From learning the ropes to leading the way in maritime transport

Read about Martin’s maritime education journey in Tasmania

Martin Valencia grew up in a family of seafarers in the Philippines, watching his father excel in various roles such as maritime engineer, technical superintendent, and shipowner’s representative. When Martin was in middle school, his father’s maritime ambitions brought his family to Japan, where his father accepted a job offer from a major shipping line company.

Seven years later, Martin followed in his family’s footsteps and began pursuing a career in shipping, which all started with a move to Tasmania.

Discovering Tasmania

Martin began his career journey at the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College (AMC) when he was 18 years old. He enrolled in a Bachelor of Business (Maritime and Logistics Management) – a course specialising in areas including warehousing, supply chain management and maritime operations management.

“When I first arrived, life as an international student living in Tasmania was life-changing,” Martin says. He explained that the biggest difference was the lifestyle.

While Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, Tasmania is unlike anywhere else in the world and boasts its own special lifestyle. Cities in Tasmania are small enough to foster a sense of safety and community but large enough to still provide all the big city perks – the perfect balance!

Martin describes Tasmania as rich in natural features and community-focused, with abundant local produce and a wholesome environment.

“My favourite thing about the lifestyle in Tasmania is the mix of nature and city life. It’s not as large and populated as other major cities in Australia, but that works just fine for me. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Launching a promising career

Martin’s studies at AMC armed him with all the knowledge he needed to kickstart a career in the maritime and supply chain sector.

“AMC helped me gain real industry knowledge because the lecturers are long-term industry professionals who have shifted to a career in educating aspiring shipping and logistics professionals.”

Martin graduated from AMC in 2015 and quickly found work as a freight forwarder. In this dynamic role Martin was responsible for efficiently moving cargo between buyers and sellers which meant liaising with Australian Border Force, transport companies and shipping lines.

“Every day I was exposed to different types of supply chain solutions. Every cargo has its own logistical needs in order to be moved on time and in the right condition.”

Martin received lots of advice and guidance from AMC’s career mentor program throughout his search for permanent employment in Australia. Mentorship from a logistics industry professional helped Martin to polish his resume, sharpen his interview skills, and use his global background as an advantage.

Since landing his first role in the industry, Martin has been able to move around within the sector and has recently landed a niche role as contracts manager at Liberty Bell Bay, formerly known as TEMCO.

In this role, Martin is in charge of procuring goods and negotiating high-value contracts for the company. This requires a high level of interpersonal skills, which Martin has been honing throughout his time working in Australia. The role also entails speaking to multiple key stakeholders and establishing strong commercial relationships throughout the procurement and contracts cycle.

A love of learning and new horizons

Martin is excited to build on his industry skills and establish himself within the sector as a supply chain and procurement professional who is capable of handling key projects and any challenges that might come his way.

Martin’s current role and his interest in continuing professional development means that he intends to remain at Liberty Bell Bay for the foreseeable future as he continues to learn and grow. For someone who has already enjoyed so much global movement, though, Martin sees new adventures on the horizon as well.

“The world is my oyster, so I am always open to moving to other parts of Australia to experience different environments and connect with new individuals.”

Think Tasmania might be the place for you?

When he isn’t working, Martin makes the most of his free time by playing badminton, dining out with friends, enjoying the fresh produce at Launceston’s Harvest Market and going on road trips to explore more of Tasmania.

Martin’s advice for future international students heading to Tasmania is to throw themselves into the experience with an open mind and to look forward to the many adventures they will have on their journey.

“I assure you that you will cross paths with people who could potentially be life changers and come across unique experiences that you can only find here in Tasmania.”