Skip to main content
Southampton Solent University logo

CLEARING 2025 IS NOW OPEN

  • 023 8001 1722

Dominic Axford

Dominic chose to study at Solent because of the maritime courses offered. He talks about what studying a maritime course at Solent was like.

Job title:Graduate

Studied:BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management

Why did you choose Solent?

After a year in work, I visited the uni at an open day and decided to study at Solent for the breadth of maritime courses on offer and the professional experience of the lecturers - some of them are still practicing alongside teaching.

Do you feel like your studies have helped you prepare for a career in the industry?

Absolutely! I’ve gone straight from uni to paid employment and I’m already referring back to my course notes in my day-to-day work. The uni also organises its annual maritime conference. This was a great way to meet recruiters and employers.

Can you talk about any opportunities you’ve had to get practical experience?

I was really lucky to do two very different placements during my internship year. These gave a fantastic grounding to the realities of the shipping industry and were absolutely instrumental in forming my dissertation. That same dissertation took me on research trips as far afield as Aberdeen and Bournemouth – and I was also able to present my findings at the World Congress for Undergraduate Research in Warwick.

Headshot of Dominic Axford

What I took away from my experience as a Solent student was all the connections I’d made with staff and students alike, which was an invaluable benefit for the start of my professional career.

What was life as a Solent student?

I was on the committee of the Maritime Society for two of my four years, which I loved (despite it being hard work). I was also part of the Solent University team for the 2023/24 University Challenge competition. I liked the relaxed pace of life and the variety of groups for people to join – there really is something for everyone.

What’s next for you?

I’ve already started working with a global shipping firm, so I want to establish myself there and then progress up the career ladder and hopefully travelling to different countries along the way.

Do you have any tips for students who might want to get into the industry?

Go for it! Listen to every piece of advice, try to talk to as many people as possible from the industry, keep every business card and email address. Shipping is full of people who want to develop and support you, and you never know when a contact might come in useful (or when you can help someone else).

Share Dominic's story



Course studied

BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management

If you want to work in the exciting hub of ship operations, this specialised degree gives you a global perspective of managing business for international trade.

Related courses


More stories from maritime

  • Maritime

    Michael Jeffries

    5 min read
  • Maritime

    Matt O'Crowley

    Manging Director

    Tanki

    5 min read
  • Maritime

    Anne Kristine Berg

    National Sea Logistics Trade Lane Manager

    Kuehne + Nagel

    5 min read