Experiential Learning
Experience counts. Industry partners recognize that Cal Maritime graduates possess problem-solving and decision-making skills honed through our experiential and hands-on learning program.
"My job is to board ships and check them into customs. I have the opportunity to work with ships coming from across the globe. " Ryan Packard, IBL Junior
Madalyn Reynolds
Neil Sterud
Aaron Hernandez
Amanda Carvalho
Every student completes an internship
Central to our commitment to experiential learning is our mandatory internship program, designed to provide every student with invaluable hands-on experience in real-world business environments. We believe that experiential learning is the cornerstone of success, and our internship program reflects this philosophy by seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. The results speak for themselves – our graduates consistently enjoy one of the highest job placement rates in the CSU, a testament to the skills, insights, and professional networks they acquire during their internships.
Field Trips
As pandemic-era restrictions are relaxed, students once again have the opportunity to go on field trips. Field trips not only complement classroom instruction but foster a sense of curiosity contributing to well-rounded and adept graduates. IBL students have toured the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Ports of San Francisco, Oakland and Stockton, the Tesla factory in Fremont, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, cold storage facilities in Stockton and Oakland, Vessel Traffic Services in San Francisco and even an area winery where they studied issues with bottling and reverse logistics.
Marine Insurance
Students taking the marine insurance class have the opportunity to experience a tour on small boats that gives them firsthand exposure to potential risks associated with small boat operations, such as accidents, damage or loss of cargo. The experience helps them gain insights into the type of claims that may arise and helps students develop a better understanding of claim handling and underwriting considerations.
Networking at Conferences
Students have numerous opportunities to attend events hosted by professional associations such as the Intermodal Association of North America, the Propeller Club, Women in International Trade, the Japan Society, the Asia Society, the Bay Area Coalition, and the East Bay Economic Development Association. These events offer unparalleled opportunities to network with industry experts and potential employers, providing a platform for students to engage in meaningful conversations, gain insights into current industry trends, and establish connections that can significantly impact their future careers. Students gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate their chosen industries successfully, ultimately bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
Discipline-specific Competitions
IBL students frequently participate in case-study competitions hosted by the Intermodal Association of North America and the University of North Florida to apply their logistics and transportation curriculum to real-world intermodal issues and showcase their understanding of global and domestic intermodal supply chains. They also participated in an Ethics case study competition hosted by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and in an Entrepreneurship, Academy hosted by Lawrence Livermore Laboratories.
Contact
Capt. Steve Browne, Dean for the School of Maritime Transportation, Logistics and
Management
sbrowne@csum.edu
707-654-1162
Bessie Alaniz, Office of the Dean for the School of Maritime Transportation, Logistics
and Management
balaniz@csum.edu
707-654-1774