Wells Engineer - Engineering his own career

“Fresh out of university, I secured a role with a services company operating in the oil and gas sector but realised I could get better opportunities to broaden my knowledge of the industry elsewhere. That’s when I made the decision to join Shell’s Graduate Programme.

A big part of why I chose Shell’s Graduate Programme over others was because of the opportunities it offers in both technical and non-technical roles. In the Netherlands, the infrastructure is so well developed that you can easily move around and involve yourself in a wide variety of tasks within different operations.

The learning side of the programme is also fantastic. Within a solid support network, I was always pushed to reach my potential and given the freedom to figure out which role would fit me best."

Making an impact

After formally completing the Shell Graduate Programme I felt a sense of great achievement. While continuing with my further development, on the Shell Advanced Technical Programme, I was appointed as a Well Intervention Supervisor in Norway and given a broad set of responsibilities that I was solely accountable for. Here adding true value to projects that have significant bearing on Shell’s global operations.

In January 2014 I joined the Completion & Well Interventions department at Petroleum Development Oman. After working in Europe for so long it’s been a bit of an adjustment. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to learn though; CWI is a new technical subject for me and I’m finding it really interesting. 

I’m actively involved in the work being carried out on site as I get to interact with many Shell employees face-to-face and guide them in executing their roles. Also, ours isn’t the only installation in the area, so whenever I encounter any problems I’m able to discuss it with peers from other units. It’s a great way to find solutions to problems.

Work-life balance

At the moment, I’m back and forth to Oman as currently I’m working on rotation. I work four weeks straight then have four weeks off when I can go home, or even go travelling. 

In the Wells Engineering department we have Wells away-days where all available graduates go for a three-day trip a couple of times a year to either the UK, Norway or the Netherlands. I’ve been twice now and I really enjoyed both times. We all made presentations, discussed our projects and talked about how we were finding life on the programme; it was a great way to share my experiences with the others.

What I really like about the work environment at Shell is the freedom given to employees to find their own way. For me, that really is a selling point. You get to develop at your own pace, find out what motivates you most and discover your ideal position. And that’s a very good thing.”