How to get hired for credit risk jobs: 6 expert-backed strategies that work

As the energy market becomes increasingly complex, the demand for skilled credit risk professionals continues to rise, especially in companies like Shell Philippines, which operates within an extensive international network.

Shell takes a proactive approach to managing financial risk across all its markets. We offer an opportunity for driven professionals to explore a career in credit risk at one of the world's leading energy companies.

In this guide, we'll explore six expert-backed strategies to help you get hired in this field.

1. Build strong educational & technical foundations

A solid academic background is essential for aspiring credit risk professionals. Some of the most valuable undergraduate degrees for this field include finance, accounting, economics, mathematics, and statistics. However, any bachelor's degree that provides a strong understanding of financial systems and risk principles can serve as a suitable starting point.

If you want to stand out more, especially when aiming for senior or specialised roles, pursuing a master's degree in risk management or a related discipline can significantly enhance your qualifications.

Earning certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects in credit risk, equipping you with essential skills and industry-recognised credentials. Some of the most notable certifications include:

• Financial Risk Manager (FRM) - Offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), this certification prepares professionals to assess, measure, and manage financial risk in real-world scenarios.
• Professional Risk Manager (PRM) - Provided by the Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA), the PRM certification ensures professionals stay current with both traditional and emerging risk management practices.
• Energy Risk Professional (ERP) - Also from GARP, the ERP certification, though no longer offered, remains a valuable credential. Current holders stand out in the industry, especially at companies like Shell, which employs many ERP-certified professionals.

Beyond certifications, technical proficiency is crucial. Aspiring credit risk professionals should be able to demonstrate skills in financial modelling, data analysis, and familiarity with risk analysis tools and other industry-standard software.

2. Acquire relevant experience in financial risk

Building experience early in your career is essential for breaking into the field of credit risk. Entry-level roles such as credit analyst, financial risk assessor, or treasury assistant are excellent starting points that provide foundational exposure to risk-related responsibilities.

Internships also play a vital role, not only by offering hands-on experience with real-world projects, but also by strengthening your resume and making you more attractive to prospective employers. For a company like Shell, experience in energy finance is especially valuable when evaluating candidates for credit risk roles.

When hiring, companies look for professionals who have already encountered the kinds of challenges they'll face, whether in commodity trading, corporate lending, or other similar areas. Having prior experience in the energy sector can significantly improve your chances of landing a role at Shell.

Cross-industry experience should not be overlooked. Credit risk skills are highly transferable across sectors such as banking, insurance, manufacturing, and more, making your expertise valuable in a wide range of industries.

3. Develop industry-specific knowledge

In the oil and gas sector, market volatility plays a major role in shaping credit risk management, creating a challenging environment for financial planning. When fuel prices drop sharply, companies often experience significant revenue declines, affecting cash flow generation and increasing default risks.

Shell Philippines, a major player in the industry, relies on credit risk professionals to navigate the complexities of energy finance. We seek individuals who can assess counterparties in light of unstable pricing, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and evolving financial regulations.

To thrive in this dynamic environment, credit risk professionals should focus on these three important areas:

• Pricing volatility and how it affects risk assessment.
• Regulatory changes in energy finance.
• Geopolitical risks and how they impact global markets.

Stay informed by reading industry reports, risk management whitepapers, and oil and gas finance publications. Don't underestimate the value of professional networking—connecting with peers and experts is a powerful way to stay ahead of emerging trends.

4. Hone key skills for credit risk roles

To thrive in credit risk management, you have to obtain the practical skills to handle the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the energy sector. It's more than just a foundational skill set, but success requires continuous learning and development.

At the core of credit risk management are analytical skills. Professionals must be able to interpret financial statements, build risk models, and extract meaningful insights from data. It's not just about reading balance sheets and income statements—it's about understanding the story they tell about a company's financial health.

Attention to detail is equally critical. In energy finance, precision matters—a single error in reviewing contracts or financial reports can have significant consequences. You'll also need strong multitasking and prioritisation abilities to manage multiple assessments under tight deadlines.

Strong communication skills are essential for presenting findings to stakeholders and justifying risk recommendations clearly and confidently.

To sharpen these skills, consider joining mentorship or development programmes like the Shell Graduate Programme, which offers hands-on experience and learning opportunities with industry experts.

5. Optimise your job application for credit risk jobs

To stand out when applying for credit risk positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the oil and gas industry.

Highlight your experience in:

• Credit assessments and financial analysis
• Reducing credit losses
• Developing risk models
• Evaluating counterparties in volatile markets
• Collaborating across teams

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements—numbers help demonstrate the impact of your work. Also, incorporate industry-specific keywords such as "credit exposure," "commodity risk," "financial modelling," and others in both your resume and LinkedIn profile.

6. Demonstrate cultural fit & industry commitment

Landing a credit risk role isn't just about qualifications—it also involves showing alignment with the company's culture and values. Research potential employers like Shell Philippines to understand their mission, values, and approach to risk management.

When discussing your experience, emphasise how your work reflects industry best practices. Employers value candidates who show initiative and understand how risk management fits into the broader business strategy.

At Shell, credit risk professionals play a vital role in maintaining financial resilience and supporting long-term growth. It's a place where you can deepen your expertise, collaborate with leading professionals, and tackle real-world challenges that shape the future of energy.

Explore the benefits of working at Shell to see how a credit risk role can evolve into a purpose-driven, rewarding career.

Final thoughts on landing a credit risk job

Breaking into credit risk jobs in the energy sector requires a combination of education, experience, and industry insight. Focus on building strong technical skills and gaining relevant experience, and tailoring your application to meet the expectations of top employers like Shell.

Stay curious, keep learning, and remain committed to excellence—these qualities will set you apart in a field where precision and foresight are everything.

Ready to take on the next step in your career? Find your next job in finance operations and apply now!