Information on Internship Applications

Step 1 – Know the purpose of your internship
Understand why your placement is essential for your education and future career.

Real-world learning: You’ll apply your theoretical skills in practical situations.
Work culture: You’ll learn to operate in an international team where cooperation, safety and responsibility are key.
Networks: Internships can lead to summer jobs, further study and permanent employment.

💡 Pro tip: Think of your internship as a “test drive” for a maritime career – this is where you find out whether you prefer container ships, tankers, passenger vessels or something completely different.

Step 2 – Start early
Begin searching at least 6–9 months before your placement starts.

Many companies recruit interns long before the start date.
Popular placements are often booked 9–12 months in advance.
Make a calendar with key dates: when to apply, follow up, and prepare for interviews.

📌 Rule of thumb: Start researching at least 9 months before, and send your first applications 6 months before your planned start. That way, you won’t rely on a single position and still have time to apply elsewhere.

Step 3 – Explore your options
Research companies and create an overview of those that might suit you.
Start 9–12 months in advance and finish no later than 2 months before you begin applying. This gives you time to tailor your applications.

Make a list of companies:

Use Danish Shipping’s member directory
Ask your student advisor or lecturers
Check where former students from your school have been placed

Note key information:

Internship contact person
Application deadline
Requirements (e.g. language, certificates, medical check)
Vessel types

Apply broadly – but strategically:

Include both large and small companies
Apply to at least 5–7 places – preferably more if you’re applying internationally

💡 Pro tip: Use a simple Excel sheet or Google Sheet to track companies, deadlines and follow-ups. It makes it much easier to stay organised.

Step 4 – Choose your application strategy
Know the difference between advertised placements and unsolicited applications – and use both.

✅ Advertised placements:
You respond to a posted vacancy with specific requirements and deadlines.

✅ Unsolicited applications:
You send a targeted application even if no vacancy is advertised.
This shows initiative and can lead to “hidden” placements that are never publicly posted.

📌 Recommendation: Don’t wait for job ads. Many internships are filled long before they are advertised. Aim for at least half of your applications to be unsolicited – and follow up by phone after 1–2 weeks.

Step 5 – Build a strong CV
Highlight relevant experience, certificates and language skills.

A good maritime CV should be:

Clear and concise – max 1 page
Focused on relevant experience – including casual jobs, sport of volunteering that shows responsibility and teamwork
Include certificates – e.g. Basic Safety Training, First Aid
List language skills – English is essential at sea

💡Pro tip: Use a simple layout without heavy graphics – maritime employers value clarity.

Step 6 – Write a standout application
Explain your motivation and show that you know the company.

Include:

Why you want to go to sea – and specifically with them
What you can contribute – and what you hope to learn
Evidence that you know their vessels, routes or operations
Keep it short – half a page to one page is plenty

Example opening:

“As a student in the Ship Officer programme at [SCHOOL], I am eager to gain hands-on experience at sea. I am applying to [COMPANY] because I admire your focus on safety and your international network of routes.”

💡 Pro tip: Keep a basic application on file, but adapt it 100% to each company. Generic applications are easy to spot – and rarely succeed.

Step 7 – Prepare for the interview
Be ready with knowledge, examples and questions.

Prepare answers to:

Why you want a career at sea
How you work in a team
How you handle challenges
Have a few questions ready – e.g. about daily life on board, responsibilities or learning opportunities.

💡 Pro tip: Practise out loud with a friend or in front of a mirror. It feels silly, but it makes you more confident.

Step 8 – Stay organised
Use a tracking sheet to record where you’ve applied, answers received and when to follow up.

If you haven’t heard back after 2–3 weeks, send a polite follow-up.

Step 9 – Get your documents in order
Make sure your passport, seafarer’s book, medical certificate and required training certificates are valid.

📌 Recommendation: Create a digital or physical folder with scanned copies – many companies request documents electronically, and it saves time.

Step 10 – Keep going, even when it’s tough
Be persistent, learn from rejection, and keep applying until you succeed.

If (when) you receive a rejection:

Ask if they may keep your application for future intake
Ask for feedback
Keep applying – many placements open very close to start dates

💡 Pro tip: Think of rejection as free experience. The more you learn from it, the stronger your future applications become. Many students secure placements only a few weeks before departure – so keep trying.