Working on the open ocean can be a fun and exciting career, but it can also involve long hours and time away from your home and family. But you don’t have to stay on the water to work in the marine industry. There are also shore-based maritime jobs that may suit you and your experience.
Here are a few facts about switching from a career at sea to a shore-based position.
Determine Your Location
There are shore-based maritime jobs all over the country. Most are located in coastal areas, like the Gulf Coast, but not all. It’s helpful to look at where you want to live to begin searching for potential jobs and employers before you transition from the ocean to the shore.
Write an Amazing Resume
The next step is to create a fantastic resume that showcases your previous experience but clarifies that a shore-based job is your top priority. Focus on your accomplishments to demonstrate how your skills can translate to a shipyard or other marine industry location.
Consider Practical Aspects
While life at sea has its considerations and complications, making the transition to a land-based job comes with its concerns. You’ll have to determine where and how you’re going to live, if you want to be close to friends and family, and the cost of living when considering your salary requirements. You will also have to figure out how to accept job interviews on land if you’re still at sea.
Fill In the Skills Gaps
Not every marine job is a one-for-one transfer of skills. You may need to brush up on several things before you accept a shore-based position. Most importantly, you’ll need to consider soft skills. These skills go hand in hand with your hard experience but influence your interpersonal relationships and ability to manage and organize projects.
Are you ready to transition from a job at sea to a shore-based marine industry position? Contact the team at Hutco to see how we can help today.