This placement has been engaging, offering me immersive insights into professional environments, the maritime sector, and practical sustainability practices. It has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in sustainability and environmental management, although I'm eager to incorporate a bit more fieldwork into my future endeavors.

 

Over the past eight weeks, I have been engaged in a placement at Belfast Harbour, where I have been an integral part of the Sustainability Team. The nature of the placement afforded me a flexible working arrangement, allowing for a hybrid model with three days spent in the office and one day working remotely from home. This flexibility was further complemented by the implementation of flexible working hours, accommodating either a 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. departure time based on individual arrival times.

During my tenure, my activities were predominantly office-based. However, I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with various sections of the harbour, including the Milewater Office, several quays, the harbour office, and the Clarendon office, which served as my primary base of operations.

A significant aspect of my role involved undertaking a comprehensive waste management project, focusing specifically on a three-year analysis of waste streams, their respective weights, and associated costs, with a particular emphasis on Category 1 waste. The objective was to formulate recommendations aimed at enhancing waste management protocols, drawing insights from comparative research conducted on similar port facilities. Belfast Harbour is on the brink of achieving Zero Waste Port status, with Category 1 waste presenting the final obstacle. My responsibility was to explore environmentally sustainable methods for managing this waste stream.

This project facilitated collaboration not only within the Sustainability Team but also with counterparts in the finance, compliance, and commercial departments. As the lead on this initiative, I liaised directly with these teams via email and collaborative platforms, assuming full ownership of project management duties. This allowed me to establish and adhere to self-imposed deadlines, culminating in the delivery of a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation upon the conclusion of the placement.

 

When did you start thinking about work placements?

My consideration for work placements began towards the end of September and extended into early October, with the application process initiating from mid-late October through December. This timing was influenced by the availability of placement opportunities, as many openings were not accessible until later in the year.

I benefited from Dionne's guidance sessions, which proved invaluable in crafting my CV, cover letter, and optimizing my LinkedIn profile. Leveraging LinkedIn emerged as an effective strategy for self-promotion, showcasing both professional skills and academic achievements. The interactive nature of the platform facilitated direct engagement with potential employers, occasionally resulting in outreach from interested professionals.

 

What was the application and interview process like? 

For most of my applications, I emailed the chosen organizations my CV, cover letter, degree leaflet, and placement information leaflets. In the case of Belfast Harbour, I initially obtained their contact information during a career fair and reached out to them directly via email. Subsequently, I attended an informal interview session, which led to a placement offer being extended at the conclusion of the interview.

 

How are you finding the placement so far? 

When I first started placement, I felt very overwhelmed because it was very new and different to anything I had done as I hadn’t ever done any work in the maritime industry or in a professional setting. I was given introductions, had my health and safety inductions and was shown around the offices. There was a lot of information to take in at once but the staff were welcoming and friendly which helped a lot!

My placement was quite independent when it came to my project, so I found speaking to my mentor every morning helpful as it kept me in the right direction. I was quiet when I started, but noticed as I got more comfortable, I was able to liaise with more members of different teams throughout the Belfast harbour. One of the defining moments of the placement was the opportunity to present my project findings. It marked the result of thorough research and analysis, giving the organization a detailed look at their waste management practices and also providing a roadmap for future improvements.

 

Do you have any advice for students considering a similar placement? 

Embrace the opportunity to ask questions if you find yourself uncertain about anything. Questions serve as invaluable learning tools, especially in a placement setting where you're surrounded by professionals in your desired field. Take advantage of this environment, as it offers a prime opportunity to absorb knowledge from experienced individuals in a relatively short period of time.

 

Amy Smyth

MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development