 Shift TraderLearn more about me and why I joined ConocoPhillips:
I joined ConocoPhillips in 2004, straight from graduating in mechanical engineering. Towards the end of my degree I had already decided to change my career having gained an interest in the business/financial world. A friend recommended I approach the Europe Commercial group in London to focus on commodity and derivative trading and its supporting roles.
ConocoPhillips was able to look past the fact that I didn’t have a financial qualification and hired me on base skills and enthusiasm. I started work straight away – contracting in an analyst role with a lot of interaction between the traders and back-office finance.
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After three months, I was offered a position and moved into an accounting role. This gave me an opportunity to see where our division fitted into the company structure, to talk to a number of counterparts and interact with most people on the trading floor.
After a year, an internal opportunity came up for a Risk/Position Analyst on the crude desk. I applied and shifted across soon after – ConocoPhillips are very supportive of internal transfers. Within six months, a shift trading role looking at near contracts on the UK and European gas and power markets became available. Although I had only been in my role for around six months, they were willing to allow me to move across indicating a preference to find good matches to roles as opposed to a time-served approach adopted by many companies. I feel really motivated to work hard in my role as I see ConocoPhillips is keen to develop and promote people on performance merits. I am still in this role and enjoy the new challenges, analysing the market and making calculated judgments on how to maximise profit.
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Life At ConocoPhillips
I have received support from my manager to allow me to continue my education and start a financial CIMA qualification on a part-time basis. I have been given financial support and time off for study and exams, which has helped me to manage work and study together.
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I hope to prove myself in my current role and to continue on a trading path. I am also continuing my accountancy qualification and looking at possibly getting into business development opportunities. I like the feeling of not being pigeon-holed at ConocoPhillips and having the ability to direct my own career.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few years – the work is challenging, and my career is progressing as I want it to. Most importantly the work environment is great. With lots of organised events, trips and social activities, I can’t imagine a better place to work. I strongly recommend you consider ConocoPhillips as a top choice for employment.
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