The internship lasts three months and is a full-time commitment for students, taking place between June and September. The exact start and end dates are determined each year by the Department Assembly.
The internship programme has been integrated into the Curriculum of the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus in an effort to provide students with on-hand experience, in addition to the excellent theoretical training offered by the Department. The internship is optional, as students may choose it as an elective course. It is intended for domestic placements only, takes place exclusively during the 8th semester, and is aimed at students in their fourth year of study.
The implementation of the internship program proceeds in two stages:
- Call for applications and registration of internship requests.
- Notification of companies and selection of participating organizations.
During the application stage, the Internship Office, in coordination with the Internship Coordinator, announces the call for applications in prominent locations on campus and online (Department website and Internship platform: https://praktiki.unipi.gr). The announcement provides information on the application submission process as well as deadlines. Students are then required to submit their applications electronically, accompanied by their CV and transcript of records.
The selection process, which is detailed in the annual announcement, ensures transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination based on gender, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability or chronic illness, age, family or social status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender characteristics. At the same time, companies are informed and selected to participate in the internship programme.
During the internship, a quality control process is conducted by the Internship Coordinator and the staff of the Internship Office through continuous communication with participating students and host organizations (shipping companies). This ensures monitoring of progress and the resolution of any potential issues.
The Department of Maritime Studies implements the internship programme in view of connecting academic studies with the demanding working environment of shipping companies, aiming primarily to provide students with professional experience. This experience enhances their CVs and improves their future employment prospects. Additionally, the internship familiarizes students with real-world working conditions and modern technologies, helps them develop additional skills (communication, networking, teamwork), and prepares them for future leadership roles. Ultimately, the programme aims at establishing a strong link between the Department and the labour market through student engagement and absorption.
The Department of Maritime Studies has earned an excellent reputation among shipping companies, reflected in the growing number of internship positions requested by companies. During the internship, students work across nearly all departments of shipping companies, with Chartering and Operations departments being the most popular among students. Results are considered very satisfactory, as a significant percentage of students are offered employment after completing their internships, with companies praising their performance.
The Department maintains a highly proactive and outward-looking approach, which includes educational visits to shipping companies at regular intervals, as well as inviting and engaging industry professionals in Department events.
