Narrative Study on Successful Career Transition Based on Experiences of Chinese Vocational College Maritime Students

Chinese vocational college maritime graduates play a crucial role in the maritime field. They operate ship equipment, ensure maritime safety, and provide important support in achieving the goal of China becoming a maritime power. Therefore, paying attention to their career development is of significant importance. This study adopted a narrative research approach and aimed to delve into the inner journey of successful career transition among 12 Chinese vocational college maritime graduates. It was conducted through semi structured interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences. The research findings indicate the interviewees identified several challenging factors associated with the maritime profession. These factors include monotonous and oppressive job tasks, high work pressure, confined spaces on ships, fixed and inflexible salaries, limited career advancement opportunities, a sense of disconnection from society, difficulties making friends, challenges achieving work–life balance, and limited prospects for career growth. These factors contributed to a subjective sense of professional dissatisfaction among them. However, once they transitioned to land-based jobs, they achieved subjective professional success. This can mainly be attributed to the fact that land-based jobs allow them to take care of their families, pursue a more independent lifestyle, maintain social connections, and lead a stable life. Based on the research findings, it is recommended ship companies and society as a whole pay attention to the career development of maritime students and improve the working environment in the maritime industry. This is necessary to meet their needs for balancing family responsibilities, pursuing a more independent lifestyle, and maintaining social connections. By addressing these aspects, it will help facilitate subjective professional success among maritime students.