Page 22: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q3 2016)

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FACES IN THE CROWD

Andrew McGonagle

Maine Maritime Academy

Major: Marine Engineering

Operations

Graduation Year: 2016

Why this school? What one thing should prospective employers

Maine Maritime Academy is an investment in the future for know about you?

my family. The campus is located in downeast Maine, allowing My phone number ... feel free to give it to them. I also main- me to chase my dreams and pursue a meaningful career while tain an outstanding GPA, have a diverse background that in- raising a family in one of the most down-to-earth, family friend- cludes military service, small business ownership, and a pre- ly regions that America has to offer. In addition, the school con- vious career as a marine technician. My combined skill-sets sistently provides graduates with excellent careers offering a should be valuable to any prospective employer that is looking high rate of return on investments of both time and money. for someone with technical business experience, strong tech- nical communication skills, and leadership skills from mili-

What keeps you here? tary service.

One of the best things that this country has accomplished re- cently is passing legislation for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It allows Tell us about your at sea training or internships – veterans like me to realistically pursue an education full-time. who did you work for or sail with?

Without it, attending a 4-year program would not have been Last summer I completed a cadet shipping internship with economically feasible. The school also has a VA coordinator Hornbeck Offshore Services in the Gulf of Mexico. I worked on campus that is an unsung hero at expertly navigating the aboard a 320 class HosMax OSV, supporting Shell Oil’s off-

VA system and the challenges that it presents. shore oil and gas production. Most recently, however, I com- pleted a winter cruise aboard the school’s training ship, the

What is your major and what career do you intend to pursue? State of Maine, sailing from Castine, Maine to St. Croix.

My major is Marine Engineering Operations and I will The experiences were vastly different, but equally valuable. I initially pursue a career at sea as an engineer. I hope to ? nd look forward to sailing again this summer on the T/S State of employment in a fast-paced, technically challenging environ- Maine with the freshman class as we bring her to Europe and ment that keeps me growing personally and professionally. points to be determined.

Nothing is off limits and I’m excited to begin my job search.

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