From navigating English Bay on a small dinghy as a child to now helping pilot a large cruise ship as a BCIT nautical sciences student, Jessica Calado has come a long way.

While careers at sea are still male¬-dominated — Calado pointed out BCIT’s yearly intake of cadets is usually about 18 to 20, with two females per class — she is trying to help change that by participating at the trade shows and info sessions put on by the school aimed at recruiting women.

“At the end of high school, I was trying to decide what college to attend and what I wanted to study. I have always had a love for travel and one of my dreams is to one day sail around the world,” Calado told 24 hours via email while she was off the coast of Alaska serving with Princess Cruises.

“I decided to do some searching on the web to see if there were any careers and university programs that stuck out. Not many did, except BCIT’s nautical sciences program.”

After graduating in June, Calado found employment almost immediately and serves as third officer aboard the cruise ship.

“I navigate the ship alongside a senior officer and am in charge of certain lifesaving appliances and the fire team. I get to drive the ship and have even been given the opportunity to take the ship out of the berth for departure.”

One day, Calado hopes to receive her Master Mariner’s license allowing her to command any size vessel anywhere in the world.

We asked you to nominate the region’s best and brightest students for our two-week feature Top 24 Under 24. Now we’re profiling young people already making big strides in the world through volunteering, entrepreneurial spirit and technological innovation