6 strategies for career progression and personal growth
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Read Transcript
Title: Shell Graduate: Shashin's story of growth
Duration: 1:11 minutes
Description:
Shashin, a Licensing Technology Manager based in India, shares his story and how workplace values have enabled him to find success in Shell.
Shell Graduate: Shashin's story of growth transcript
[Background music plays]
Fast music notes of an uplifting song plays.
Shashin
I would like to share a story about how workplace values have been a key enabler for my success in Shell.
[Text displays]
Shashin
Licensing Technology Manager
[Video footage]
Close-up footage of Shashin happily speaking towards the camera against an out-of-focus office.
[Text displays]
How workplace values have been a key enabler for my success in Shell
[Transition]
Shades of blue and orange in the Shell brand colors animates in diagonally from the top left corner of the screen into a full screen before transitioning out to the bottom right corner of the screen.
Shashin
The Shell Graduate Programme gave me diverse opportunities to grow in Shell while working on interesting projects that address the energy needs of today and tomorrow.
[Text displays]
The Shell Graduate Programme gave me diverse opportunities to grow in Shell while working on interesting projects that address the energy needs of today and tomorrow.
[Video footage and photos]
Close-up shot of Shashin, positioned slightly on the left side of the frame, talking straight to the camera while seated on a stool in a warmly lit lounge area. Next, a picture-in-picture layout with a photo situated on the left side of the screen shows Shashin standing in front of a Shell Recharge EV charging station while holding the pump. The photo is set against a full-screen video backdrop of solar panels encompassing the lower half of the screen while white clouds are moving against the blue sky on the top half of the screen.
Shashin
We have gone ahead and pioneered door-to-door diesel delivery for B2B customers.
[Picture in picture]
A close-up diagonal photo of the front of a white truck with a rectangular label on the side of the truck that reads “Doorstep Diesel Delivery” in block white letters against a red placard sign. It transitions to a new photo of the same truck but seen on a side view. Next, the photo changes to the same truck and angle, now with Shashin in his Shell uniform and another person standing in front of the side of the truck while Shashin is holding a peace sign. These photos are positioned in the middle of the screen set against a full-screen aerial footage slowly moving horizontally to the left featuring a parking space with several trucks parked.
Shashin
As a result of that, customers do not have to take their vehicles to the fuel station.
[Video footage]
A medium shot of Shashin, positioned in the middle of the frame, talking straight to the camera while seated on a stool and leaning towards the high table in a warmly lit lounge area. The camera zooms in to a close-up of Shashin in the same area.
[Transition]
Shades of blue and orange in the Shell brand colors animates in diagonally from the top left corner of the screen into a full screen before transitioning out to the bottom right corner of the screen
Shashin
Working on challenging projects together with job rotations in the program, as well as support from the leaders, helped me to excel in any of the role.
[Video footage and photos]
A medium shot of Shashin on his left side, sitting on a desk chair while typing on a keyboard. Next, a front view of his face is shown from behind his computer screen as he continues to work. The next four photos show up one after the other with one second each. A full-screen photo comes up of Shashin with a big smile set against a blurred background of people smiling and laughing. Another photo pops out with a medium long angle of Shashin holding a briefcase while walking along a blurred hallway full of people. The next photo shows Shashin in a room full of men in their Shell uniforms. Shashin is wearing a red Shell collared shirt with a neon yellow safety vest on top, and making peace signs with both his hands. The last photo is a group selfie photo with Shashin holding the camera while doing a thumbs up sign against a blurred background of an office with colleagues smiling towards the camera. A cake is on a table in between Shashin and his colleagues. The montage ends with a medium shot of Shashin back in the warm lounge speaking towards the camera.
Shashin
Shell enabled me to diversify my skills, and most importantly, they value me.
[Text displays]
Shell enabled me to diversify my skills, and most importantly, they value me.
[Transition]
Shades of blue and orange in the Shell brand colors animates in diagonally from the top left corner of the screen into a full screen before transitioning out to the bottom right corner of the screen.
Shashin
That feeling of being valued at workplace is something I deeply care for and want to pay forward.
[Video footage]
We see a full body frame of Shashin sitting in a booth in the lounge with two of his co-workers viewing from diagonally to the left of their booth. The screen transitions to a new angle of a medium close up shot of Shashin resting his arms on the table in front of him, while smiling and listening to his co-workers. It slowly zooms in to his face. The video goes back to a medium frame of Shashin sitting on a stool in the warmly lit lounge as he talks towards the camera.
Shashin
We have established employee networks for people with disability as well as for LGBTQ+ community. And these networks also provide a platform for these communities to come together and explore their further potential.
[Text displays]
employee networks for people with disability as well as for LGBTQ+ community
[Video footage and photos]
Next, a photo is shown of a conference room full of people seated and listening, and looking towards a person situated on the left side of the photo.
[Split-screen footage]
The frame is split into two side-by-side screens. The left side shows Shashin talking towards the camera, the other is a close up shot of his lanyard decorated with a stripes design in rainbow colors and words that say “Proud to be an ally” in capital letters and the Shell logo. The left side changes to a photo of a group of people holding signs with positive LGBTQ+ artworks with Shashin in the middle walking along a road. The right side changes to a photo of a bigger group of people holding positive LGBTQ+ artworks standing on the stairs in front the main entrance of a building. Then, the left side transitions to another photo of a standing poster for Shell Powering Love with a rectangular cutout in the middle for photo ops, and positioned in the middle are Shashin and his colleagues.
[Video footage]
In the next frame, we see a static medium shot of Shashin back in the warm lounge, seated on a stool, speaking towards the camera.
[Transition]
Shades of blue and orange in the Shell brand colors animates in diagonally from the top left corner of the screen into a full screen before transitioning out to the bottom right corner of the screen.
Shashin
With Shell’s value-led culture, I found not only success in my career, but also a deeper sense of value for the work that I do.
[Text displays]
I found success in my career and a deeper sense of value for the work that I do.
[Video footage and photos]
We see the back of Shashin and we follow along as he walks down a hallway with the wall to his left showcasing Shell’s milestones throughout the years. The video changes to a view of his front, as he continues walking with a huge smile on his face. A photo is shown next of Shashin doing a peace sign and smiling towards the camera while standing with other people in a room. Next, a video shows Shashin in a small meeting room as he talks and gestures to his co-worker. We then see a close-up show of his two colleagues as they speak to him. A medium shot shows the left side of Shashin as he is seated on his desk chair while he works in front of his computer. The following frame shows a front view of him while he continues his work on his desk, looking towards his computer that is out of frame. The last frame in the montage is of Shashin in the lounge booth with his two colleagues as they share a conversation with smiles on their faces.
Shashin
It’s an environment where you can truly thrive as you work on powering progress.
[Video footage]
A medium long shot slowly zooms in towards Shashin as he is seen sitting on an orange armchair reading a book. He is sitting in front of a wide window that brings in warm light from outside. The last frame of Shashin shows him against a blurred background of a cafeteria full of table and chairs peppered with leafy plants on waist-tall light wood planters around the space. He says his final line towards the camera.
[Video footage and animated sequence]
Over medium footage of Shashin talking towards the camera, a yellow line draws the shape of a Pecten, and text displays below this. Then, concentric Pecten shapes pulsate out from the original shape until the frame is filled with radiating Pecten shapes.
[Audio]
Shell brand mnemonic played on strings.
[Text displays]
Find out more
shell.in/careers
[Animated sequence]
The small classic red and yellow Pecten transitions in to display at frame-center against a white background.
Importance of career progression and personal growth
Definition of career progression and its significance in the early stages of professional life
Career progression means moving forward, acquiring new skills, or taking on new challenges and responsibilities in your work life. It’s how you climb the career ladder while exploring opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
Establishing a solid career development foundation in the early stages of your professional life leads to long-term success and job satisfaction.
The role of the Shell Graduate Programme in facilitating career growth and development
The Shell Graduate Programme, designed to develop future leaders, takes early-career talent on an average three-year accelerated career growth journey. At Shell, we empower graduates to take ownership of their own development. The programme provides the necessary tools to realise your full potential through job rotations, on-the-job training, formal instruction, and coaching.
When you join, you can learn, grow, and develop your skills while working with experienced colleagues on different energy-related challenges.
Our inclusive and collaborative culture will provide you with the support you need to grow your skills as you work on meaningful projects with exciting responsibilities right from the start.
Let’s go over the best strategies for getting the most out of your professional development at Shell.
1. Setting clear goals and objectives
Understanding the value of clear career objectives
Defining clear career objectives gives you direction and focus on your career progression path. These objectives act as a roadmap, guiding your decisions and motivating you to reach them.
Strategies for effective goal-setting in career planning
One way you can practise effective goal-setting is by trying the SMART method.
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria are key to setting your goals in a way that makes them clear and attainable.
- Specific: Clearly define your goals with as much detail as possible. For example, instead of "get a better job," aim to "secure a marketing position focusing on social media by next year."
- Measurable: Quantify your goals to see whether you’re getting closer to them. For example, you could say, "Complete two online marketing courses” instead of “Start learning about marketing.”
- Achievable: Your goals should be challenging but attainable.
- Relevant: Your goals should align with your overall career aspirations and values.
- Time-bound: Set a specific deadline for achieving your goal to create a sense of urgency and drive your actions daily.
Aligning personal aspirations with professional goals
Your career should complement your values and aspirations. Picture the lifestyle you want to have and ensure that your professional goals can contribute to achieving it.
This makes it easier to have an excellent work-life balance.
2. Continuous learning and skill development
Embracing an ever-evolving learner mindset for career success
Today’s workplace is constantly changing at an incredible pace. This means you need to keep up with the new technologies and evolving industry needs.
As you grow your skills and knowledge, you gain greater career stability, advancement opportunities, and adaptability to the changing market demands.
Identifying areas for skill enhancement
You should be constantly evaluating your skills and looking for knowledge gaps. You can quickly discover areas that need improvement by:
- Researching industry trends
- Reading job descriptions for your desired roles
- Getting feedback from your manager, colleagues, or mentor
Skills that can bridge the gap between your current positions and the next step on your career ladder should be at the top of your priority list.
Leveraging resources for learning and development
There are tons of resources you can use to fuel your learning journey. You can explore online courses, attend workshops and conferences, or pursue industry certifications.
For example, Shell offers various resources to improve your chances of landing your dream job, such as tips on how to stand out as a candidate or how to improve your resume.
3. Seeking mentorship and guidance
The role of mentors in career advancement
Mentors are experienced professionals who act as invaluable guides on your career journey. They offer insights, share experiences, and provide strategic advice, helping in career guidance for fresh graduates or early career professionals.
A workplace mentor can help you navigate challenges at the office, develop essential skills, build confidence, and gain access to valuable professional networks.
Finding the right mentor for your career stage
The ideal mentor for your career stage should be someone who has been in your shoes and knows how to help you overcome current challenges and push your career forward.
To find a mentor, you can look within the company, attend industry events, or join a learning experience that pairs you with the right mentor for your career level.
For example, in the Shell Graduate Programme, you work with a mentor and first-line manager who help you gain skills through formal training and coaching.
Building a productive mentor-mentee relationship
When working with your mentor, it's essential to establish open and honest communication from the beginning. Be upfront about your goals and expectations, and don't be afraid to ask questions or share your thoughts during discussions.
Your mentor should provide regular feedback on your progress, helping you identify areas for improvement and celebrate your successes.
How mentorship facilitates networking and skill development
Mentors can open doors to key industry contacts, helping you expand your professional network. If your mentor has more experience or holds a position you aspire to, their connections can serve as a valuable guide for your networking efforts.
Look for individuals who can offer valuable insight or support your career growth. When reaching out, leverage your mentor's relationships to build these connections in a natural and authentic way.
4. Building a strong professional network
The Importance of Networking in Career Growth
Building a strong professional network is essential for career advancement. It opens doors to new opportunities, provides access to valuable industry insights, and connects you with potential employers and mentors.
Engaging with others allows you to learn from their experiences , exchange ideas, and build your reputation within your field. By connecting with people, you can improve your communication skills and gain fresh perspectives and views.
Utilising online platforms for networking
Online platforms have made it easier to connect with people in your industry. You can leverage online platforms like LinkedIn or join relevant online groups and participate in discussions from the comfort of your home.
You can also attend virtual conferences and webinars to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends. These interactions can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities for growth.
Maintaining and nurturing professional relationships
Building relationships is a two-way street. To maintain and nurture your professional connections, stay engaged through regular and meaningful communication. This can include checking in periodically, celebrating career milestones, or sharing insightful industry updates.
Try to offer help or support to your network whenever needed. Remember, genuine interactions build stronger connections and foster trust. Over time, this strengthens your network and contributes to both personal and professional growth.
5. Embracing challenges and taking risks
The role of resilience in career advancement
Building a solid career that satisfies your professional needs takes work. You need to be mentally prepared and resilient to bounce back from setbacks, navigate challenges, and adapt to change.
When you are resilient, you can learn from your mistakes, overcome obstacles, and stay motivated.
The benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone
Make an effort to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself regularly. Try learning something new or participate in projects outside of your expertise.
Taking calculated risks opens doors to new opportunities and positions you for advancement. Embrace the discomfort; it's often where the most significant learning and progress happen.
Learning from setbacks and building mental toughness
Setbacks are inevitable but can prove to be valuable learning experiences if you have a learner mindset.
At Shell, we foster a learner mindset. It is the belief that we can always improve, enhance individual capabilities, learn from both mistakes and successes, and encourage open dialogue.
6. Balancing work and personal life for overall growth and success
Aligning career aspirations with personal values and needs
We spend about a third of our lives at work. To build a successful career, focus on a job that excites you each morning.
At Shell, we believe that the foundation of a successful career is built on understanding your professional aspirations. Reflect on what truly matters to you:
- What are your core values in life?
- What ignites your passion and gives you a sense of purpose?
- Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
- How have your past experiences and education shaped your journey?
- Do your skills and strengths align with your career goals?
By answering these questions, you can chart a career path that not only fulfills you but also drives you towards long-term success.
Defining work-life balance and its importance
Work-life balance is more than just a buzzword; it's the key to thriving both personally and professionally. Picture a life where your personal and professional commitments harmoniously coexist, allowing you to excel in both areas without one overshadowing the other. Achieving this balance reduces stress, enhances well-being, and boosts productivity, paving the way for overall career and personal success.
The impact of work-life balance on productivity and well-being
When you strike the right balance, you recharge and bring renewed energy to your professional life. This balance promotes physical and mental well-being, preventing burnout and ensuring you remain motivated and productive, which is essential for long-term career sustainability.
Setting boundaries for sustainable career growth
Learn to disconnect during off-hours, utilise time management techniques, and delegate tasks effectively.
Communicate your boundaries to colleagues and managers to handle expectations and protect your personal time.
Setting career goals with Shell
Identifying your professional aspirations
Begin by reflecting on your career goals and how they align with Shell’s vision and business areas. At Shell, we are committed to transitioning to a net-zero emissions business while continuing to provide the energy that people around the world need today. Our key business areas in India include:
Gas
Shell is one of the earliest developers of LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) infrastructure in India and we are proud of the role we play in supporting India’s gas needs with competitive LNG supplies from Shell’s world-leading LNG portfolio and the Hazira regasification terminal, operating in India since 2005.
- Shell enables Indian gas and LNG customers to meet their energy needs with competitive and reliable supplies and innovative solutions customised for their requirements.
- The Hazira rLNG (Regasified Liquified Natural Gas) terminal has played a vital role in connecting India to the global LNG market. With a capacity of 5.2 MTPA, Hazira is connected to all 3 major natural gas pipeline networks and features truck loading facilities that play a crucial role in helping meet India’s growing demand for gas across sectors
Lubricants
Shell Lubricants serves over 50,000 consumers through a network of more than 200 B2C and B2B distributors and operates an end-to-end value chain that spans conceptualisation, development, production at a world-class blending plant and distribution. We offer best in class lubricants and fluid products to our customers across a broad range of sectors: including road transport, construction, mining, agriculture, power, manufacturing, and robotics. Our offerings go beyond lubricants to provide 360-degree solutions, including E-Fluids and E-Greases for commercial vehicles.
- Shell remains the #1 global supplier of finished lubricants for the 18th consecutive year (Kline report, 2024), and India continues to be a key growth market for lubricants. ▪ We have a ‘Proudly Made in India’ portfolio manufactured at our blending plant in Taloja, Maharashtra.
- Enrolled 70,000+ mechanics and engaged 2,000+ truckers through dedicated programs.
- We are committed to enabling a circular economy through oil recycling and packaging innovations.
Mobility
Through our 325-plus retail stations, we offer an integrated mobility experience including fuels, cafes, and convenience stores, with a prominent network of EV recharging facilities.
- We are more than just a fuel station, being a one-stop destination for all on-the-go needs of consumers.
- Unique people, powerful togetherOur retail forecourts reflect our commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation with a proud representation of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and women
Renewables and Power
Shell Energy powers businesses by leveraging its strong trading capability and deep global market understanding to offer reliable, integrated and innovative energy solutions.
- From fertilizer to steel, customers can rely on Shell Energy India’s unparalleled market access, regional regulatory expertise and financial strength to consistently meet energy requirements.
- Sprng Energy is Shell’s largest renewable energy investment worldwide and was acquired for $1.5 bn in 2022. Sprng is a renewable power platform that manages energy facilities and infrastructure including solar and wind farms. It has 1.8 GW in operations and 1.9 GW under construction/contract.
Technology and innovation capabilities
Shell Technology Centre, Bangalore (STCB)
Shell Technology Centre Bangalore (STCB) is a state-of-the-art innovation and technology hub with advanced engineering, digital, and pilot testing facilities for current and future energy systems. Established in 2006 in Bangalore, STCB focuses on R&D across the value chain, including low-energy solutions and new product development. It supports asset management and develops cutting-edge technologies to accelerate energy transition through key capability themes such as emerging digital technologies, data science and artificial intelligence. It also serves as an end-to-end project delivery hub from inception to asset handover. Spread over a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Gold certified 52-acre campus, STCB houses up to 1,500 experts and is one of Shell’s three major technology hubs, alongside those in the USA and the Netherlands
Information and Digital Technology (IDT) Hub, Bangalore
Shell's Information and Digital Technology (IDT) Hub in Bangalore is at the core of our global technology capabilities, driving digital transformation. We've established critical capabilities from planning and architecting to delivery, including project/product management, data and analytics, software and design engineering, and ERP. Our Information& Digital Services and Operations (IDSO) group delivers significant business value with 24x7 support via the Global Command Centre and Cyber Defense Labs, operating on a follow-the-sun model. The sustained availability of technology talent at scale in Bangalore underscores its significance in Shell's global operations.
Financial Operations (FO), Chennai
The Financial Operations (FO) Hub in Chennai is central to Shell’s core financial and data activities. These include planning, appraisal & reporting, revenue accounting and group service recovery, energy risk accounting, market and credit risk management, direct taxation, controls and compliance and local statutory reporting. By providing access to reliable information that supports operational excellence, the hub facilitates actionable insights through Advanced Analytics and Data Science powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). These differentiated capabilities allow Shell to drive digital transformation and strategic business decisions globally, ensuring that financial operations remain a cornerstone of its global business framework.
Technical Asset Support (TAS), Chennai
Shell’s Technical Asset Support (TAS) group is the company’s global technical operations delivery engine, with hubs in Chennai, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Krakow, that provide comprehensive and innovative solutions for Shell assets globally. TAS integrates deeply with the asset and business teams from Downstream & Renewables (DR) and Upstream & Integrated Gas (IGU) to ensure excellence in execution and asset performance. The TAS hubs support over 35 assets worldwide, offering expertise in areas such as digitalisation, equipment care and reliability, production optimisation, maintenance and turnarounds, as well as capabilities in subsurface and WRFM delivery (Wells, Reservoir, and Facility Management).
Tips on setting realistic and achievable career goals
- Establish milestones: Break down your long-term vision into smaller, achievable steps to create a clear roadmap for progress.
- Know your strengths: Set career goals that leverage your unique abilities and skills to make them more attainable.
- Feedback: Regularly seek input from mentors and managers to adjust your career development plan accordingly.
How Shell supports your career ambitions
At Shell, we're passionate about empowering individuals to take ownership of their development to achieve their career ambitions. We promote an environment of formal and informal learning and development, making full use of the range of expertise across our organisation, so graduates can combine real on-the-job responsibility with structured learning plans.
Examples of how the Shell Graduate Programme aligns with individual career goals and aspirations
The Shell Graduate Programme is more than just a job. It is a tailored, hands-on experience designed to empower your professional needs and aspirations.
The program matches your skill sets and passions with opportunities by providing:
- Diverse Rotations: Depending on your chosen Shell Graduate Programme path, you'll gain exposure to multiple business areas, allowing you to explore various development opportunities, interests, and skills, all while making significant contributions.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Work side-by-side with experienced industry professionals who help you develop your skills and knowledge through hands-on training.
- Real-world Impact: You can harness our ambitions, experience, global reach and investment capability to make an impact on the world’s energy future while advancing your career path.
FAQs
What is career progression and why is it important?
What is career progression and why is it important?
Career progression means advancing your skills, experience, and job responsibilities over time. It enhances job satisfaction and leads to improved compensation, and job opportunities.
What role does personal branding play in career growth?
What role does personal branding play in career growth?
Your personal brand is the source of your professional reputation. Building a solid brand through networking and showcasing your skills helps you build a career profile that stands out and attracts desired career opportunities.
How do you balance professional growth with personal life?
How do you balance professional growth with personal life?
Set boundaries, prioritise your well-being, and utilise time management techniques. Aim for a sustainable career growth that doesn't compromise your personal life.
How does adaptability impact career planning?
How does adaptability impact career planning?
Industries and markets change at a fast pace. Adaptability allows you to adjust your goals, embrace new skills, and thrive in unforeseen circumstances.
What are the benefits of effective networking?
What are the benefits of effective networking?
A strong network opens doors to new opportunities, provides industry insights, helps further your career, and connects you with potential mentors.
Ready to Power Your Progress? Start here
Shell is committed to guiding you through both personal and professional growth with innovative strategies for career progression. Don't miss the chance to explore more empowering opportunities with Shell India and seize the energy of possibilities ahead.
Check Shell's Graduate Programme to start powering your progress today.