Meet Mavi

• Location: Ensenada, Mexico
• University: Oxford University, UK
• Studied: Human Sciences
• Joined Shell: September 1999

Having a degree in Human Sciences, I originally wanted to work for an international health organisation, particularly UNICEF. Then a presentation I saw on Shell made me realise that there was more to the business than just oil, and areas such as sustainable development and environmental reporting applied directly to my area of interest. But I think what attracted me most was the opportunity to travel and work abroad.

My first job at Shell was in the corporate planning department at a time when the oil price was very low. So in terms of planning, it was a very interesting time to be in the industry - I learnt a great deal in a very short space of time. I then spent 6 months as a Management Accountant for Shell Gas - an extremely busy department supplying gas to industrial customers.

My second role was for Shell's LNG (liquefied natural gas) shipping business which arranges the shipment of LNG supplies around the globe. We have customers all over the world, such as LNG buyers, sellers, charterers and vessel owners. I work as part of the business development team that analyses costs and creates feasibility models for the shipment of LNG. My daily work involved costing shipping operations, setting up contracts and devising ways to generate new business.

I am currently working as a business developer in Shell Mexico for a project which plans to import gas into western Mexico from the Asia Pacific. This has so far involved assisting with permit applications, engagement with government and organizations with a stake in the business, and acting as the local finance manager for a small office of 6.

It is a challenging project, with competitive, regulatory and local dimensions that I was not expecting! Part of the fun and the challenge in a role such as this is the chance to be involved with the project right at the start since you learn to juggle many skills at once.

There's plenty of variety in what I do! I get real satisfaction in regularly meeting and working with Shell people who have worked in such a variety of interesting roles.

Another plus is definitely the potential to travel and work abroad - so far I've been to the far east / Africa on business trips which are tiring though interesting. I now am enjoying most the opportunity to stay in Mexico for an extended period and properly immerse myself in the culture.

I can learn a lot at Shell and I'd like to stay on for some time especially if I can continue to learn. I'd love to see some more of the world and working at Shell makes it possible to combine work and travel. Ultimately I have always wanted my own business, so this may indeed become reality eventually once I have saved up some money!

Presenting to a country's management team at the age of 21, passing my finance exams in 2002 to give me better commercial skills, briefing market analysts, surviving (so far!) the ups and downs of leading a small team in Mexico.