We recently caught up with Roshan Gore-Samad, who joined ABP’s Graduate Training Scheme as a Commercial Graduate in October 2023, to hear about his journey on the scheme and his current role as Assistant Commercial Manager based in Ipswich.
Can you tell us about your journey from joining ABP as a Commercial Graduate to securing a full-time position in the Commercial team?
"The Graduate Training Scheme has been diverse and has taken me across the country. I started the Graduate Training Scheme with ABP’s Wales and Short Sea Ports (WSSP) Commercial team and spent the first 3-4 months visiting many of the ports in the region – which spans Scotland, Wales, the Northwest, Southwest and East Anglia – to learn how each port is different.
“I have worked with the Commercial team in ABP’s London Office, which is in Covent Garden, to look at action plans to improve results from customer surveys. And I have worked in Southampton, where I helped with a project involving the research of emerging Chinese electric car brands to help inform the commercial team on potential new business opportunities. Following my time in Southampton, I then spent 8 months in Operations in Ipswich, working as a supervisor, stevedore, and being involved in the planning team.
“Finally, I returned to the WSSP Commercial team, where I continued to learn about the different sectors that ABP works across – whether that be Agri-bulk, the role of ports in supporting large energy projects such as the Sizewell C project, and more recently, getting heavily involved in the offshore wind industry through the Port of Lowestoft. I have really enjoyed getting insight into the whole business and relating more to what customers need by knowing what’s going on the ground.”
What initially attracted you to join ABP as a Commercial Graduate, and what kept you motivated throughout your graduate scheme?
“The graduate scheme is fantastic because it offers the opportunity to explore different aspects of the business. I've always been fascinated by ports, especially after spending time in Felixstowe as a child and watching the large vessels come and go.
“What keeps me motivated is the strong support from the team when needed and the satisfaction of seeing the results of hard work pay off.”
What have been some of the most valuable experiences or projects during your time on the Graduate Training Scheme that prepared you for going into a full-time role?
"Working on the Sizewell C project and spending time in different teams and locations have been invaluable. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of the business and how different parts of it work together."
What will your new role in the Commercial team entail, and how do you see it contributing to ABP’s goals?
“In my new role, I’m focused on driving the growth of ABP’s revenue and commercial activities within East Anglia. I work closely with the commercial team and the broader port community, including customers, local businesses, and stakeholders, to identify and develop new business opportunities.
“My responsibilities include building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with existing customers, ensuring their needs are met while exploring ways to enhance their business experiences. At the same time, I’m actively seeking out potential customers and working on attracting them to ABP's services and facilities.
What are your immediate priorities in this new role, and what are you most excited to work on?
"Sizewell is such a massive project. It will be the largest construction project in Europe. The amount of volume we should see coming through the port will be huge, and it will be a big local employer. I enjoy meeting customers and am excited to work on this project."
How do you plan to apply the skills and knowledge you gained during the graduate program to your new position?
"I plan to use the broad understanding of the business and the specific skills I’ve gained in different roles to contribute effectively to my new position."
What advice would you give to future Commercial Graduates at ABP who are aspiring to transition into full-time roles?
"Take every opportunity that comes your way and learn as much as you can. It’s worth expanding your knowledge."
Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey so far, and what do you wish you had known when you first started?
"I’m proud of my time as a supervisor in Operations, where I led a crew and ensured the successful delivery of results for a customer. Looking back, I wish I’d understood just how vital ports are to the nation. Witnessing the diverse range of materials and products that flow through them, as well as the incredible projects we support, truly highlights the significant role ABP’s ports play in driving the country’s economy."
How do you envision your career progressing at ABP, and what are your long-term aspirations within the company?
"I aim to progress from Assistant to Commercial Manager and keep supporting the business. I’m looking forward to my first deal."
What trends in the commercial or port industry are you most interested in, and how do you see them impacting your work at ABP?
"I’m particularly interested in the green energy transition and large green infrastructure projects like Sizewell C and offshore wind. I’m excited about how ABP can play a part in these developments."
What areas of personal or professional development are you focusing on as you settle into this new role?
"I want to continue engaging with customers and improve my negotiation skills. I’d like to go through the whole commercial process from beginning to end, learning from others in the business.
"I hope that I can continue to support the growth of ABP’s revenue and commercial activities, particularly in East Anglia."
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your new role, or your experience at ABP?
"I’ve had a great experience at ABP. No matter how long you’ve been here, there’s always more to learn. Things are always changing, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
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Rosh’s journey from graduate to Assistant Commercial Manager is a testament to the opportunities and experiences ABP’s Graduate Training Scheme offers. If you’re ready for a career where every day is different, where you can make an impact in a dynamic industry, ABP might just be the place for you.
Ready to start your journey? ABP is looking for talented graduates wanting to become future leaders in the port industry and help shape the future of green energy.
Applications are currently open for the ABP Graduate Training Scheme, which will start in October 2025. Closing date for applications: 6th January 2025. To apply, visit: careers.abports.co.uk/content/graduate.
