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Year two graduate Maddy, is about to hand in her last few assignments before graduating from Rockley College. With clear career goals, and the ultimate dream to gain her Captain’s License, Maddy will be heading to the Warsash Maritime School in September to study BSs (Hons) Nautical Science.
Maddy is no stranger to the water. Growing up in South Africa, she has spent a lot of her life on yachts with her Dad, as well as participating in various water-based sports – swimming, water polo and life-saving, at county, national and international level. At the age of 14, her family moved to the UK: “I would never have had the same opportunities if I was still in South Africa.”
Maddy’s initial plan was to study Business, Psychology and Sport at A-Levels, but a last-minute change of plan, led her to Rockley College – a move which she says really ‘kick-started’ her career in the maritime industry: “It was a very last-minute decision, but probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Maddy is also a hugely successful rugby player, representing Great Britain in the U18 Women’s England Player Development Programme. Her next decision moving forward was to either study Sports Psychology at university and continue with her rugby career alongside this, or to follow her heart and continue to pursue a career in the marine industry.
“I had to choose between two different passions and I chose the maritime industry. I think my future self would thank me for making this decision.”
All of Maddy's educational choices have been with the support of her parents. “I’m very fortunate that I have the parents I have. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They have given me all the tools and advice I could ever ask for.”
The process of being accepted onto the four-year BSs (Hons) Nautical Science course is not for the faint-hearted: “The course is purely based on sponsorship - at the Open Day, you are exposed to a range of sponsors who represent different vessel companies. These include the luxury yacht manufacturer Princess, Carnival Cruise Line, and my preferred company - the Maritime Consultancy Group, Watermark. The idea is to speak to as many people and make as many contacts as you can. Both sponsor and candidate have to mutually ‘fit’ each other.”
Following her application submission, Maddy was invited for an interview with Watermark, and was subsequently offered a place.
Maddy is fully aware that she is entering a predominantly male-dominated industry – another reason Watermark appealed to her: “My sponsor is making a very conscious effort to ensure more females are given these kinds of opportunities. I am one of five females out of ten candidates, so it is very much an even split.
The course does not require UCAS points but I was told that the Rockley Diploma really boosted my application. Plus, the additional practical qualifications such as the RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Dinghy Instructor, Assistant Instructor and the land-based qualifications, made me a really attractive candidate."
Maddy is fully aware that it will be a challenging four-years: “It’s a hard industry and you need to make your mark as soon as you can. The whole point of this industry is to be friendly and put in the hard work. This makes a massive difference to your success.”
Maddy has made her decision and is clearly content with her choices: “I can be quite an anxious person and I like a plan to put my mind at ease. Now I know what I’m doing, I feel like I’m chill!”
"I’m so sad to leave Rockley College but I’m also excited to see where the wind will take me - there is so much to look forward to.
“Do what works for you. If you're unhappy, you should make a change. I think lots of people are quite scared with the decisions they want to make. Just do whatever feels right, and whatever works best for you.”