The Institute's complete range of professional qualifications is designed to meet the needs of anyone with an interest in a career in international trade, from the age of 14 upwards. Options cater for those who have no experience through to individuals who wish to enhance their career prospects with a business degree.

Among our valued students is Nikolaos Tsitlaidis who enrolled on the MSc in International Trade Strategy and Operations - a full-time, year-long course developed in collaboration with WMG, University of Warwick - in September 2015.

The programme provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the management and operational requirements needed to trade successfully in international markets.

Twenty-six year old Nikolaos, originally from Thessaloniki, in Greece had earlier completed an Executive Diploma in Logistics at the London Centre of Management and this MSc was suggested by a tutor after Nikolaos expressed an interest in a shipping career.

We caught up with Nikolaos - an Associate member of the Institute - who gave us an insight into his learning experience – and the benefits he reaped from embarking on it.

 “The MSc was a great grounding for the job I secured on graduation. I’m a logistical coordinator for pan-European shipping line, Samksip, dealing mostly with containers. The programme provided an overview of every aspect of international trade, how multinational logistics companies work - and the transport choices available to them.

“Specifically, it helped me focus on my interest, by becoming familiar with import and export documentation as well as customs clearance for containers, which are both integral parts of my job.

“The programme also gave me an understanding of the complexity of different legal frameworks in global trade, which helps me to manage how different countries’ laws address stolen, damaged or missing containers.

“In addition, I gained a familiarity with financial reports and capital evaluation. This helps me when we quote for a container’s transportation from country to country, using the optimum transport route, or combination of routes

“All this was supported by the insight I acquired in worldwide shipping and rail routes. There were also a number of modules which, although I am not using yet, will be very useful in the future. They included joint ventures and strategic alliances; how to promote your company using the right marketing tools; and warehouse techniques.

“My course leader, Trudy Spencer, and the Institute’s director of education and special projects, Kevin Shakespeare, helped me to present myself to potential employers. Knowing my interest in a shipping career, they guided me on my choice of dissertation – the importance and utilisation of RFID systems to track containers.

“They then provided me with specific information about the UK shipping sector and the best contacts to approach. As a result, I was invited to interview by seven different companies and was offered the position I wanted with Samskip.

“Without the MSc I would not have had the opportunity for such rapid development in the freight and shipping sector.” 

Find out more about the MSc in International Trade, Strategy and Operations and our full range of professional qualifications.