ISABEL MARTÍN RAMOS

Isabel Martín Ramos works within the administration and passenger department of the Melilla branch and has extensive experience at Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea. She began her professional career as a Passenger Agent at an OPE, and since then has held several positions within the branch demonstrating outstanding dedication and commitment.  

What has it been like to develop your professional career at Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea? How did you begin?

I began 30 years ago when I was selected to work on the Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) in the summer, on a 3-month contract. At that time, I was preparing for my exams to become a secondary school teacher, which is what I had been trained for. Once the OPE contract finished, I continued working at the company. I loved working within this sector from day one; the connection with the ships, the sea, etc. And over time I realised that I really loved this kind of work and decided to drop out of my teaching course. This was a major step for me as my professional career changed entirely.

After such a long time working for the company, you must have seen a lot of change. What is the greatest challenge you have faced?

The greatest challenge was taking on the responsibilities of the branch’s Administration Department. When my line manager retired, he took a chance on me and taught me everything I needed to know to perform the role. His help and support were essential. When he left, I felt like I’d be all on my own, but it wasn’t like that. It was a challenge taking on that role. I have seen a lot of change throughout my career, but it was all part of my professional journey and was able to handle it.

Of all the positions and responsibilities you have taken on over the years, which were you most comfortable with?

During my career I have worked in the passenger, cargo and administration departments, focusing on administration and passengers for quite some time. I enjoy all the responsibilities and duties of administration. The best aspects of passenger service are looking after the customers, understanding their concerns, resolving queries, issues, etc. I feel very comfortable in both areas, but I believe that administration is more professionally suited to me.

Would you recommend our sector to young people? And, of course, our company? What advice would you give them?

I would absolutely recommend working for our company as it has been a wonderful and exciting experience for me. The advice I’d give to young people joining our company would be to have patience, as everything will come in time, with hard work of course.

What do you most appreciate about working for Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea?

What I most appreciate is the relationships I have with my colleagues, who are all fantastic. They have become my new family, as I came here from Granada. My colleagues are everything to me. The company has also been a great tool to help me overcome challenges I’ve experienced in my life. Working at Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea will always feel like being at home to me.