Getting to know one of the TPEF scholar alumnus

Allyson Augustin started his journey with TORM in 2009 as a TPEF scholar and is the first TPEF scholar to be promoted to a Senior officer in TORM.

Allyson has earned many accomplishments over the years, from a committed student to a dedicated and hardworking seafarer and TPEF CSR member, let us hear more from him…

• How has your journey been with TORM, and what do you like the most about your job?
I have enjoyed all of my time at TORM. Being onboard is like being on an adventure. I get the chance to learn and earn at the same time. Troubleshooting and fixing the machinery aboard is what I enjoy most about my job. The task is both exciting and challenging, but it is definitely accomplishing something.

To begin with, I got the opportunity to pursue my college education in shipping through TPEF. The TPEF scholarship helped me get to college when my parents were unable to afford/support further education, so I am very grateful and can proudly say that I would never be where I am today without it.

• Having gone from cadet to officer, what are the biggest challenges, and best experiences you have had?
It was a pleasant and demanding experience being a young engineer on a vessel as sometimes the machinery had trouble during difficult times or while I was sleeping. However, these things are all part of being a seafarer, and they all contribute to your experience and skill. The best experience I have had going from cadet to officer is learning from senior officers and applying that knowledge and experience to my own.

• Excellent! Looking forward, how do you envision scaling your career further to senior roles at TORM?
Seniority now will be a different experience. My responsibilities will mainly revolve around management, which is quite challenging since I will be dealing with many different people. We are fortunate, however, since we have trainings and workshops which can address such situations. In the future, one of my commitments to our company will be my loyalty and serving as an inspiration to new cadets and other junior officers.

• How do you like to spend your free time outside of work?
After work, I usually go to the gym. Then, stay in the dayroom for a movie with some colleagues or play on our PlayStation if the vessel has one. Also, I make time to connect with my family, especially with my wife.

• Finally, what would be your words of inspiration for the young scholars and cadets?
Keep chasing your dreams – I strongly recommend it. We sometimes think it is impossible – until it is done. Let me share one of my favorite quotes in life, “Do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do.” And lastly, let us never forget to thank God above for all that we have whether good or bad since everything has a purpose. All we have to do is discover it.