V Group global graduate Lalithaa Rai explains how she wants her career to have real meaning. As a member of Generation Z, she shines a light on career aspirations
How did you get your start or what inspired you to pursue a career in the marine industry?
I initially began my academic journey studying clinical psychology. I spent about a year in the field before realising it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. While psychology is fascinating, I found myself drawn more towards exploring diverse opportunities, engaging with people from different cultures, and working in dynamic, international environments.
Coming from a family rooted in the oil and gas and maritime sectors – my father in oil and gas, and several other relatives in the maritime industry – it felt natural to explore these industries. I was intrigued by the global nature of maritime work and the chance to challenge myself in a new way. That curiosity led me to study at Solent University in Southampton, where I graduated and now proudly take part in one of the most respected graduate programmes within V Group.
One factor that stood out to me, however, was the representation of women in the industry. Currently, women make up only about 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce, with the total female representation across both seafaring and shore-based roles reaching around 29%. This statistic initially struck me as surprising. It made me realise how much room there is for growth and how, by joining this field, I could be part of a movement to change that representation.
That statistic didn’t discourage me – it motivated me. I wanted to be part of that 1.2% of women who are actively shaping the future of the maritime industry. I wanted to break barriers and prove that women can excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. More importantly, I wanted to inspire others, especially young women, to consider careers in this diverse and exciting industry. There are so many roles within maritime – whether at sea or ashore – and the opportunities for growth, leadership and innovation are vast.
What are your responsibilities in your current role?
Currently, I’m part of the performance project management office, where we oversee and support a wide range of strategic projects across the organisation. It’s a dynamic space that allows me to work closely with different business units, each with its own unique goals, challenges and ways of working.
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in four diverse projects, each coming from different departments within the business. My role shifts depending on the needs of each project – sometimes I’m deep in planning and co-ordination, other times I’m managing communications between stakeholders, tracking performance metrics, or ensuring alignment with project goals. This variety has been incredibly enriching because it pushes me to adapt quickly, think critically, and see things from multiple perspectives.
Working with so many different people – project sponsors, stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and senior leadership – has truly sharpened my communication and interpersonal skills. And believe it or not, that one year I spent studying psychology has come in handy. Understanding people, their motivations, and how to navigate different personalities and perspectives has made a real difference in how I manage relationships and contribute to the success of each project.
Every day is a learning experience, and what I love most is how no two projects – or teams – are ever the same. It keeps things exciting and constantly pushes me to grow, both professionally and personally.
Was there anyone who inspired or encouraged you in your career?
What inspired me was the uniqueness of this industry. Where I come from, it’s quite uncommon to meet someone who has chosen a path in maritime. Most people are more familiar with careers like medicine, engineering, or finance – but the maritime sector often goes unnoticed, even though it’s such a vital part of the global economy.
Growing up in Asia, when children are asked what they want to be, you often hear answers like doctor, pharmacist, lawyer or engineer. All of these are incredible and respectable careers, but rarely do you hear a child say, “I want to be a captain” or “I want to work in the maritime industry.” I want to change that narrative. I want to stand out, not just for myself, but to inspire the next generation to see the maritime world as a place of opportunity, challenge, and growth – regardless of where they come from.
That’s exactly what drew me in – the idea of doing something different, something not often spoken about. I was curious to explore a field that’s not typically encouraged, especially for women. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with the opportunities, the diversity of roles and the global nature of the work.
While I didn’t have a mentor at the beginning, I was fortunate to have the encouragement of my family, many of whom work in oil, gas and maritime. Their support helped me feel confident in stepping into unfamiliar territory. Since joining the industry, I’ve also met people – especially women – who are breaking barriers and paving the way, and that has been a huge source of motivation. Seeing others thrive makes me want to push forward and do the same, not just for myself, but for those coming after me.
