Our Interns

Martin, a third-year Ship Management undergraduate at the Norwegian University of Science & Technology, was first drawn to AET after reading about the company's delivery of dual-fuel VLCCs in 2023, which highlighted AET's commitment to innovation and forward-thinking in the shipping industry. This sparked his interest, and he decided to apply for an internship to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the company’s operations. Throughout his internship, Martin found the experience to be highly impactful, shaping his understanding of the shipping sector both professionally and personally. The exposure he received, combined with the real-world learning opportunities, has left a lasting impression on him.

One of the most memorable moments during his internship was a ship visit in September 2024. After spending a month learning about the vessels and their operations, it was incredible to see the theory come to life and experience everything firsthand.

“Another highlight was my two-week work experience in London, where I had the opportunity to explore different aspects of the business, including VLCC operations, post-fixture, and claims. Gaining insight into these areas broadened my perspective on the commercial and operational side of shipping,” he said. 

Before joining AET, Martin viewed the tanker industry as a straightforward business focused on moving cargo from point A to point B. However, his internship helped him realise just how multifaceted the industry is. He gained insights into the many layers involved, including commercial strategy, regulatory compliance, sustainability efforts, and human coordination. This deeper understanding has provided him with a more comprehensive view of the shipping world.

The knowledge and skills Martin acquired during their time at AET will continue to shape his career. Martin now has a solid operational foundation, along with a greater understanding of the commercial aspects of the business. He plans to apply this knowledge in various areas, from vessel management and chartering to claims handling. He also now recognises the importance of relationship management in the shipping industry, having interacted with brokers, charterers, and technical teams at AET. He believes that strong relationships and effective communication are just as crucial as operational knowledge in ensuring success in the sector. Finally, the fast-paced nature of the shipping industry has taught him to be adaptable and think critically when solving problems, skills he’ll carry with him throughout his career.

For future interns, Martin offers the advice - ”Be curious and proactive. Asking questions and taking the initiative will allow you to learn far more from the experience.” Additionally, he emphasises the importance of building relationships—shipping is as much about people as it is about operations, and those connections can be key to navigating the industry successfully.

Sanskruti Chavan (Sans)began her journey at AET with a desire to gain firsthand experience in the shipping industry, a sector that plays a critical yet often underappreciated role in global trade. An MSc graduate from the University of Warwick, she was particularly drawn to AET for its leadership in the industry and its emphasis on providing a platform for learning and growth. The opportunity to collaborate with teams across global offices, including those in the UK, Singapore, and Houston, was an exciting aspect of the role, offering a truly global perspective on the shipping industry. Sans’ experience at AET proved to be enriching in every sense, providing her with not only technical knowledge but also practical, hands-on experience that helped her grow both professionally and personally.

One of the key highlights of her internship was the global exposure and the opportunity to work on complex, meaningful projects that contributed to her development. She was surprised by the level of responsibility entrusted to her, far beyond what she initially expected of an internship. Additionally, receiving a Spot Recognition Award during her time at AET was a motivating experience that further reinforced her sense of achievement. The supportive and welcoming nature of the team was another pleasant surprise, as she was encouraged to take on challenges and contribute meaningfully from the outset. “The mentorship and guidance I received helped me step out of my comfort zone and grow professionally,” she said. 

Before joining AET, Sans had assumed that an internship would largely involve supporting tasks with limited exposure to key projects. However, the reality was very different, and she quickly became involved in critical work that expanded her understanding of the industry. Initially, she had viewed the shipping industry as a straightforward process of transporting goods from one location to another. However, her time at AET revealed the depth and complexity of the sector, including its specialized terminology, financial structures, and the level of precision required at every step.

Now, as a full-time Financial Cost Control and Governance Executive, she continues to apply the knowledge and skills she gained during her internship. Sans’ experience at AET provided her with a solid foundation for her current role, where she contributes to financial oversight, governance processes, and operational efficiency. Her advice to future interns is clear: be proactive and take on challenging tasks, as stepping outside of your comfort zone will lead to the greatest learning experiences. “The supportive nature of the team at AET ensures that you’ll have the guidance you need, but it’s the willingness to push yourself that will have the most impact.”  She also recommends making the most of opportunities to collaborate with different teams, as it offers invaluable perspectives and experiences.

The perspective of joining a multinational company, where she could learn and interact different cultures and people from all over the world made Aline Bravo, a fourth-year undergraduate at IBMR University Centre apply for an internship with AET based in our Brazil office.

When asked what was the one word she’d used to describe her experience at AET, Aline said: “Integration. I learnt not only about the area of work I was immediately in, but also about other functions such as Finance, STS, DPST, and Legal, and how everything came together to work seamlessly for AET’s good.”

There are three highlights which have a special place in Aline’s heart: the opportunity to go on board Eagle Paraiba and meet the crew; the ROG.E experience where she learnt a lot about the industry and attended lectures in the Young Summit and sharing her experience at the Dream Learn Work workshop at the tail-end of December 2024.  “I’ve always felt that education opens a lot of opportunities in life. It made a big difference in mine, and I was very happy to share with DLW participants why so,” she said. 

Prior to joining AET, Aline thought that the only opportunities offered by the shipping and tanker industry were marine- and engineering-related. “There is so much more! I also gained an insight into the sheer amount of innovation, the creation of new technologies, concerted efforts to reduce emissions.”

With 2024 being AET’s 30th anniversary, Aline helped in the organisation of several events. “We used these to bring to life, AET’s culture and how we could all succeed and deliver progress together.”

Perseverance and attention to detail would be two skills Aline would be bringing with her into the working world. She also encourages future interns to embrace opportunity, show interest and speak up on anything they’d like to learn, see or be part of. 

AET’s offer of both a scholarship and an internship plus positive feedback from previous AET interns were the key factors for S. Mehar Nisha joining AET. Nisha is a second-year Maritime Business student at Singapore Polytechnic.

“I was particularly excited about the role of Commercial Intern, as I believed it would provide a valuable foundation to kickstart my career in the maritime industry,” recalled Nisha. “I also learnt that AET offered numerous learning opportunities that could contribute greatly to my knowledge and skills, which in turn would support my further studies.”  

During her stint here, Nisha picked up key skills such as being meticulous and learning from mistakes. “These experiences taught me to adapt, grow, and improve, ensuring that I avoid similar errors in the future. This journey has truly transformed my perspective and capabilities, making "transformative" the perfect word to describe my experience.”

Participating in non work-related activities such as the beach clean-up event in collaboration with the Singapore Children's Society added further meaning to Nisha’s internship experience. “We not only picked up rubbish on Pasir Ris Beach but also learnt intriguing facts, like how each ton of recycled paper can save about 17 trees, 300+ gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and about 7,000 gallons of water.” Nisha also enjoyed the social activities and festive celebrations; commenting that these events demonstrated AET’s commitment to staff welfare and fostering a sense of community. 

Before joining AET, Nisha thought that her role as an intern would involve repetitive tasks, based on feedback he/she had heard from interns at other companies. However, my experience at AET was completely different,” she said. “There was always something new to learn every day. These included key processes and the opportunity to learn and present about profit sharing terms with a colleague. I’ve also been involved in key meetings, such as the 'Voyage Month-End Review,' where we analysed whether specific voyages resulted in profit or loss. These discussions encouraged me to think critically about the factors that influenced a voyage’s financial outcome. What I appreciate most about this role were the continuous learning opportunities. I was always encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, and expand my knowledge. This dynamic and engaging environment has far exceeded my initial expectations.”

Key to a successful internship, said Nisha, was in being proactive and being brave to ask questions. “Industry professionals are a wealth of knowledge and often happy to share insights that can deepen your understanding of the work. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or ask for explanation as it’s a great way to learn and grow. Additionally, make the most of the non-work-related activities, like workshops and team events. These are not only fun but also help you unwind and build connections with your colleagues in a relaxed setting,” she said. 

She added: “When it comes to tasks, always ask for guidance before undertaking something significant, such as sending an email to a key external stakeholder. Checking with a colleague or supervisor first ensures the message is clear, professional, and aligns with company standards. Finally, aim to complete tasks promptly and avoid pushing work to the next day whenever possible. Staying on top of your responsibilities helps you manage your workload efficiently and reduces stress. By maintaining this balance of learning, contributing, and staying organized, you can make the most of your internship experience!”
 

The opportunity to work in a global company plus practical and valuable experience in areas such as chartering, operations and technical aspects proved to be attractive factors for Mohammad Arvin Hidayat’s decision to apply for an internship with AET.

Hidayat, who is taking a diploma in maritime business at Singapore Polytechnic, said: “I was convinced that the experience I would gain at AET would help to kickstart my career when I complete my diploma programme.”

Prior to joining AET, Hidayat had thought that his role would purely be deskbound and that he would be working alone. “I had imagined my internship would involve sitting in an office, staring at a computer, and waiting for emails to come in. I also thought I would be working alone at my desk, with little communication with others. However, my experience at AET had been completely different. The people here were incredibly welcoming, and I quickly realized that I wouldn’t just be sitting at a desk waiting for tasks. Being part of the operations team, I initially thought the work would be more relaxed, and I expected to only manage one vessel. However, that was not the case. Operations play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of goods and vessels. I was involved in updating vessel schedules to ensure the team knew where each vessel was heading or located. Additionally, I tracked bunker prices to determine the best time to purchase fuel for the vessels,” he said.

He had also thought that the main business was merely in the transportation of cargo. “I quickly realised that there was so much more. The entire process was an intricate one, involving multiple complex steps. From negotiating contracts – which were the first time to ensuring that the cargo was not coming from sanctioned countries and negotiating bunker prices, appointing agents, and communicating with brokers and the vessel's master, every step was crucial in the value chain. 

Additionally, I learned the importance of understanding different types of contracts, as they are essential for negotiating freight rates and terms. I also gained insight into why SPOT and Time Charter (TC) contracts were structured differently, and how these variations impacted the operational and financial aspects of the tanker business.”  

The global workforce at AET impressed Hidayat greatly. “It is a company that embraces diversity, welcoming individuals of all races, languages, genders, and nationalities. There are as many as 19 different nationalities working here and I enjoyed learning and interacting with colleagues all around the world.”

Additionally, AET’s commitment to sustainability was another area which impressed Hidayat. “The company’s sustainability strategy, which supports 11 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), are aligned with the Company’s business objectives and sustainability framework. I gained a better understanding of AET’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable energy-related maritime solutions and services providers, delivering long-term stakeholder value anchored by operating safely, sustainably, and responsibly to create a positive impact on the environment and society.

Employee welfare was another area which impressed Hidayat. “There were regular initiatives and workshops to offer staff a break from their regular duties. These included health checkups, eye exams, and even a perfume-making session. These activities not only contributed to employees' health and personal development, but also fostered a positive and supportive work environment.

Hidayat intends to apply what he has learnt when he returns to school. “I had the opportunity to learn from captains and other professionals, gaining valuable insights into areas like ship management processes, HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental) management, and the chartering process. My stint has also opened my eyes to a wider range of career opportunities in the maritime industry, allowing me to explore different job scopes that I can pursue once I complete my studies.
 

An interest in the maritime petroleum industry and sector prompted Sarah Hum, a fourth-year student at the Singapore University of Social Sciences to seek an internship with AET.

Sarah, who is reading Human Resources Management, was attached to the HR department where she worked on several wellness initiatives and HR operations. She also took part in the global intern project, which she considered as a highlight of her time here.
“I enjoyed working with interns from the other departments and countries. This opportunity was only possible of AET’s efforts and global presence. I loved interacting and working with the interns in my team as we got to learn from one another and leverage on each other’s strength and cultural differences (and time zones),” she said. 

Sarah had thought that it would be a steep learning curve for her as she had never been in shipping before. “There might be a lot of jargon I have to learn,” she said. “However, this changed because AET has put in place an excellent and structured orientation programme to help me learn about the company and industry. It was not as daunting as I had thought it to be. Nor was the learning curve as steep. My team was very encouraging and supportive by explaining to me the reason for the task that I was assigned to.”

Another perception Sarah had initially was about hierarchy. “I thought it was very hierarchical with captains being the top and crew members below. However, this changed as I saw that everyone was treated with equal respect and dignity despite their ranks or positions”.

As for advice for a future intern, Sarah said: “Be open to trying every task and seek opportunities for yourself!”
 

As AET's first MPA Global Internship Award intern, Vera Wang, a Maritime Studies undergraduate at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, found her 4 months stint an eye-opener, and a fulfilling experience. 

Said Vera, whose studies cover a specialisation in international trading: “Before joining, I perceived the role as primarily focused on the operational side of tanker shipping, expecting to mainly learn about daily operational tasks and procedures. However, my internship experience expanded this view significantly. I was given numerous opportunities to explore beyond just operations, gaining insights into the broader aspects of tanker operations, including chartering and post-fixture processes. This exposure was incredibly meaningful, as it helped me appreciate how different components of the business interconnect and contribute to overall success. As a result, I discovered more about my interests and strengths, allowing me to identify the areas I am most passionate about and best suited for in the industry.”

During her internship, she was impressed by the industry's strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. “I was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on developing alternative fuels, such as ammonia, to achieve net-zero goals. This revealed a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges, which I hadn’t fully appreciated before,” she said. 

Vera spent her first six weeks with the commercial operations and chartering team in Singapore, where she undertook tasks such as preparing bunker price comparison updates, monitoring vessel schedules and supporting vessel clearances to learning demurrage calculations and invoicing from the Post-Fixture team. Working on customer Key Performance Indicator reviews as well as monitoring third-party voyage also enabled her to enhance her analytical skills.

Vera also spent six weeks in Houston, Texas where she underwent a structured rotation through various departments. Additionally, she had the opportunity to do a ship visit onboard Eagle Hanover during its cargo loading operations at Port Noches. 

Another highlight of Vera’s stint was participating in a volunteering effort with AET in Houston to support Target Hunger after Hurricane Beryl together with 18 colleague volunteers from the Houston and Galveston offices, over 4,000 lbs. of fresh produce were packed. Approximately 18,000 meals were provided to those in need.

Vera also participated in a global intern project on analysing ammonia as an alternative sustainable marine fuel; aimed at helping the industry achieve #netzero. She initially collaborated with fellow interns from the Houston and Galveston offices. “As I was based in Singapore, we faced the challenge of juggling different time zones, which we navigated and added a unique dynamic to our teamwork. Thankfully, after a few weeks, I joined them in Houston and it was very nice to be able meet them in person after our virtual meetings,” she recalled. 

Going forward, Vera plans to apply what she had learnt at AET by leveraging her enhanced technical skills and deepened understanding of the industry's collaborative spirit. “The experience has filled me with excitement about pursuing a path in this dynamic sector, where I can connect with people globally and contribute to vital operations.”

For Sophia Errington, a fourth-year student at Nottingham Trent University, her 10-month internship experience at AET has been transformative.

Sophia, who is studying business management and entrepreneurship, said this was because she developed new skills, expanded her knowledge of the shipping/tanker industry, and grew both professionally and personally. “Engaging with various departments, tackling real-world challenges, and learning from professionals reshaped my perspective and prepared me for future opportunities,” she said.

Sophia was attached to the HR department. “Before joining, I perceived the HR role primarily as administrative, focused on tasks like recruitment and managing employee records. However, throughout my internship, I learned that HR was much more dynamic and strategic, with a key focus on fostering a positive workplace culture, improving employee engagement, and supporting overall business goals. I also realised how essential HR is in driving change and innovation within the company, not just in handling routine tasks.”

“I will apply what I’ve learned by using the HR skills I developed, such as communication and organisational management, to contribute effectively to future projects. My experience with cross-departmental collaboration and creating engaging content will help improve team cohesion and support organizational goals in future HR roles.”
 
During her internship, Sophia received a Special Recognition Award. Describing it as a delightful surprise”, she said it boosted her confidence and motivated her to continue striving for excellence. “It remains a memorable milestone in my professional journey,” she added. 

Other highlights included participating in volunteer activities such as a canal and river clean-up, as well as The Felix Project, a leading food redistribution charity. “These experiences were incredibly rewarding and allowed me to give back to the community,” said Sophia. “Additionally, I enjoyed contributing to exciting projects such as creating a video to showcase the London office, organising an internal Health Assessment, coordinating a physio session, and planning the year-end party. I also had the opportunity to enhance my skills through training programmes, including media training and first aid, which enriched my personal and professional development.”

In summing up her experience, Sophia said she felt very lucky to have had the opportunity to work at AET. "I can only hope that my next company is as generous with regard to respect and recognition for their employees,” she said. 

For fourth-year undergraduate Julissa Macias, her internship experience with AET’s HR department will be extremely useful for her when she goes into a full-time related role in the future.

Said Julissa, who is on the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Business Management programme, doing projects for her HR classes has become easier because of her experience and exposure to various aspects of the field. 

“During the Texas Job Fair, I was exploring the different companies and AET’s internship program caught my eye because it offered learning different aspects of HR & not just one. The recruiters for AET were also very friendly despite the huge number of students that attended,” she said. 

Julissa’s stint gave her valuable insight into both the maritime industry and HR processes. “Along the way, I was told stories of successes and failures that the HR team went through during their career and how it has shaped their paths. This information was valuable to me because it helped me learn that mistakes are okay, and they can be a lesson that can help you in the long run!” she said. 

A highlight for Julissa was the 401k audit project where she learnt the importance of confidentiality, process, and making sure employee information was up to date. Another highlight was the global intern project. She worked with Vera Wang, a Singapore-based intern, and developed skills in navigating cultural and communications styles.

Prior to joining AET, Julissa had thought corporate jobs would be more intimidating than a typical office job. “Fortunately, the office culture and kindness of the people proved otherwise. Everyone was helpful and always willing to help, making the corporate world less intimidating,” she said. 

Julissa was also pleasantly surprised by the size of the shipping and tanker industry. “I thought it was small and that only a few companies were involved. After the internship, I realized that this industry was essential and very important for the country. It is also a big industry, and I now would love to learn more about it.”

Not being afraid to ask questions and writing down notes to aid recollection are two things Julissa would recommend to a future intern. “This so that you don’t forget!"

It was the first of many for José Eduardo de Jesus Gomes, a second-year student at Brazil’s Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), when he joined AET as intern. 

 “It was really at AET where I began my professional life. Everything was new to me; my first time working in a large company with many ‘hows’: from learning about the corporate world, to interacting with customers, and working in a multi-cultural environment with various age groups,” said Jose, who is studying International Relations at the UFRJ.

Jose started his internship with a blank slate. “I discovered an industry I barely knew existed. I thought the shipping industry merely meant that ships were out at sea. and over time, I learnt a lot about tankers: their structures, business, and  AET’s operations in Brazil. I had the incredible opportunity to visit a vessel, where I learnt all about a Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tanker (DPST) and meet the crew.”

What was especially valuable was learning about commercial operations from everyone on the team, from vessel operators, the post-fixture team, his line manager, as well as the head of the department. “Their insights and experience enriched my learning,” he said. “I also learnt how maritime laws worked in Brazil and around the world.”

During an AET townhall meeting held during the Company’s 30th anniversary year in 2024, the community investment activity where colleagues built solar lamps for underprivileged children was a highlight for Jose. “This was such a beautiful initiative and moment of learning for me. It taught me that work wasn’t only about business and money, but it was also about doing good for the community.”
  
Jose encouraged future interns to use their time with AET to learn as much as possible. “Don’t be shy! You can learn a lot here. Everyone’s willing to share. AET really has a special place in my heart.”