VIDEO: Prashanthini Sunderan Shell’s Subsea Controls Engineer

How would you describe your current role within Shell?

It has been almost a year since I became part of the Shell Malaysia family. I am part of the Projects and Technology division and am involved in Malaysia’s first deepwater project off the coast of Bintulu. As a Controls Engineer, I am tasked to assist my team to ensure that our Subsea Controls package is delivered according to the desired designs and requirements set in terms of quality, safety and time. I also ensure that the systems are properly installed, commissioned and tested before the operations are deployed. To make this happen, i need to work with the various divisions within Shell itself as well as our external stakeholders, such as our vendors, contractors and partners.

Briefly describe your experience undergoing the Shell Recruitment Day prior to you obtaining your role in Shell.

The Shell Recruitment Day was both challenging and exciting. It was the perfect platform for me to combine the knowledge and experience that I had attained from my days in High School and University together with the soft skills such as analytical skills, communication skills, teamwork and leadership skills, all came in handy when attending the Shell Recruitment Day. These skills and experiences helped me to relate to the assignments and task that was thrown my way as they required me to think out-of-the-box for creative, workable and realistic solutions.

Apart from that, i also had to ensure that i managed the time that was given to me well and the focus and prioritising of task was essential in ensuring that i completed them on time. It was also a great time of learning from the interviewers that were present during the interview. Having the opportunity to hear them as they share their experiences and ideas was very encouraging and it made me want to be a part of this team even more.

How has your role in Shell develop you professionally and personally so far?

With a company that is so diverse, communication with the people around you, be it physically or virtually, is key to getting the job done. I have learned to open my mind to the various possibilities of how things can be done and looking at things from a wider perspective. And the most exciting part about this experience is being able to work alongside individuals with years of experience and this makes the learning process never-ending.

I have also been given the opportunity to attend various courses and trainings and that help increase my competency and technical capability. Part of my job is also learning to multi task various responsibilities and I have come to learn that being able to prioritise is vital to meeting the set deadlines and targets and ultimately having a work-life balance.

With all the avenues available for graduates to grow at Shell, where then do you see yourself and your career growth at Shell?

I like to dream big and at Shell, it is possible to dream big. My first dream is to be an expert in my own discipline of PACO and Controls. I would like to introduce more breakthrough technologies and innovative solutions that would enable the company to venture and deliver more challenging and breakthrough projects that caters to the world’s energy needs today.

I would also like to get exposed to other areas of the business that would enable me to have a better understanding of the overall Shell operations. Divisions such as Human Resource, Finance Business Planning, HSSE and other inter-related divisions would enable me to be equipped with different skill sets and experience that would allow me to achieve a Management or Leadership role in the near future. And in Shell, this is possible.

If there is one advice that you can share with those intending to embark on career with Shell, what would that advice be?

If there is one advice that i could give, it would be to think creatively, innovatively and most of all think big. The industry is growing at such a fast pace and is becoming extremely competitive. Being able to keep up to this pace means having a keen and genuine interest in the oil and gas industry.

With Shell determined to be at the forefront of energy and innovation, it makes the perfect platform for those who crave challenges and want to make a difference in this world.

What do you like to do during your personal time?

I enjoy playing tennis. It keeps me active and keeps my mind alert as you need to focus, anticipate and react quickly before it is too late. I also enjoy playing the Piano as it helps take my mind off work and allows me to relax and unwind.

[mappress]
Source: Shell , March 11 , 2013