Broadening horizons while developing energy solutions

Right after graduating as a Chemical Engineer from the University of the Philippines, Maeleen was already aiming to join Shell. She recalls, "Shell was known as an excellent employer in our university. They were prominent because of the benefits they can offer and their corporate culture."

Maeleen started as a graduate hire for the technology team in Shell Tabangao Refinery when it was still operational, "I was a fresh grad when I joined Shell. Everything in the refinery was fascinating to me and intimidating at the same time," she mentioned.

Fast forward to today, she is now the Operations Manager leading a team that works with partners in Australia, within the Contracting and Procurement team.

"The work that I had as a Refinery Technologist and the work that I have now in Contracts and Procurement are two entirely different career paths," she states. However, with the company's vast array of modules and tools, Maeleen has been maximising Shell's wide learning opportunities. "As I move across different lines of businesses, I find it so important to be perpetually curious and learn as much as I can to deliver value," she shares.

Maeleen works with the social performance group in Australia to help create sustainable business opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises in the localities where they operate. "I'm very proud of how, in the course of delivering value for our shareholders, we can bring along small and medium scale enterprises by doing business with them. This way, we can help them grow," Maeleen shares.

Whether collaborating with colleagues or directly working with shareholders, Maeleen believes that Shell provides opportunities for all. "The company strives to contribute positively and be a force for good," she beams.

Over the years, Maeleen finds positive reinforcement from the people around her helpful for one's growth. "If you need help here at Shell, somebody will always pay attention and help you. In return, I also try to strongly support my team and the people I work with," Maeleen shares. She believes that the support she's been receiving allows her to take a step forward toward the right mindset. "Seeing people develop and be at their best when they are given the right support gives me a sense of fulfilment. All the more when I see how being their best self at work also positively impacts their lives outside of work," she states.

The company's desire to constantly improve and contribute positively to society is just one of the many reasons why Maeleen chooses to pursue her career with Shell. "It's not just about the work that we do, but also about the relationships that we build and how we give back to the community," Maeleen shares.

Shell helps take people's skills and abilities forward to progress their career. Like Maeleen and all our other seasoned professionals, anyone can be committed to nurturing their own and their teams' growth while developing the energy solutions for today and tomorrow.