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Coming from a landlocked country, I was often asked why I decided to study naval architecture. I never managed to come up with a really good answer, but I can say that it was one of the decisions I never regretted.
I have graduated from the University of Belgrade (Serbia) in 2004 and since then I have managed to change a variety of jobs. I have started off as a research assistant at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. I was mainly involved in projects dealing with safety of passengers on large cruise vessels, development of new concepts for lifesaving appliances and evacuation of passengers and crew in case of flooding and fire.
In 2006 I started as a technical trainee in classification society Det Norske Veritas. I have spent 2 years in Head Office in Norway working with variety of disciplines hull, machinery, SOLAS and classification systematics. The knowledge I gained there helped me a lot during my period as a ships in operation surveyor in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the second biggest port in the world and definitely
one of the best places to learn about ships and shipping. Apart from learning a lot, I really enjoyed contact with different people ship’s crew, service suppliers, port state and insurance inspectors
from all over the world.
I am now back in Norway giving support on hull related issues (repair proposals, modification of existing vessels etc.) to DNV network of surveyors as well as to our customers world wide. This type of work fits me very well because we are encountering different problems every day and prompt response and quick trouble solving is required.
Although I have experienced many aspects of shipping industry in less than 5 years, I feel that there is a lot more to go for. I am very excited about taking on the new challenges and getting to learn more about ship management and maritime law for instance. I strongly believe that my engineering background will help me a lot in that as well.
Apart from very diverse careers one can have in shipping, there is another very important aspect of shipping which I really like shipping is an international business. Working in shipping, you will get to know different people and cultures as well as travel around the world.
Update: In 2013, Marija writes:
In 2010 I started working as a Customer Service Manager at DNV’s Maritime Service Centre in London. My current role is to provide support on technical matters related to Classification and statutory requirements to London based clients, primarily in tanker and LNG sector. This includes maintaining relationships with existing clients, identifying new business opportunities and promoting DNV services in the maritime sector. | 
