Baris Aytan, Marine Transportation Management Engineering, SUNY Maritime College - ITU '09
Since elementary school, I've always had the goal of studying Marine Transportation and pursuing a career in the maritime industry. I believe that sailing since I was 8 years old and being a part of the Turkish National Sailing team for 5 years also impacted this decision. When I found out that SUNY Maritime College and ITU Maritime Faculty had established a dual degree program during my junior year of high school, I said "yes, this is where I have to be!" Studying and living in the USA is a priceless opportunity when pursuing a career in one of the most globalized fields: the maritime industry. I was also drawn by the very competitive and nationally ranked inter-collegiate sailing team at SUNY Maritime College.
Following my graduation with a bachelor's degree in June 2009, I was offered a job on campus and decided to come back to SUNY Maritime College for my master's degree in International Transportation Management. During my graduate studies, I worked as a Turkish Student Liaison and Regimental Duty Officer, and served as an assistant coach of the SUNY Maritime sailing team on weekends. I also worked onboard SUNY Maritime College’s Training Ship Empire State 6 as a deck officer and an instructor for the 3 month long summer sea term in the summer of 2010. I began working for CargoTrans Inc. in New York as an Ocean Export Supervisor, after I obtained my master’s degree from SUNY Maritime College.
As a graduate of the dual degree program, I highly recommend this program for those who are intent on keeping up with a continuously globalizing world and willing to broaden their horizons.