Maritime Undergraduate Students: Career Expectations and Choices

Yui-Yip Lau, Cristina Dragomir, Yuk-Ming Tang and Adolf K. Y. Ng
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Yui-Yip Lau: Division of Business and Hospitality Management, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Cristina Dragomir: Management in Transports Department, Constanta Maritime University, 900663 Constanta, Romania
Yuk-Ming Tang: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Adolf K. Y. Ng: St. John’s College, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4, Canada

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: The following study presents an inquiry into understanding the motivating factors of students to enroll in a maritime university and to further continue with a career in the maritime industry. By collecting data from 378 undergraduate students enrolled in various maritime programs (navigation, electromechanics, electrical engineering, and economic engineering in transport), we aimed to better understand the profiles of students, their information sources, interest, and the prospects of associated programs where they are enrolled. As such, this study seeks to enable educators and industry practitioners to better understand the educational and career paths chosen by undergraduates in the maritime field. It can align the students’ expectations with program delivery. We examined students’ perceptions and assessments according to the program they are enrolled in. Taking into account the fact that there is a world low attraction for maritime careers, the results of this study are useful for maritime education and training (MET) providers during the design and marketing campaign of the educational program to attract students. Additionally, the findings are useful for public administration and the Ministry of Education’s analysis of expanding educational and research programs, as well as for Ministry of Labour forecasting. Employers from the maritime industry can find useful the main motives for which a graduate would choose to work in this sector, business field, or a related business. Moreover, industry practitioners and academia can expand the study at a larger scale, comprising more countries and taking into account national and regional characteristics.

Keywords: maritime careers; undergraduate students; motivation; expectations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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