The Beginning

I started with ConocoPhillips as a placement student within the Europe Commercial group in London. The role included providing support for the crude and products trading floor in the finance and performance analysis group. This meant I was involved in accounting for certain products and dealt with invoicing and settling trades. I was given a high level of responsibility and learnt a great deal from exposure to the commercial business and finance functions.

At the end of my placement I was offered the opportunity to come back into the same group when I graduated. Although I enjoyed my experience, I decided I would like to try something different. When a job came up in gas and power operations, a trading manager who knew me through my placement asked if I was interested. We had a brief chat and I was offered the job.

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My work at ConocoPhillips

I joined ConocoPhillips as an Operations Analyst in August 2006 in the gas and power trading group. My work involves providing operational support and analysis to the trading desk. I have been involved in many projects including reviewing the trading performance of the new 24-hour trading desk, and looking at trading expansion into new European hubs and subsequently the entry into them. I am also responsible for day-to-day operational tasks.

Although I am not on a graduate scheme, I am on the Pioneer graduate training programme which involves two, week long events where we learn about all aspects of the company, develop skills, visit some of the assets and meet other graduates from across the company.

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Career Development

Throughout my placement and my role I have always received the support and training I need to perform well and develop my skills. I have also been involved in the many extracurricular opportunities the company offers and I am a member of the sports and social club committee. This year I organised and led a team in the Irish 3 Peaks Challenge, I am also taking part in the company football tournament and am representing ConocoPhillips in the London to Brighton bike ride and the Corporate Games in Sheffield.

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The Future

As I am not on an official graduate scheme I do not have to complete any fixed rotations, so it is up to me to make my next move. I am presently planning to stay in my current role, but after that I will consider my options. I have taken the opportunity to speak to several managers about potential roles but as yet, I do not know exactly where I will move to. With the help of my mentor, I am still learning about, and discovering, the many different options available to me.

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