Alumni Profile
Making the Connection Strong
Joshua Shaw '12 gives back in numerous ways that make a difference.
Photo by Billy Sims
What's your present occupation?
from Texas to Florida. Running through the Gulf of Mexico, I got to see the
Since graduating Maine Maritime's Vessel Operations and Technology
rigs al lit up at night, which was fascinating to me.
(VOT) program I've been with Edison Chouest Offshore. I'm relief-Captain/
My final internship was for Edison Chouest, and I had a great experi-
Chief Mate aboard a 312-foot DP 2 class platform supply vessel, operating
ence. The prospect of being able, right out of school, to operate one of their
in the Gulf of Mexico supplying oil rigs.
massive, highly maneuverable, Z-drive and control able-pitched (CP) boats
on a smaller license had great appeal. So upon graduation I signed on with
What led you to MMA?
Chouest.
I found hard work, working more than those around you, and staying
My father had several boats over the years, and he always stuck me behind
focused is paying off for me. I go early and stay late; that's my thing.
the wheel. I enjoyed being on the water. So the seeds that led me to where I
am today were planted early.
In addition, I participated in a two-year diesel/heavy equipment trade
What other experiences were valuable?
program in high school, and after graduating, I went to work running
I benefited tremendously from spending lots of time around the waterfront
excavators and bulldozers for my father who had a construction company.
and teaching other students how to drive boats in supplemental seamanship
It was exciting to be running large equipment at a young age and have al of
after school. It put me in a training mode, which is important because at my
the controls at my fingertips.
job I'm training al the time.
But my mother had urged me to consider Maine Maritime. And when I
I also learned the importance of being calm and patient, which I picked
learned more about the college's reputation, I realized it could lead to a good
up from role models like John Worth, Tim Leach, Harry Stevens, Dana
job. She was right, as parents often are.
Willis, Derek Chase, Hannah Gray and others.
I decided VOT would be the perfect program considering al of my early
passions. By the time I enrolled, I was 23 and a little older than most of the
How are you involved with MMA as an alumnus?
students, but I was focused.
I was told upon graduation, "Don't forget those before you, those with you
and those behind you. You represent al of them when you go into industry."
What aspects of your MMA experience are key to your
So I try to give back in as many ways as I can. I send a couple of checks
success today?
a year, even though they're not big. I always say if 100 students in my class
gave $100 that would be $10,000 a year.
One of the most important was the fact that every professor, faculty and
Also, I visit and do lectures when asked by professors. This wil be my
staff member made the effort to be available for whatever my needs were.
third year presenting to the workboat operations class. I talk about my
Not just me but for every student.
sector of the industry and I think students find it's good to hear from former
They al care about your success, which made it enjoyable to attend.
students who sat in their seats.
I can't count how many times I asked professors for extra help and they
I try to participate in alumni events, as wel , like the annual Senior
always made time.
Alumni Banquet. It's a great way for seniors to mingle with alumni and meet
I participated in several internships that helped place me in the industry.
industry professionals.
My first year, I worked on lift boats. Then, tow boats on the Mississippi
No matter where I go, I meet other Maine Maritime graduates, and it's a
River pushing coal barges and bulk products. My third summer, I worked
great feeling knowing we have that connection.
with K-Sea Transportation on an ATB (tug and barge) moving gasoline
mainemaritime.edu
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