From Intern to Operations Coordinator

Howdy! My name is Travis Crittenden, and I serve as one of the Operations Coordinators at Scorpio Houston. I began my journey with the company as its inaugural Summer Intern. My introduction to Scorpio came through the Texas A&M Galveston Career Fair, an event that features a diverse array of maritime companies seeking to promote their organizations and recruit potential employees for both full-time positions and internships.

During the fair, I had the opportunity to connect with the Voyage Managers in attendance, which allowed me to gain insight into Scorpio’s mission and the qualities they were looking for in candidates. Following this, I conveyed my interest in the internship and left the event anticipating further communication regarding interview opportunities. Once I learned that I was a candidate, I made sure to research the company’s history and background as I was eager to learn about the types of vessels they operate, the cargos they handle, and their overall global presence.

When I received the call confirming my internship position, I was absolutely thrilled. This was not only my first maritime-related internship but also in a sector of the industry that greatly appealed to me. Enthusiastic and ready to embark on this exciting new chapter, my first day was a whirlwind, as I was quickly immersed in a fast-paced environment filled with unfamiliar acronyms and a distinct operational structure. Over the course of the internship, the various tasks and concepts I encountered gradually began to make more sense which allowed me to handle new responsibilities and assist the voyage managers further. Each day presented new challenges and learning opportunities. It was especially valuable to collaborate with the different Voyage Managers, gaining unique insights into their roles and perspectives.

Going Onboard

One of the most exciting experiences during this internship was the opportunity to board the vessel STI Magic while she was in Houston loading cargo. This was a particularly unique experience for me, as I had never been on such a large ship before. Upon boarding, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly crew and given an extensive tour of the vessel, from top to bottom, despite their busy schedules. It was a truly enriching experience, as I had the opportunity to ask numerous questions, all of which the crew answered thoughtfully and in detail, ensuring I gained a clear understanding of the various systems and machinery we encountered. After the tour, I had the pleasure of joining the captain for lunch, where I was able to personally express my gratitude for the opportunity to visit and gain deeper insight into their daily tasks and overall knowledge of the vessel. Seeing firsthand one of the vessels I had been assisting with and understanding the role I played in supporting its operations, gave me a strong sense of pride. It was rewarding to know that my contributions, though small at the time, had helped ensure the success of the vessel’s voyages.

The internship lasted about three months, and as expected, it flew by. I was constantly busy with day-to-day responsibilities at work, in addition to managing coursework for my master’s degree in Maritime Business. One of the highlights of my experience, however, was the support and guidance I received from my coworkers. They were incredibly helpful throughout the entire internship, always making time to ensure I understood what I was learning. Whether it was answering my questions or offering insight into the tasks at hand, they created a positive and collaborative environment that made the experience even more rewarding. This sense of teamwork and mentorship is one of my favorite aspects of working at Scorpio. The company fosters a culture where everyone is willing to lend a hand and share their knowledge, which truly enhances the overall work experience. As the internship came to an end, I had the opportunity to conduct an exit interview with both my supervisor, Amandeep Chadha, and Pawanbir Virk. During this time, I was able to share my feedback on the program and reflect on the skills I had gained.

Working Together

When asked about my plans following the internship, I mentioned that I intended to complete my final two semesters of college and was also hopeful to find a part-time job in the maritime industry, given that many of my remaining courses were now offered online or remotely. At that point, the question came up about whether I would be interested in joining Scorpio full-time as an Operations Coordinator. Naturally, I was excited by the prospect of working for the company I had just interned with, but I expressed my concern that finishing my degree would be my top priority.

To my surprise, I was assured that they would be more than willing to work with my academic schedule to ensure that I could succeed both in my classes and in my new role. This was an incredibly generous offer, and the idea of gaining real-world experience in such a dynamic industry without the added stress of job hunting after graduation seemed like an incredible opportunity. I happily accepted the offer.

Now, a year and four months into my full-time position, I can confidently say that no two days are alike, and I continue to learn something new every day.

Post graduation

As a full-time employee of Scorpio, I now have the privilege of returning to the career fair hosted by my alma mater, where I once stood as a student looking for guidance. This time, I am able to play the same role that the Voyage Managers played for me, sharing insights about the importance of our work and helping to connect the next generation of talent with opportunities at Scorpio. It’s truly rewarding to now serve as an ambassador for the company, offering students the same guidance and support that was once extended to me.

– Travis Crittenden