Degree: MSc Physics with year in Europe at Imperial College London. PhD in Nuclear Physics at the University of Birmingham.
Location: Leatherhead, Surrey

After eight long years at University, studying the same subject, I was aware that I may need to broaden my horizon. I had decided before the end of my PhD that I would not stay in academia. When looking for a graduate career I decided that I needed a career that would allow me to use all the skills I developed while at University, on a much wider scale of applications.

ExxonMobil, being an international integrated oil company, presents many opportunities for career development in a host of different disciplines. I applied to the Aviation department within ExxonMobil as I felt it would provide me a platform to apply science- related skills in a commercial environment. The assignment presented a whole new challenge without restricting me to a complete change of focus, as ExxonMobil looks to develop employees by enhancing their skills through job rotation opportunities.

My first role was in the Commercial Aviation Global Planning Team. The team’s main purpose is to analyse the business performance of the commercial sales team while providing feedback to the Aviation management. I had a number of smaller projects and one long term project during my six months in the planning team. For my second and current role, I am part of the commercial aviation sales team for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. I am responsible for handling contract negotiations for the supply of jet fuel to a portfolio of airline customers. I am also responsible for managing the customer portfolio of a number of international airports.

I have only been with ExxonMobil for 11 months yet I see no reason why I should not be optimistic about the future. I have already received several job specific training courses and having had two roles within one year, I am sure that I can expect new challenges ahead in the near future.