Shell opens a broad range of career paths

HONG KONG'S ENERGY needs have changed dramatically since the time when fuel, mainly kerosene, was transported to the region by sailing vessels.

Energy company Shell has been operating in Hong Kong for more than 100 years and relies on a wide variety of skilled professionals to handle a variety of jobs, including pricing, trade, consumption and marketing.

Shell China attraction and recruitment manager Lili Zhang said Shell employees had the opportunity to explore as many career paths as their interests, abilities and business opportunities allowed. As a global company, Shell gives employees international exposure to the organisation through job rotation, different job functions, business lines and the opportunity to work in different countries. The company recruits fresh graduates and those with work experience.

Shell offers a university campus ambassador scheme, arranges walk-in interviews and a resume critique to help students devise their own career plan. Fresh recruits are paired with mentors and 'buddies' to help them learn about the firm and adapt to its culture.

'We need to recruit and train people to face challenges such as stricter environmental standards, society's changing expectations and new technologies,' Ms Zhang said.

Shell activities in Hong Kong encompass oil products, retail filling and service stations, liquefied petroleum gas, aviation fuel, marine products and services, bitumen for road surfaces, technical services and chemicals.

Carol Lau, human resources manager at Shell Hong Kong, said the sheer diversity of the company made it an interesting place to work. 'We have found success lies in pulling together teams of people with different perspectives and different ways of approaching problems, people who nevertheless share a set of core values about how to deliver results,' she said.

Performance and competence determine new roles and promotions. Line managers hold discussions with staff to determine progress targets, areas of improvement and fresh challenges.