If you're considering a long-term career in hospitality or cruise line industry and you're still working to get your degree, then you should consider applying for an internship with a cruise line. Recent changes to federal laws now require employers to pay interns, in most cases. So not only will you receive valuable work experience, but in most cases you will also receive pay. Interns work in a variety of jobs under the supervision of experienced managers and officers onboard the cruise line, or in their corporate office.
In addition to paid internships, there are also apprenticeships available for students who are attending college at maritime (nautical) universities and academies. These jobs are for potential officer candidates who have some education in ship operations.
They are a great way to find out whether working on a cruise ship is the right career for you while you get paid and gain valuable experience - not to mention the added benefit of traveling to beautiful locations around the globe.
These jobs are not for everyone. First, you should be attending college or graduate school at a nautical university or majoring in hospitality. Cruise lines want to make sure that the interns and/or apprentices they hire are truly interested in long-term future employment. If you are not currently in one of these programs, then you should wait until you are before applying. In addition you should:
When you're ready to apply for one of these exciting opportunities, one of the best ways to start your job search is by becoming a member of CruiseJobFinder. Your membership will give you access to an extensive list of job postings, including positions for interns and apprentices. We also provide information about how to apply for these positions and tips for how to get noticed.
You'll also have access to detailed profiles on each of the major cruise lines, so you'll get a good idea of each company's work environment and hiring philosophies.
These are just a few of the benefits to becoming a member. While there are a growing number of internships and apprenticeships available each year, due to the phenomenal growth of the industry, these jobs are still highly competitive. Becoming a member of CruiseJobFinder can provide you with the additional information you need to improve your chances of finding the right position for you.