From France to Ålesund to learn about the maritime industry

What made you choose VARD for your MSc Thesis?

The MSc thesis doesn't necessarily need to be affiliated with a company, but it made more sense for me to engage in work relevant to the industry. Gaining experience within a company is an effective way to acquire competence, hands-on experience, and broaden one's professional network. I came to Ålesund to be part of this Norwegian maritime cluster so choosing a Norwegian company for my thesis was a logical decision. VARD, with its notable reputation and global presence, particularly in significant, customized projects, caught my attention. Positive testimonials from people employed at VARD, and the success of a friend who completed his thesis with VARD last year, further influenced my decision.

What kind of tasks do you work on?

I'm working on understanding better the effects of roll-damping devices to improve their efficient implementation and hence improve the operability of the vessel. This study is based on one SOV vessel and I use ShipX-VERES, a software to calculate the response of the vessel.

How it is to do your thesis with VARD?

I'm enjoying my time at VARD a lot. The people here have made my integration easy, and I feel very well-supported in my tasks. The work environment is excellent, and my Vard supervisor's accessibility has been very beneficial in getting my thesis off to a good start.

What is your plan going forward?

Currently, my plans are not fixed, and I am in the initial stages of exploring job opportunities. I aspire to join a company that offers engaging projects within a positive work environment. I am considering the possibility of staying in Norway due to its abundance of interesting opportunities in the ship building industry and its picturesque outdoor settings, even though I might miss the taste of French cuisine.

Would you recommend VARD to others looking for MSc thesis?

Absolutely. You have the freedom to choose projects aligned with your interests, and if you're unsure, the company provides guidance on relevant topics among the variety of the project. The environment is welcoming, with helpful and supportive people. All the tools you need are provided. There's flexibility in terms of work location – you can choose to work at Vard offices or opt for a different location such as the university