As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the need for developing well-trained, knowledgeable and tech-savvy port leaders of the future has never been greater.
Last April, the Port of Los Angeles announced its first-ever Fellows Program, an educational initiative focused on developing the next generation of maritime and port leadership. The one-year, on-the-job experience for graduate students officially kicked off in June with the selection of three fellows from some of the region’s top universities.
“What students learn from a book or in their classes is just one part of the equation,” said Doane Liu, deputy executive director at the Port of Los Angeles. “Our Port Fellows Program provides hands-on learning, opportunities for real-world problem solving, and personal mentorship that will be key to both inspiring and launching maritime-related careers.”
One of three fellows selected for the program, Shelton Shi is currently a second-year student in the Master of Science Global Supply Chain Management Program at the USC Marshall School of Business. Shi has been assigned to the Port’s Marketing and Customer Relations Bureau, where he is analyzing supply chain optimization opportunities. In China, he previously worked for Hengrun Import & Export Corp. Ltd., the Foreign Economic Development Co. Ltd. and as a manufacturing intern for the Panasonic Group.
Fellow Julio Miranda is pursuing a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management at California State University, Long Beach. Miranda is working as part of the Port’s Construction and Maintenance Division, where he will be focused on finance and administration. Miranda previously worked for Metrolink in Los Angeles and for Milli Transportation, Inc. in Cerritos, CA.
Emily Yen—a second-year Ph.D. candidate in sociology at UCLA—serves as a fellow in the Port’s External Affairs Bureau. With a strong interest in port development, sustainability and community relations, Yen is currently working on community outreach strategies and stakeholder relations. She is also writing her dissertation at UCLA on Southern California’s container port development.
