What fellowship means today: voices from our new IMarEST Fellows
Following the launch of a new IMarEST Fellowship standard, we speak to those who recently went through the process to learn about their experience
Earlier this year, a new fellowship standard was launched by the IMarEST with the aim of making this level of recognition “more accessible and inclusive for marine professionals worldwide.”
An important factor for applicants is the impact that he or she has made over a sustained period of time. IMarEST has streamlined the application process to support this aim by removing “excess steps and ensuring the criteria reflect the purpose of fellowship”, making it more practical for those who have busy jobs or other out-of-work commitments.
We spoke to three IMarEST Fellows about their backgrounds, the benefits of their fellowships and any advice that they may have for potential candidates.
Jacqui Di Crisci
With over 20 years energy industry experience, Jacqui Di Crisci, an opportunity manger within Chevron’s Capital Projects group, says that her IMarEST Fellowship reflects her journey as a professional in the marine and offshore industry: “I am committed to leadership, technical excellence, and giving back to the profession by supporting the development of people, standards, and practices that strengthen our industry globally.”
After various roles of increasing responsibility in engineering, project delivery, business /commercial and management, across multiple regions such as UK, Nigeria, Angola and North America, her current role involves overseeing new business investments for Nigeria and Mid Africa.
With a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bradford and a master’s degree in Subsea Engineering from Cranfield University, the Chevron executive has also earned a Global Executive MBA from Instituto de Empressa (IE) in Spain. She also currently serves as an Executive Board member for IMarEST’s Gulf Coast Branch.
Reflecting on her fellowship and offering advice to aspiring candidates, Jacqui emphasises the importance of sustained contribution: “Focus not just on career progression, but on sustained contribution, through leadership, collaboration, and developing others,” she says. “Fellowship is as much about service to the profession as it is about individual achievement.”
Kuba Szymanski
Ramsey Shipping Services' Managing Director, Captain Kuba Szymanski is also the Secretary General for InterManager, the international trade association for the ship and crew management sector.
Captain Szymanski graduated from the Maritime University of Szczecin with a master’s degree. He has also obtained a Certificate in Ship Superintendence from Lloyd’s Academy, and gained an MBA at the International Business School, Isle of Man and John Moores University (JMU) Liverpool.
“I have been working with IMarEST on many industry projects and strongly believe that deck and engine side of our industry HAVE to work together,” he says. “When we pool and pull resources together, we achieve really great things.”
When asked what advice he would give to future fellowship applicants, Captain Szymanski replied: “Have dreams and pursue them.”
Rebecca Stanley
Fire Protection Capability Service Lead at BMT UK, Rebecca Stanley is a Chartered Engineer with a first class master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester and has over a decade of experience in marine engineering.
She applied for fellowship as a way to recognise her technical expertise in marine fire protection and long-standing service to the IMarEST. “However, it's particularly special to me as it reflects a long-standing family connection.”
Rebecca's advice to future fellowship candidates is to: “Focus on impact, not job titles. Fellowship is about the difference you've made – technically, professionally and through contributing to the wider engineering community.”
Tell us what you think about this article by joining the discussion on IMarEST Connect.
Image: Ship at sea. Credit: Shutterstock
