Leticia Sanches – BSc (Hons) Maritime Business and Logistics graduate

“My degree has had a huge impact on my career… it’s crucial to be able to impose yourself and do your best when it comes to applying for the job of your dreams.”

After graduation, I completed an internship in an area I wanted to pursue as a career. Throughout the three months I was able to confirm that this was exactly the career path I wanted to take and, after those three months and having a successful internship period with Microlease, I was offered a permanent position which I happily accepted.

How has your degree helped/influenced your career path?

My degree has had a huge impact on my career. Even though there are many areas you can choose to go into with a maritime business and logistics degree, I felt as if it gave me priority when employers were looking for specific knowledge and understanding of the logistics industry.

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

So far, the most difficult thing I have faced was getting the internship. There are many successful graduates out there looking for graduate jobs and internships. When you’re successful, you know there were others going for it as well, so it’s pretty much the best feeling in the world.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

Since my career is still pretty fresh, I’d say the most exciting thing was to be able to meet people who have been in the same position as you, but now have a successful 20+ year career in your area. It gives you motivation as well as enthusiasm to become the best at what you do.

Imagine you were about to start university again - with the benefit of hindsight - what would you now tell yourself to have done differently?

I would have told myself to take even more opportunities than I did; network more and make connections for the future.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

Work hard! Sometimes it seems easy from the outside because you think that there are so many companies out there looking for fresh young graduates, but in reality there are way more graduates looking for jobs than companies offering jobs! Therefore, it’s crucial to be able to impose yourself and do your best when it comes to applying for the job of your dreams.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

Plymouth has helped me to see the bigger picture of the industry I wanted to go into; it has broadened my horizons and proved to me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

What lessons/skills did you gain from your course?

Apart from educational knowledge, I was able to work with people from different cultural backgrounds; therefore, it has expanded my knowledge of how different countries work in the same industry. Other crucial skills for the industry I’ve joined include communication and teamwork skills.

Do you stay in touch with other Plymouth alumni or lecturers?

I have stayed in touch with my lecturers in order to update them on how I’m doing in my job role. Other than that, I manage to meet my course mates who have moved to London to work at least once a month.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University, and why?

I would definitely recommend Plymouth to prospective students, not only for the location and the city but also for all the support you receive during and after your course. It’s a university which is proud of its students as the lecturers are always going out of their way in order to make you achieve your best.

Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?

Before I went to university, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend three years of my life studying when I could be working and making money. Now I see it was the best thing I could have done – and the rewards come in the form of a successful career in my dream area as well as a good salary.