In this employer spotlight, we speak with Seaspan, a leader in shipbuilding, ship repair and marine transportation. They talk about their InternSHIP program and give advice to students looking to work at the organization.
What does your company do?
With more than a century of experience operating up and down Canada’s West Coast, Seaspan plays a vital role in Canada’s marine sector: doing everything from designing, building, and repairing ships to, transporting goods, materials, and fuel safely and efficiently throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What is the culture like at your organization, and how do you support the professional growth of your employees and co-op students?
Seaspan’s InternSHIP Program’s goal is to attract and obtain top talent from diverse backgrounds. We are dedicated to empowering and supporting students' success through on-the-job learning and meaningful experiences during their term with us.
What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student?
At Seaspan, we value students who are eager to grow and willing to take on the challenges that come with working in a complex technical environment. The shipbuilding and marine industry is dynamic, so students who are comfortable learning new systems and solving problems are especially valuable. We also look for individuals who prioritize safety, communicate effectively with team members from different trades and departments, and work well in a collaborative setting. Students who show initiative, share ideas, and remain flexible in a fast-paced workplace tend to succeed and are given the opportunity to make meaningful contributions on our interesting projects.
If you’re interested in working at Seaspan, you can stand out as an applicant by showcasing examples of how you’ve taken initiative. For example, taking on leadership roles in school organizations, solving real-world problems in coursework, or contributing to team-based engineering and hands-on projects related to shipbuilding or manufacturing.
How do UBC co-op students contribute to your organization?
Over the years, students have made meaningful contributions to Seaspan in a variety of ways. At the end of each work term, Seaspan interns present the major projects they have worked on, many of which include technical process improvements, managing innovation simulations, supporting new system implementations, and many other initiatives that help advance ongoing projects.
What are the typical hiring periods for co-ops?
Our InternSHIP Program offers sessions in Winter (January to April, recruitment in September)), Summer (May to August, recruitment in February), and Fall (September to December, recruitment in June), providing valuable opportunities for students throughout the year.
