Ahoy, parents! Is your Son or Daughter ready to embark on an exhilarating superyacht career? Buckle up because we’re about to delve deep into the intricacies of nurturing this dream career.
Imagine your son or daughter steering a luxurious vessel through crystal-clear waters, living a life of adventure and glamour. It’s a dream many aspire to, but navigating the path to a successful superyacht career requires careful guidance, preparation and commitment.
As a former yachty with five years of experience in the industry, I understand the allure and challenges of this profession. Having transitioned from the high seas to parenthood, I now share my insights with you, first as a fellow parent and second as a seasoned sailor.
Let’s start by addressing a common misconception: the temptation for parents to take charge of the administrative tasks involved in enrolling their son or daughter in superyacht courses and making preparations for overseas ventures. While it may seem more efficient to handle everything yourself, doing so could potentially hinder your son or daughter’s growth and success in the long run.
Picture this: your son or daughter eagerly walking into their first day of class, only to realize they are in the wrong place because they haven’t read the joining instructions that were sent to your email address over a month ago. This happens all the time! This scenario underscores the importance of empowering your son or daughter to take ownership of their journey and be actively involved right from the start.
One of the key areas where your son or daughter can benefit from taking the reins is in booking courses. Beyond simply securing a spot in a training program, this process presents valuable opportunities for them to develop essential soft skills, particularly in communication.
Effective communication is the anchor that holds the superyacht industry together. Whether it’s cold-calling prospective employers or interacting with crew members and guests, the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and professionally can make all the difference in securing employment opportunities.
By encouraging your son or daughter to handle course bookings and correspondence themselves, you provide them with a platform to hone their communication skills and build confidence in their abilities. After all, in an industry where first impressions can make or break a career, the ability to communicate effectively is paramount. Rather, let them make the mistakes with us and allow us to guide them from the start. (Find out more about what courses to take).
Furthermore, empowering your son or daughter to take charge of their journey fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability. Navigating the waters of the superyacht industry demands perseverance and a willingness to learn from your mistakes adapting accordingly.
Understanding the nuances of course schedules and requirements is another area where your son or daughter can benefit from taking the lead. From ensuring they arrive on time for training sessions to networking with instructors and fellow students, being proactive in managing their educational journey sets the stage for success in the industry. Being late and poorly turned out is not tolerated on a superyacht.
Moreover, embracing the administrative and organizational aspects of the profession prepares your son or daughter for the multifaceted nature of working on a superyacht. From obtaining necessary certifications to securing visas and arranging travel accommodations, the ability to manage these tasks efficiently is essential for a smooth transition into the industry. All too frequently, we receive calls from worried parents whose children are abroad, and their Captain requires their license, which they neglected to pick up before departing South Africa.
In today’s digital age, proficiency in navigating online platforms and managing digital records is equally important. As your son or daughter progresses in their career, they’ll find themselves relying heavily on digital tools for communication, job applications, and financial transactions. It’s typical to face competition from more than 100 other applicants for a single job offer. In such cases, being organized and prompt is crucial.
Teaching your son or daughter the importance of financial literacy and budgeting is another crucial aspect of preparing them for a career in the superyacht industry. Living and working overseas comes with its own set of financial challenges, and equipping your son or daughter with the necessary skills to manage their finances responsibly is paramount.
Encourage your son or daughter to adopt a proactive approach to financial planning, emphasizing the importance of budgeting for living expenses, training costs, and potential emergencies. By instilling good financial habits early on, you’ll empower them to navigate the financial complexities of the industry with confidence. Otherwise, the strong temptation to spend all their money within the first few weeks may result in them returning home empty-handed as finding a job takes a long time.
Additionally, your son or daughter needs to understand the long-term financial implications of pursuing a career in the superyacht industry. While the initial investment in training and certification may seem daunting, it’s important to view these expenses as investments in their future. Once your son or daughter secures a full-time position in the industry, they’ll have the opportunity to recoup these costs and establish financial stability. Then, after a season or two of saving, they can potentially start looking at buying their first investment property. However, they must be prepared for the initial challenges of finding work and sustaining themselves during the early stages of their career.
In the competitive landscape of the superyacht industry, perseverance and resilience are key. Your son or daughter will encounter many setbacks and obstacles along the way, but they need to remain focused on their goals and committed to pursuing their dreams.
Encourage your son or daughter to view each challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning. Whether it’s facing rejection from potential employers or navigating unfamiliar territories, every experience contributes to their personal and professional development.
Moreover, cultivating confidence is essential for success in the superyacht industry. As your son or daughter interacts with high-profile individuals and navigates complex situations, they must exude confidence and professionalism at every turn.
Encourage your son or daughter to embrace opportunities for self-improvement and self-discovery. Whether it’s through networking events, professional development workshops, or mentorship programs, investing in their personal and professional growth will pay dividends in the long run.
Ultimately, as a parent, your role is to provide guidance, support, and encouragement as your son or daughter embarks on their journey into the superyacht industry. Empowering them to take ownership of their career path and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge will set them up for success in this exciting and dynamic field.
So, cast off the lines, hoist the sails, and embark on this adventure together. With your guidance and their determination, the possibilities are endless. Fair winds and following seas!