Meet Our People

"Having seen Shell from the inside with a 6-month internship, I knew that was the job I wanted. So when they offered me a position, I took it without any hesitation."

What I look for in a company is one that offers challenges, diversity, further development and growth, and global opportunity, and also a job that gives me opportunities to utilise the skills I developed from my degree; and Shell fits the description perfectly. I spent a 6-month internship at Shell Clyde refinery after my third year of a Chemical Engineering degree. I worked closely with the process engineers, and got a real taste of what it is like to be a Process Engineer. I was impressed with the way they worked, and responsibilities they took on, applying different skills to solve problems, and making positive contributions. Having seen it from the inside, I knew that was the job I wanted. So when Shell offered me a job, I took it without any hesitation.

My current role at the refinery is a Process Technologist for distillation, hydroprocessing and platforming. It involves monitoring process unit performance, developing projects to optimise unit operation, and supporting Process Engineers with daily operations. It requires very strong troubleshooting skills, and logical analytical skills. My role gives me the chance to interact with people at all levels of the organisation, from the operators to engineers to senior managers. I enjoy being on the plant, talking to people to identify and understand the problem, and being in a team that works constructively towards a common goal.

I really enjoy the variety of tasks I work on, and the responsibilities that come with them. Don’t think that when you are a fresh graduate, you will be someone’s ‘shadow’. It is certainly not the case at Shell. From the beginning, I was given real responsibilities in the projects I worked on, utilising my problem solving skills to come up with the most practical and effective solution. Every problem is unique, thus I am constantly challenged. Of course, I am not left alone, getting technical support and help from a group of talented people who are always willing to share their experiences and expertise, helping me to develop. A technologist role does not mean looking at trends on a computer all day. At a major shutdown, I enjoyed the experience of getting inside some reactors and distillation columns, getting my hands dirty. The experience of finally being able to see something I studied in a textbook was really fascinating. I was so impressed with the magnitude and engineering designs. Being in the job only for a short time, there is still a steep learning curve. Over the months I have picked up many skills from on-job training, which are essential for my current role. Also the company encourages formal training. Shortly, I will be going to Singapore for a two-week training course on hydroprocessing and platforming, which will strengthen my technical understandings and skills in these fields.