BreakbulkONE Show: How to Prepare Now for a Possible Job Search Ahead

With a continuing stream of layoffs and furloughs, job security is at an all-time low for many. The time to take action is now. This episode of BreakbulkONE Show will help you prepare for a possible job search in the future–or jumpstart your current search. 

Sue Dvonch specializes in mid- and upper level job placement in maritime transportation, supply chain, logistics and related industries. She identified where job opportunities will arise and provided a preparation plan. Alex Strogen talked about moving between sectors and Sam Holmes talked about networking and what it takes to be successful in a new job.
 
 
This webinar took place on 11 June 2020. 

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Click on the panelist's name to download their presentation

Susan Shey Dvonch, Managing Partner, Shey-Harding Executive Search

Susan Shey Dvonch is Managing Partner of Shey-Harding Executive Search, a transportation industry recruitment firm established in 1990 and based in Seal Beach, California.  Since joining the firm in 2003, she has executed numerous searches at the C- level for companies throughout the U.S. The firms’ clients include port authorities, ocean shipping companies, equipment providers, and marine terminal operators.
 
Susan received a bachelor’s degree in Education from Boston College in 1987. She recently served two terms as President of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Propeller Club.  She is active in the American Association of Port Authorities and Association of Pacific Ports, is a contributor to the Journal of Commerce, and is a guest lecturer at the Center for International Trade and Transportation at California State University Long Beach and for Lamar University’s Center for Advancement in Port Management.

Alex Strogen, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Vancouver USA

At the Port of Vancouver USA, Alex Strogen is responsible for planning and implementing marketing strategies, objectives and programs to promote trade; directing the marine cargo development program; and developing and maintaining relationships to promote use of the port. Strogen began his career in U.S. container terminal management positions with Maersk Line. He next worked on global trade lane development with APL before moving to Kuwait, then UAE to oversee APL’s Middle East business development. Strogen accepted the position of Manager, Middle East with American Roll On Roll Off Carrier in 2007, relocating to Houston in 2009 to manage ARC’s project cargo market. Prior to his current role, Strogen was Senior Global Category Leader for GE Global Operations from 2011-2017. He holds a B.S. in Maritime Business from Texas A&M University and has also completed executive education programs at Kings Point Federal Maritime Academy.


The Port of Vancouver USA is a multi-purpose port authority on the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. Established in 1912 to ensure public ownership of trade docks, the port handles more than 7 million tons of cargo each year. Products such as wheat, grains, mineral and liquid bulks, automobiles and project cargoes make their way to and from Vancouver by ship, train, truck or barge from points as far away as Asia, South America and the Middle East. The port is home to more than 50 industrial tenants that vary from wood panel manufacturing to electronics recycling and small-batch beer malt distributing.


Samuel Holmes, Logistics & Trade Compliance, Wood

Samuel is a team-oriented logistics professional with academic and practical logistics background, leadership training, project management, and business administration and finance experience. With over 7+ years of industry experience, he has worked on capital projects in the onshore and offshore energy services sectors. Samuel obtained his MBA in General Business from West Texas A&M University and his Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain from University of Houston.
 
Samuel lives in Houston and is married with 2 kids. He enjoys watching and playing sports (tennis, soccer, running, biking, hiking), traveling, volunteering, and cooking.
 
Wood is a global leader in the delivery of project, engineering and technical services to energy and industrial markets. We operate in more than 60 countries, employing around 60,000 people, with revenues of over $10 billion. We provide performance-driven solutions throughout the asset life cycle, from concept to decommissioning across a broad range of industrial markets, including the upstream, midstream and downstream oil & gas, power & process, environment and infrastructure, clean energy, mining, nuclear, and general industrial sectors.

“When starting your career, pursue your passion and don’t follow the money. Determine what your values are and what intrinsically motivates you. A great career is one that advances both your personal and professional life and provides opportunities to learn and grow.” 


The breakbulk industry is full of exciting job opportunites and you can get started by checking out the various cargo surveyor vacancies listed online.