In the fourteenth episode of our column Women Power, we interviewed Irem Duzdaban, First Officer for Celebrity Cruises, be self-aware nothing is impossible.
1. What was your main motivation for pursuing a career on cruise ships?
I started my career on cargo ships that were oil/chemicals almost 5 years ago. After 3.5 years on cargo ships I realised that I was not working happily and that my only motivation was money, which was not enough. When I asked myself if I wanted to continue doing this job, the answer was yes, but there was none. So I said to myself, 'OK, I have to move on to the best option in the maritime industry'. I didn't feel that I was showing my full potential, so I pursued a career on cruise ships.
2. Can you recount a significant moment or experience that made you realise that this was the right job for you?
Actually, it is not just one significant moment. Every time I look up and see the sea in front of me, I remember how lucky I am to be doing this job.
3. Being a cruise ship officer is often associated with a male-dominated environment. How have you faced and overcome gender-related challenges in your career?
The maritime industry is a male-dominated industry in general, this is true. However, in cruise ships, companies are trying to break down this perception.
Of course I have encountered some barriers along the way, especially on cargo ships. For example, working with a captain who didn't trust my knowledge and my ability to do my job and who asked junior officers to check my work.
But I think they see where I have come and how good I am at it, and that is enough for me.
4. What is your specific role on board the ship and what are the challenges and satisfaction it brings?
I currently work as a first officer. The 1st officer is a man/woman on duty who has 8 hours of watch a day on deck to be in command of the ship. Besides that, the 1st officer is called deputy safety officer in Celebrity Cruises. Basically, he/she is in charge of crew training, drills, maintaining safety equipment and supervising junior officers.
5. When you were a child, did you have a secret dream?
When I was a child, my only dream was to provide a good life for my mother. Because I saw her working hard for my brother and me, I vowed to give her everything she dreamed of.
6. Cruise ships are often considered microcosms of cultural diversity. How do you manage communication and interpersonal relations with such a diverse crew?
You have the opportunity to learn every culture and even languages and make new friends all over the world.
So wherever you want to go, you will have friends who will give you hospitality.
7. How do you manage the work-life balance when spending long periods away from home?
Not everyone is able to do this kind of work. Because being away from home is very difficult psychologically. However, getting used to it is the key. I work for four months on board and receive two months' holiday after each contract. This is the system of my life. At the beginning of my career I managed to stay on board for 9 months, so 4-month contracts are fine for me.
8. What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession and what motivates you to continue working on cruise ships?
Receiving messages of compliments from teenage girls and seeing that you are becoming a role model for them is the most rewarding aspect of my job right now.
9. Finally, what advice would you give to those considering a career as a cruise ship officer, especially to women who might feel uncertain about this career path?
Remember: whoever you see working as a cruise officer on social media is no better than you in terms of the job. It is better for them to follow their dreams and be more aware of their abilities.
So be self-aware first. Nothing is impossible.
I always say that if you want something badly, it means you already have it. So keep on wanting.
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