Why Join Shell?

It is exciting. Shell offers challenges and job satisfaction - and I can still map out a career path for myself as well as explore the world on a daily basis. Graham, Global Exploration Geologist

The biggest story of the past 150 years is energy. Nothing else is more responsible for keeping the world powered - from our day-to-day activities to generating global development. Today, energy demands continue to rise and new energy challenges require creative thinking in the fields of science and technology, plus an understanding of environmental concerns.

Shell's aim is to meet the energy needs of society in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally viable, both now and into the future. If you're looking for international career prospects and outstanding challenges, read on…

Most people know us for our retail stations and for our exploration and production activities. However, with operations in more than 130 countries and territories and employ 108,000 people worldwide, we also deliver a much wider range of energy solutions to our customers.

Here are just a few of the activities we're involved in:

• Marketing, transporting and trading oil and gas
• Providing oil products for industrial use, including fuel and lubricants for ships and planes
• Generating electricity, including wind and solar power
• Producing petrochemicals that are used for plastics, coatings and detergents 
• Developing technology for hydrogen vehicles.

There are countless reasons why you should consider a career with Shell, here are just five of them. Click on a reason to find out more.

"I'm impressed by the company's environmental policy. It isn't just lip-service, but a real commitment to responsible corporate behaviour. Shell walks the walk - and usually sets even stricter standards than governments require." 

Adrian, Environmental Engineer 

“In the wind business, Shell is one of a handful of large corporations with a commitment to developing, owning and operating renewable energy generation. It’s exciting to be a leader in making renewable energy resources a mainstream endeavour. It’s a business that holds a lot of growth, environmental benefit and vision.

Krista, Business Development Manager – Wind Energy”

Shell not only finds, produces and refines oil and natural gas, we also harness the potential of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. We have invested $1 billion in this area since 2000, have the broadest portfolio of alternative energy than any other major energy company and we’re already running hydrogen filling stations in five countries.

At Shell, we’re committed to balancing profitability with the broader, longer-term needs of the societies and environments in which we work. In fact, we see this as being critical to the future success of our business. 

In 2004, we spent $6.3 billion of our $18.2 billion net income with locally owned companies in the developing world, helping them to engage in mutually beneficial, long-term operations.

Wherever you join us, you can expect to play a part in helping us drive the future of energy.

“I wanted to join a company large enough to offer a wide range of work opportunities across a broad geography, and with values consistent with my own. During my time here, I have had the opportunity to work in virtually all of Shell’s major businesses and service organisations. This has included IT services, Exploration and Production, Oil Products – Retail Marketing, Oil Products – Refining, Chemicals – Manufacturing, Chemicals – Global Learning and Development, and my current multi-business role in China.”

Dale, HR Director, Shell Companies in North East Asia

As a renowned global brand, Shell operates a diverse network of businesses in such areas as retail, petrochemicals and consultancy. 

The size of our business means that we offer almost unlimited scope for you to pursue an interesting and fulfilling career. Not only are we at the forefront of technology and advancement in terms of our technical roles, we also offer challenging commercial careers in areas such as Retail, Consulting, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Sales and Marketing. 

We have thousands of opportunities all around the world for technical and commercial professionals, graduates and students. The global nature of our business means we have an environment that is characterised by diversity, inclusiveness and multiculturalism – it’s an environment where people who flourish on knowledge sharing and the exchange of ideas will thrive.

At the heart of this approach is the value we place on the various qualities individuals bring to their roles. For although a strong academic record or skills base is important, we also believe that the strength of our businesses is based on the mix of our peoples’ ideas, philosophies, values and beliefs. 

Sharing, learning, understanding and reflecting the incredible diversity of the world – one of the reasons why Shell is one of the most successful global brands

“I have the opportunity to use leading edge technology to explore varied geologic environments all over the world. Shell utilises a lot of proprietary technology and technical expertise. As the implementers of the new technologies, we have an opportunity to influence and, occasionally, conceptualise development of proprietary technologies. “

Elizabeth, Geophysicist

Whether they’re researching hydrogen fuel cells or refining oil production techniques, Shell’s Engineers are constantly innovating, improving efficiency and discovering new ways in which we can continue to meet the world’s energy needs. 

Our investment in sophisticated exploration techniques is exemplified by the US$4 billion Athabasca Oil Sands Project in Canada. Containing more oil than Saudi Arabia, we have developed new technologies that convert the sands into high quality petrol and diesel.

As one of the largest developers of wind power in the world, our commitment to tackling the many technological challenges faced by the engineers and developers who work in the Shell Renewables business is demonstrated by the planned London Array project. Designed to be one of the world’s largest wind projects, it will eventually provide around a quarter of London’s electricity needs.

“It's a really dynamic environment where no two days are the same. I'm learning new things every day. All my colleagues are mentors."

Kim-Mun, Well Engineer

Although we’re very big, we place a lot of emphasis on the value of the individual and the contribution they can make to their team. We believe in responsibility and accountability from day one – and if you work hard to realise your potential, it will be noticed. 
If you join us as a graduate, you’ll attend a wide range of induction and training programmes that provide you with the perfect introduction to the Shell Group. Depending on the business and country, the content of these programmes varies – for example, if you join our Exploration & Production business, you’ll spend six intensive weeks at our learning centre in the Netherlands or at one of our regional hubs, developing your skills and increasing your knowledge and understanding of this vital part of our operations. Read more about our Develop programme.

Join us as an experienced professional and we’ll help you progress your career in a way that suits your ambition. You’ll have access to operations in 140 countries, with supportive, challenging and innovative working environments and opportunities. We also have the Shell Open University covering internal functional and commercial skills training programmes developed by experts. And our mid-level and executive leadership programmes are designed to encourage emerging leaders and potential executives to take their careers to the highest levels. Visit the Professional section to read more about Career progression.

“I enjoy working for an international company. I don’t feel like I am working remotely – I am part of Shell Ethiopia as well as Shell International. I get to travel, meet all different types of people and learn about different cultures. There is a sense of belonging here – Shell really invests in its people.”

Iman, Finance Planning Manager, Ethiopia 

With operations in more than 140 different countries and employing around 109,000 people, we’re a truly global company. We’re also the world’s biggest fuels retailer, operating 50 refineries and producing around 3% of the world’s oil. Put another way, we refuel one plane and 1,200 cars every four seconds. This means that for the right people, we can offer plenty of opportunities to work internationally. With this in mind, we expect people to play their own part in identifying appropriate roles and assignments and to demonstrate that they have the right skills and qualities to make the role a success. 

Where you live and work will always depend on what you want to do and what we have available. Sometimes that might mean working on projects in an industrial environment or in smaller towns and cities like Aberdeen, Miri, Sakhalin and Woodcreek. Or it could involve participating on global projects or short term assignments with international colleagues in one of the world’s major cities, including: London, Moscow, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Houston, Vienna, Singapore, Hong Kong, Athens, Dublin, Seoul, Prague, Lisbon, Bangkok, Madrid, Dubai, Cape Town, Istanbul and Casablanca.

Read in detail just why our employees find Shell such a challenging, diverse and fulfilling place to work.