The Beginning

After graduating with a degree in engineering, I wanted a change of direction. I started studying for my Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, and was half-way through this when I applied for a financial analyst role at ConocoPhillips. I liked the sound of the company as they offered me scope to shape my role. This is an example of how flexible and understanding the company is to peoples’ preferences.

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My work at ConocoPhillips

When I joined ConocoPhillips I spent a few years in finance acquiring an understanding of the business. I was given the opportunity to see life from the 'other side of the fence' through two years as a field-based Regional Manager where I gained valuable negotiation and customer-facing experience. My career aspiration has always been to do something challenging and my next post did that. Returning from maternity leave I went into a new role – project managing the creation of a customer extranet site. After this I was eager for another challenge and accepted a project leader role managing distribution, logistics and supply and retailing optimisation projects. I learnt new skills that I could use elsewhere in the business. After the birth of my second child, I was keen to take up the position of aviation business development manager. This allowed me to focus on developing strategic thinking skills. In my current role, I use all these skills. I have accountability for internal and external communication, including brand positioning, public relations and customer-facing technology. I'm pleased that in ConocoPhillips I have found a rare employer – one who is willing to take on graduate engineers who want to be accountants, and allows them to try out sales and marketing! 

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Career Development

When I joined the company, I focused on studying for my CIMA exams and was supported with relevant experience and a study package. I had a lot of on-the-job training through my various positions including the importance of relationship building and selling techniques. There is a lot of emphasis on learning by doing but there are also a range of training courses you can attend for your personal career development.

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The Future

I don't have a position or job title in mind but I want to do an interesting role full of challenges. When I think about moves, I picture myself in that role. If I can do it easily, then it’s probably not the right move for me. I believe the right job should feel somewhat uncomfortable. This may make me sound weird but that’s the thing – ConocoPhillips realise that everyone is different. We all want different things from our career and the company tries its best to support this.

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