Best ways to get noticed?

[CB96]

Hi everyone, I'm currently still studying and hoping to apply come September2014/January 2015,
I'm just trying to look for ways to make myself stand out and get a foot in the door,

Academically I'm doing really well and should come out with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at D*D*D* which equates to 420 UCAS points, but id rather not rely on this alone, I am used to long periods away from home as I moved out when I was 16 as I come from a small town in the middle of nowhere so I moved out to attended a college and only make it home for the larger holidays like Easter and Christmas. Iv been part of the army cadets for a number of years and reached the rank of corporal and was head of my local detachment. Iv also completed my bronze duke of Edinburgh award and have numerous turnout awards. However when it comes to the sea the only member of my family to of been is my granddad who used to be a skipper on his trawler.

I'm currently reading books such as "Deep Sea And Foreign going" and "So you want to go to sea" in order to expand my knowledge on the sea and the history of the merchant navy, I am also reading up on nautical terminology and the different stages of a cadetship.

Has anyone got any advice for some other things I can do?

Thanks in advance,
Connor

[Rootsea]

I'd suggest you go away on a Tall Ship voyage. There is a company called the Jubilee Sailing Trust who run a scheme called "[email protected]". You go away on a voyage with them (bursary funding is available to help with the cost) and if you complete the tasks you are set then you get a certificate.

Not only will you get some time at sea, but you'll also get the oppertunity to pick the brains of the crewmembers - all of whom are MN Officers - and you can put the certificate on your CV.

Have a look on the JST website:

http://jst.org.uk/youth-leadership-at-sea/

[desdons]

Arrange a bridge/engine visit on a ferry if you can. I managed to do this through Calmac as I was friends with the Captain's son. I think something like this shows you're keen and will give you a small insight into what you could be doing at the end of your cadetship.

[CB96]

I'd suggest you go away on a Tall Ship voyage. There is a company called the Jubilee Sailing Trust who run a scheme called "[email protected]". You go away on a voyage with them (bursary funding is available to help with the cost) and if you complete the tasks you are set then you get a certificate.

Not only will you get some time at sea, but you'll also get the oppertunity to pick the brains of the crewmembers - all of whom are MN Officers - and you can put the certificate on your CV.

Have a look on the JST website:
http://jst.org.uk/youth-leadership-at-sea/

Thanks, That looks really good I'm going to work on writing a statement for the company,

[HolyNougat]

You have already given yourself a good base. For sure the JST would also look good, but one of the most important things you can do is work really hard to ensure that you applications are 'doing justice' to your ability - get as much help and advice as possible with writing your CV and Covering letter etc.

[Hatchorder]

......get as much help and advice as possible with writing your CV and Covering letter etc.

I think he has done that *cough*............

Get yourself down to a Marina, Horticultural workshop, local engineering firm etc. Volunteer to do anything (except make the tea), get your hands dirty, learn from hands on experience and then get them to give you a reference. They may not have any jobs going, but they may give you some pocket money for helping, especially if they get to like you.

Ian

Oh, and get a mod to change your user name so it is less recognisable (Say CB96) so the companies monitoring the thread don't track and follow you when they get your CV!