Ocean Careers Programme 2025
Insightful discussions led by industry professionals, where you’ll gain valuable knowledge about the diverse career paths in ocean technology. The Ocean Careers programme provides guidance and inspiration to navigate your career. To attend Ocean Careers you must complete FREE registration for Ocean Business. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts and explore the possibilities!
11.00am - 11.10am
How did I get where I am today?
Cheryl Burgess, Chief Executive Officer
Society for Underwater Technology (SUT), UK
11.10am - 11.20am
Sink or Swim - 10 Traits for Success Offshore
A 10-minute voyage into the characteristics and qualities which are critical to a successful Offshore Career.
Anthony Williams, Technical Manager
Survey, Elevate Offshore, Singapore
11.20am - 11.30am
What is the maritime sector in the Solent?
Lorna Wagner, Programme Manager
Maritime UK Solent, UK
11.30am - 11.40am
My Journey in Ocean Tech
I will discuss my journey from outdoor instructor to Oceanographer. I returned to studying as a mature student and found my passion in Oceanography. After graduating I began my career as an Oceanographic surveyor where i continued to develop my skills as an Oceanographer and as a surveyor whilst continuing to learn about this fast paced and evolving industry.
Laura Bevington, Sales Engineer
Nortek, UK
11.40am - 11.50am
A Career as a Commercial Marine Environmental Scientist
A quick outline into the many and varied careers relating to environmental and natural marine sciences in the commercial industry. Key takeaways are how to grab attention from recruiting commercial companies in todays competitive market.
Ian Wilson, Group Director
Astoceras Group, UK
11.50am - 12.00pm
Lessons learned as a Research Software Engineer, writing code at sea
Owain aims to define the role of the Research Software Engineer through telling of his own experience – possible career pathways into becoming an RSE, and some of the interesting work he’s been involved with as part of his role. This talk is aimed towards students or early career software developers (ie. recent graduates) who may be interested in what they could specialise (or generalise) in.
Owain Jones, Software Engineer
National Oceanography Centre, UK
12.00pm - 12.10pm
From Sea to C#: A Surveyor's Journey in Development
My journey from hydrographic surveying into software development. What I love about my job!
Challenges along the way. Opportunities within QPS.
Pascal van Unen, Software Developer
QPS BV, Netherlands
12.10pm – 12.20pm
The LEGO Maritime Project
An innovative hands-on simulation created and designed by Stephen G Shaw to engage and enthuse young people in the career potential across the maritime sector
Stephen Shaw, LEGO Education Academy Certified Trainer
The Lego Maritime Project, UK
12.20pm – 12.30pm
Jumping off the deep end: Opportunities and challenges when transitioning from academia to industry
When considering an “alternative” career in industry, the unknowns can be overwhelming. What opportunities exist? How can I apply my academic experience to an industry role? Where do I even begin? I’ve been there! During an overview of my career path in ocean science and technology, I will discuss my transition from academic research to technical sales. Additional insights related to finding a good fit, identifying and leveraging key transferable skills, and facing potential challenges.
Janelle Hrycik, Sales Engineer
Sea-Bird Scientific, USA
12.30pm – 12.40pm
You can’t escape the robots… and you won’t want to!
A career in the marine industry increasingly means a career working with robotics – no matter what the role, you’ll come into contact with marine robotics along the way. From small ROV’s to robotics swarm’s, I’ll show you some of the exciting projects that Sonardyne have been involved in.
Aidan Thorn, Business Development Manager - Marine Robotics
Sonardyne, UK
12.40pm – 12.50pm
From Millport to Montserrat; My metocean journey
A quick look of how I turned by biology degree into establishing marine environmental monitoring stations across the globe.
Tirren Ambroziak, Oceanographic Data Engineer, OceanWise
2.30pm – 4.00pm
One-on-One Speedy Sessions Available!
Have questions about your career path or looking for expert guidance? You can meet one-on-one with the speakers above, as well as Emma Bidwell (Human Resources Administrator) and Caitlin Pinkney (Recruitment Officer) from Gardline, UK.
A timetable will be available for you to sign up on the day for a meeting. Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts who can help shape your future in the ocean industry!