Press Release /09

FINDING A CAREER IN MARINE SCIENCE AND OCEAN TECHNOLOGY – OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL …. THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

Finding the ideal career can be a time consuming and challenging task. Many graduates are currently having a tough time making the transition between university and full time employment. Fortunately, help is on hand at Oceanology International 2010 for a vast range of students, graduates and post-graduates looking for a highly rewarding career in the marine science and ocean technology sectors. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is playing a key role.

Oceanology International, being held at London’s ExCeL 9-11 March 2010, is the world’s premier meeting place for the marine science and ocean technology community. Not only is it attended by a global community of engineers, scientists, legislators, policy makers and management professionals with responsibility across all of the ocean science and marine technology spectrum, but on Thursday 11 March the Oceanology International Careers Day, sponsored by IMCA, is being held to promote the wide array of career paths open in the industry; and to link students, graduates and post-graduates meet exhibiting companies’ HR experts and hear of real-life experiences from young professionals from across the industry.

"In all there are over 500 exhibiting companies from all over the world," explains Event Manager, James Coleman. "We ask them to let us know if they are interested in meeting students and graduates so we can pass on details to all of them before they arrive on 11 March with details of suggested stopping points around the show. The topics coming under our conference spotlight this year give an indication of the wide range of opportunities open to our Careers Day visitors – these are navigation and positioning; hydrography/geophysics; marine environment; geotechnics; and ocean observation.

"Companies requiring people with these skills cover a vast range of interests from aquaculture to subsea engineering; marine electrical and electronics to renewable energy; and the oil and gas industry to homeland security. All are eager to make contact with talented students and graduates. Detailed lists appear on our website at www.oceanologyinternational.com"

As Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA explains: "Oceanology International is a huge attraction to people from the more scientific end of all the offshore industries. It is a great showcase for students and graduates where so many varied stands can be seen in the exhibition hall, a variety of conference papers can be taken in, and a huge number of industry personnel are on hand to discuss the opportunities available."

"The event attracts students from almost any technical background: engineers, oceanographers, mathematicians, IT specialists, chemists, naval architects etc. For the Careers Day itself, a room is set aside for the students to hear presentations specifically addressed to them, pick up careers material and enjoy a bite to eat The stand holders reinforce their event personnel on that day with HR specialists."

"Though our industry has been hit, as is every other industry around the world, by the credit crunch of the last 18 months, there remains the need to continue to invest in new people. This is imperative in any industry and all the more important in ours as we were experiencing a skills shortage before the crunch came. When the industry picks up again that shortage is likely to manifest itself again."

The Careers Day Programme
The formal part of Oceanology International Careers Day begins at midday with a series of short presentations from industry figures, including Hugh Williams of IMCA who will provide valuable insight and guidance. A sandwich lunch will be available and then Careers Day attendees are free to visit the exhibition and the commercial and naval vessels attending the event.

Already some 300 students from twelve universities have registered to attend. Universities and colleges from around the country have an open invitation to apply for subsidised travel to the show. Those interested in taking up the offer should contact James Coleman +44 (0)20 8910 7769 or email james.coleman@reedexpo.co.uk to provide information on how many people would like to attend the event.

Further information on Careers Day
Further information on activities taking place will be made available to the leaders of each group registered to attend Oceanology International. Full information on all elements of the conference and exhibition, both of which are free to attend for all with a business/professional interest in the market sector, is at www.oceanologyinternational.com and more specifically at www.oceanologyinternational.com