Current student, Amir Saleem, shares his student journey and delves into how the MSc in Shipping, Trade, and Finance at Bayes Business School in London is preparing him for a career in the shipping industry and beyond.
Most goods are transported by sea, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat. Shipping is crucial for the global economy, being responsible for transporting 80% of world trade. It is recognized for its efficiency and has the lowest carbon footprint per ton-mile compared to other transport modes, such as road vehicles and air transport.
This significance makes the shipping industry attractive to those interested in global commerce, logistics, and sustainability.
Amir Saleem, a current student in the MSc in Shipping, Trade, and Finance, grew up in London and found himself drawn to the shipping industry. This is unsurprising, considering the city is a hub for international trade. The Port of London has been one of the largest and most important ports in the UK and Europe for centuries.
Thankfully, Amir didn’t need to go far to find a degree that could help prepare him for the shipping industry. He is currently enrolled at Bayes Business School, which is part of City University London.
“I was actually born in Canada, but I’ve lived in London my whole life, so I’d consider myself someone who’s a proper Londoner,” Amir says. “I discovered the world of shipping, and I realized that Bayes is home to one of the best shipping programs.” (00:32)
Founded by Professor Costas Grammenos in the 1980s, the program has established itself as one of the top courses globally. It provides a robust curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for successful careers in the shipping industry and other industries.
The MSc in Shipping, Trade, and Finance at Bayes offers a rich educational experience that pushes students to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In an industry as dynamic and ever-changing as the shipping industry, graduates benefit from having industry know-how, fundamental skills, and theoretical knowledge.
Over three terms, students engage in courses and projects that prepare them for the complexities of global business.
Term 1 introduces foundational concepts critical to understanding the shipping, trade, and finance sectors. Courses such as Accounting for Managers provide insights into financial and management accounting functions. Other courses like Data Analytics for Energy, Shipping, Trade, and Finance teach students how to handle and analyze data using statistical tools and R software, enabling data-driven business decisions.
In Term 2, students delve deeper into specialized topics. For example, the Advanced Quantitative Methods course enhances their quantitative analysis, risk analysis, and forecasting skills. Meanwhile, courses like International Commodity Trade explore major bulk commodities’ economic characteristics and trading practices, including energy, food, and minerals.
Term 3 offers flexibility for students to tailor their learning experience. They can choose to:
This structure ensures that students can focus on their areas of interest while gaining valuable research and practical experience, making them well-prepared for their future careers.
While the skills developed in this MSc program are certainly useful for the maritime industry, graduates are in no way limited to working in the shipping industry. Notable alumni, such as the founder of EasyJet, demonstrate this master’s degree’s versatility and prestige.
“It shows you that this degree doesn’t mean that you have to go into the world of shipping. You can go into any industry around the world.” (00:20)
However, having a specialized degree is helpful for those interested in shipping. Amir is aiming to become a shipbroker after graduation.
“A ship broker is basically a middleman between someone who has cargo to send and someone who has a ship to take the cargo on. And this is a very niche industry around the world,” Amir explains. “The most important skills of being a shipbroker are negotiation skills, interpersonal skills, and relationship building. And all of these skills can be grown through coming to a business school and taking part in extracurricular activities.” (01:09)
Amir notes that attending a business school like Bayes Business School has helped him hone his entrepreneurial spirit and relationship-building skills. His role as co-president of the Bayes Shipping Society provides further opportunities for him to strengthen and showcase these skills.
As co-president, he organizes events and tours and works on long-term projects, fostering a sense of community and professional development among students.
“We also have a student-led analyst group writing industry market reports around the different shipping markets,” Amir says. “One of the more important things about writing these reports is that it gives a student something to be proud of, something that they’ve written by themselves and [a chance to] use the knowledge they’ve learned throughout the course.” (01:52)
Through these reports, students of the program are able to get their foot in the door of the shipping industry by showcasing their expertise and dedication to potential employers.
The MSc in Shipping, Trade, and Finance at Bayes Business School prepares students for successful careers in various industries. The combination of rigorous academic training and practical experience equips graduates for success in their careers.
As Amir puts it, “I’m very glad I chose this degree because it’s challenged me in ways I’ve never been challenged before… It’s made me a much more resilient and disciplined person and helped me build upon my own skills when it comes to going into the professional world.” (02:35)
Graduates of the program find opportunities globally, whether staying in the shipping industry or branching out into other sectors. With this master’s degree, students are not just ready for the industry; they’re ready to lead it.
Visit the Bayes Business School profile to read more about the school and discover its specialized master’s programs.
