SUCCESS STORY

Hakeem K Jack

CSR/ Documentation Officer

BSc Degree in Nautical Science/ Maritime Operations

What is your name?

I am Hakeem K. Jack.

What is your Career?

Customer Service Representative/Documentation Officer at Gulf & Maritime Services Limited.

What was your area of study?

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Operations (2016-2022)

What qualifications are needed for your career path?

Passes in two (2) CAPE subjects (Units 2) or GCE A’ Level subjects in addition to General Paper or Communication Studies and Caribbean Studies; or Diploma in Maritime Operations – Navigation or Diploma in Maritime Operations – Engineering or STCW 95 Certificate of Competency at Operational or Management Level; or National Engineering Technician Diploma.

What motivated your choice of study and career path?

From the age of six, I was always fascinated by ships and their movements and how such a big machine can move on water and where they travel to and from.

After visiting my father’s workplace at Aikane Trinidad Limited in Chaguaramas on numerous occasions where they performed fabrication work on yachts of all kinds and sizes, that love for ships resonated more and more with me as I grew older.

My search and journey towards my career path began in my last year of OJT at the Tobago Regional Health Authority. I began searching for local programmes and schools which would allow me to start achieving my life’s goal. After numerous consultations, I finally saw the opportunity at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Chaguaramas Campus.

How has DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience?

My initial plan during my time at the TRHA was to save as I work until I had sufficient funds to at least make it through a year of studies. However, I knew I would have needed more help along the way. With the help of my mother and a close friend who also benefited from the THA Financial Assistance Programme, and I was introduced to the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). I rose to the opportunity immediately and signed up for the programme after hearing positive feedback from persons who had experiences with the programme.

The application process at DATAS was very easy and the staff showed so much interest in their applicants. This certainly helped as communication and the information brought forth to me were very clear.

 

When I was enrolled and started my studies in 2016 I was only surviving on my savings from my time at TRHA. Coming to the end of my first academic year my funds were coming to a low and I saw the need for more assistance. I contacted DATAS and they assured me that I will get through.

Even though it took one year into my studies to finally receive my acceptance I was elated as I knew this would definitely aid in my time at UTT and it came just in time. This programme has most certainly helped with areas such as transportation, food, books, supplies and so many more.

Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now.

Back in 2016 was a major and a high year for me as this was the time of my life when I decided to leave Tobago to venture into studies in an area, I longed to be involved in. My first year was very interesting as it opened so many avenues and so opened my eyes to the vast job opportunities I would be afforded upon completion of the degree. However, I looked back at what was being offered in Tobago and I realized not much was available in this area of study but this did not make me lose interest. After embarking on community projects I was previewed and was introduced to many stakeholders in the Maritime Industry. I realized how much they focused on those currently studying and I took every opportunity to find out what it takes to get to their level.

After my second year, I was then placed in the Maritime and Services Division for my internship programme. This was one of the most interesting and eye-opening moments of my journey where I worked in three departments, Port State Control, Ship Registry and Navigational Aids. In each area, I spent one month engaged in every aspect of the different departments.

After my third year, I took it upon myself to do another internship at Gulf Shipping Limited where my love for the industry grew even more. There I worked in the Documentation and Operations departments. My tenure at Gulf Shipping Limited was only for seven weeks however everyone saw my potential and how much interest I showed in the job every day. On my last day at Gulf Shipping, I was promised that if any position become available, I will get first preference over anyone just because of my work ethic and passion. So said, so done, as this is exactly what happened and why I am where I am at today.

I began working at Gulf & Maritime Services Limited on March 1st, 2022. So far it has been a very good experience where I am now doing some of what I studied both onshore and offshore through the documentation processes with freight forwarding from all around the world as well as various training opportunities on vessels to perform surveying operations. 

The working environment however can at times be very demanding as the industry never sleeps but as I continue to get more exposure and training in different areas I am growing more and more into appreciating and being proud of the path I took.

This job has certainly allowed me to grow into being more alert, more responsible, and dependable.

If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself?

After looking back at the path I chose, a lot of sacrifices were made by myself and my family, but I have never regretted once the decisions which have brought me to the point I am at today. Knowing what I know now I can safely say that it was worth it. Following your dreams may not always be an easy road but the result is always rewarding.

What are some tips to give to persons wanting to follow your career path?

Anyone who wishes to embark on a similar path must be willing to have a committed mindset as the Maritime Industry calls for persons who are ready to work hard.

Signing up for the degree at UTT and similar programmes offered are very much easy and readily accessible. Communication with the UTT staff is very clear as they are more than willing to assist in all areas for their students. This degree offers a wide spectrum of job opportunities such as Ship Surveyor, Cargo Planner, Terminal Operator, Port Administrator, Maritime Risk and Safety Management, Manning and Crewing, Ship Management/Fleet Personnel Management and the list can go on.

Finally, partnering with the THA Financial Assistance programme that DATAS facilitates should be a high priority especially if one requires funding. Not only do they offer funding but great advisory service and communication as well.

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