you'll spend months away from everyone you know, with now phone tv and limited internet.

Although I'm not long a cadet, form my 2/3 interviews, I'd say the people they want, are people that are academically capable, will stick it out, and who are of the personality that will last at sea(social enough to get along with everyone, while comfortable enough in their own company, quite happy to spend a few hours by themselves just reading or whatever) Obviously if you can add anything to this, like previous interests that back up your application, your formula student stuff etc... a knowledge of what will actually be expected of you as a cadet, as well as work experience, that you can make relevant.

[Chris10]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

Thank you for the detailed advice tempest, I will certainly take what you have said into account.

I will most likely make my future responses more focused on the positives rather than discussing the reasons why I left university. In hindsight, I may have strayed slightly too far from the nautical theme in my previous applications, I didn't relate my life experiences to a future at sea as much as I should have.

[WILSON]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

I sat 5 Highers in total, all of my grades were A's or B's. My Highers did include Mathematics, Physics and English, so my qualifications are reasonably strong. I did check up on the Mathematics in the HND course and it didn't seem anywhere near as difficult as what I expereinced at university. Most of my knowledge of navigation is aviation-related though.

Chris, you are very much the same as me in regards to knowledge of Navigation. I had previously come from that background (Aviation). However, due to unforseen circumstances in regards to that side of a career, I opted for the Merchant Navy as a HND Deckie and I am very very much looking forward to it.

However, you have to think deeply about what you need to write on your application, and it's easy for me to say this, but we have all been through the process, myself more recently.

My educational qualifications were not as high as yours, but do not emphasize on that too much in your application as it may look abit arrogant (I'm not saying you are, but you have to look at it from the Interviewing Officers perspective).

Overall, I wish you the very best of luck with your future applications, and ask as many questions as you feel on this forum, there are some great people, many of whom have a great deal of experience & many who helped me through my application.

Kind regards,

Wilson

[GDOutlaw]

Re: Existing Knowledge or Pontential?

Yeh I really wouldnt focus too much on the academics, they're looking at the person not the grades, as long as you got the minimum you're fine. The academic standards are mostly for the colleges benefit rather than the company themselves. They look more at how you're going to cope at sea, whether you can handle difficult situations, whether you fully know what you're getting into. I didn't have great grades from GCSE's and my A levels were a bit of a joke, but I still got in, and at college im doing absolutely fine!
They need to see something standing out in you that puts you ahead of the competition. So do talk about interests and previous hobbies that might be relevant. Just be outgoing, and apply to alot of companies.
If this career is something you're serious about then the company shouldnt be too important, you should apply to every company you can, because once you've done the training you can go and apply for whatever company you want as a qualified Officer. But getting the training is the important part.