BSM Smart Academy - Professional Development from the First Year

Alongside your studies at Batumi Navigation University, you have the opportunity to start your professional development and build a relationship with a future employer from your very first year.

BNU’s cooperation with the international ship management company Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) gives first-year students of the Bachelor’s educational programmes in “Maritime Navigation” and “Ship’s Power Plant” the opportunity to join the BSM Smart Academy programme and gradually prepare for an international maritime career.

Why is participation in the programme important?

At BNU, you will undertake sea-going practice in your fourth year, during the eighth semester. During the practical training period, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained at the university in a real working environment and develop your professional skills.

BSM Smart Academy starts preparing you for this process much earlier, from your very first year. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will undertake cadet training on BSM’s deep-sea vessels during the eighth semester.

Participation in the programme is important because it will allow you to:

• become familiar with the requirements of the international maritime industry at an early stage;
• connect theoretical knowledge with the practical working environment on board a vessel;
• develop professional English language, teamwork and responsibility skills;
• better understand what an international employer expects from a future seafarer;
• give the company the opportunity to become familiar with your professional development and motivation while you are still a student.

What should you keep in mind?

Participation in BSM Smart Academy is an opportunity that requires active involvement and responsibility from the student. The following are particularly important for the successful completion of the programme:

• thorough study of professional subjects;
• continuous improvement of English language skills;
• discipline and a responsible attitude;
• maintaining strong academic and professional performance;
• motivation for professional development.

Participation in the programme does not mean an automatic guarantee of a career outcome — further professional development depends on your knowledge, skills, responsibility and performance. However, the programme gives you the opportunity to purposefully prepare for an international maritime career from the very beginning of your studies and establish a direct professional connection with a potential employer.

How can you join?

Interviews with first-year students interested in joining BSM Smart Academy will be held during the second semester of the first year. Information about the interview date and participation requirements will be published on BNU’s official website and in the electronic journal.

In the meantime, focus on developing your professional subjects, English language skills and professional competencies.

Start preparing for your maritime career from your very first year.

For further information, please contact:

George Gabedava

BSM Smart Academy Coordinator

Email: g.gabedava@bnu.edu.ge