10 Years’ Anniversary: Record-Breaking Interest in International Shipping and Trading Program Amid Soaring Applications

The International Shipping and Trading program has experienced a dramatic surge in interest, with a staggering 39% increase in applications compared to the previous year. In 2023, the program received 196 first priority applications for just 75 available spots. This year, that number has risen to an impressive 272 applicants vying for the same number of seats, leading to an intense competition with 3.6 applicants vying per spot.

08/23/2024

newstory
Liping Jiang, the program director, attributes this growing popularity to several key factors that distinguish the program from others."Global Exposure and Networking Opportunity: One of the main attractions of our program are the mandatory exchange component," Jiang explains. " We partner with carefully selected universities that offer highly qualified academic shipping programs and have strong ties with the local shipping industry. This provides our students with invaluable global exposure and networking opportunities, significantly enhancing their learning experience and bolstering their resumes for future careers."


In addition to the exchange opportunities, the program's 9-month mandatory internship is another aspect that appeals to prospective students. Jiang notes that many applicants highlight the combination of real-world business experience and theoretical learning as a particularly attractive feature in their applications.


"When reviewing applications under the quota 2 system, it's clear that a large number of students are drawn to the practical elements of the program. Many of them end up being hired directly by their internship companies after completing their bachelor's degree," says Jiang.
Indeed, up to 80% of graduates receive job offers immediately upon or even before completing their bachelor's degree, with most choosing to enter the workforce rather than pursue further studies.

Carsten Ørts Hansen, Head of the Department of Operations Management and one of the program's founders, reflects on this success: "The continued rise in interest for the International Shipping and Trading program is a testament to its growing reputation as a direct pathway from a bachelor’s degree to promising career opportunities in the global shipping industry. This was exactly the vision and ambition we had when we started the program 10 years ago—to create a clear and effective bridge between academic studies and a successful career in the industry."

Over the years the program has also benefited greatly from the expertise of dedicated OM faculty members e.g. Jawwad Raja , Christian Hendriksen, and Andreas Wieland, who have taught and shaped the curriculum, ensuring that it remains both rigorous and relevant to current industry demands.

For more information, contact Liping Jiang at lji.om@cbs.dk

The page was last edited by: Department of Operations Management // 10/01/2024