The Guardian: Inside track: Shell UK: “Shell operates in more than 145 countries, and employs more than 119,000 people. The company is also involved in generating electricity, including wind power, and producing solar panels; producing petrochemicals that are used for plastics, coatings and detergents; and developing technology for hydrogen vehicles.” (ShellNews.net) 15 Jan 05
A 60-second cribsheet on some of the country's largest employers of graduates
Nick Pandya
Saturday January 15, 2005
You mean the place I pick up late night snacks and fill up the car?
There's more to Shell than meets the stomach. True, Shell is best known for its petrol stations-cum-mini marts, but the company is also a mega player in the production and exploration of oil and gas on land and offshore. Shell operates in more than 145 countries, and employs more than 119,000 people. The company is also involved in generating electricity, including wind power, and producing solar panels; producing petrochemicals that are used for plastics, coatings and detergents; and developing technology for hydrogen vehicles.
What does it want from me?
If you're seeking a technical role, you'll need an engineering or science-related degree. The company welcomes applications from all disciplines for posts in its range of commercial activities. However, your academic record is only one of the key factors used in assessing your application. Shell will be looking to identify other personal qualities -such as your drive, enthusiasm and resilience to step outside your comfort zone to meet tough operational targets. The company also rates highly the communication and social skills needed to create trust among colleagues.
What do I get in return?
A place on a world class training and development programme leading to a variety of jobs in either a commercial or technical environment. It also leads to careers in anything from human resources to geologist, from production engineer to marketing adviser. An important aspect of Shell's corporate culture is looking after graduate trainees. Your personal development is taken seriously with the company providing structured support via a mentoring scheme and career counselling through regular appraisals. Graduate trainees on its exploration and production route spend six weeks of intensive training at Shell's centre in the Netherlands.
Sounds cool, but show me the money!
The starting salary for a UK graduate is £26,700 and other benefits include performance-related bonuses to ensure that your individual contribution is rewarded. Graduates can also choose to participate in the company's savings-related share options scheme.
Any chance of a killer fact or two to impress the hiring squad?
About 3% of the world's oil and approximately 3.5% of the world's gas is produced by Shell companies. The company has made around 20% of the solar panels now installed around the world. Every four seconds, a plane is refuelled by Shell Aviation and in the same time 1,200 cars visit a Shell service station. Still hungry for more? Visit Shell's corporate website to swat up on its history and latest financial numbers.
(Tip from ShellNews.net: don’t mention the reserves scandal…)
Where do I apply?
Go to www.shell.com/careers and complete an online application form. You'll also find a 'degree matcher' that helps to identify potential career paths.
Nick says: "There are great opportunities at Shell to meet and work with people from many cultures and backgrounds. Shell employs people from more than 100 different nationalities and ethnic groups and adopts a very strong stance on diversity and inclusiveness. It's keen to give trainees international assignment and cross-cultural experiences early on."
http://jobsadvice.guardian.co.uk/rise/story/0,,1390786,00.html