Meet Amber Mitchell

Tell us about your career path so far and your current role?

I began my career at Shell Energy as an undergraduate software engineer through the internship program. I started working with the customer portal team, and really enjoyed collaborating with everyone there. After completing my degree, I was able to transition into a graduate role as an associate software engineer within the same team.

Could you tell us about the internship program and how it works?

The internship program is a paid program, where students work part-time for between three and 12 months while they complete their studies. For me, the program was a fantastic opportunity for real-world experience to complement what I was learning as part of my engineering degree. Additionally, I was paired with a mentor who offered both technical and non-technical guidance, which was incredibly helpful.

The program includes other digital interns within Shell Energy, creating a supportive community. There is also a ‘young professionals’ network, which has been great for connecting with others who have followed similar career paths.

Did you have a role model or mentor who supported you and what was the impact of that?

My mentor through the program was my engineering lead. They were fantastic, providing invaluable technical experience. Since this was my first software engineering role outside of university, their guidance was crucial. Beyond technical skills, their advice on navigating the workplace was perhaps even more valuable. It was wonderful to have someone to talk to without any judgment.

However, it’s not quite right to say I had only one mentor. My whole team has been incredibly supportive, patient, and amazing to work with. I know I can ask any question, no matter how silly it might seem, and get a genuine response. Each team member has unique strengths and there’s not a single person I wouldn’t reach out to. The team vibe is great.

What is it like to work here and how would you describe our culture?

I would say at the heart of it, our culture emphasises the value of learning. You can reach out to anyone, and everyone is willing to carve out time to answer your questions. An example of this is the young professionals monthly catch-up where we meet to discuss our work, share advice, and bring in more senior colleagues for Q&A sessions.

It’s also a fun and engaging environment to work where it’s great to come into the office, meet people face-to face, and enjoy some light-hearted banter.

What excites you about working at Shell Energy?

It’s exciting to be part of such a broad and innovative business. It’s inspiring to see all the different energy solutions, and I’m proud to work for a company that’s powering progress towards renewable energy initiatives.

Is there a recent achievement or moment you are most proud of?

I have a few moments I’m proud of. Finishing my degree is definitely one of them. I received tremendous support from my team and Shell Energy, which helped me complete my studies and secure my first full-time job here.

Another highlight was contributing to a new product called Renewable Energy Contracting Options or RECO. RECO helps our customers to effectively purchase renewable energy certificates on a progressive basis easily and efficiently. I participated in the development of RECO. It was an intense but rewarding experience where we focused on getting the final core components of RECO built. Being in the one room and working together to achieve a great outcome was an incredible experience. I’m proud of that achievement and the positive impact it had.

How has flexible working helped you balance learning and development and your workload?

As an undergraduate, flexibility and the ability to work part-time were particularly helpful to complete my degree.

My team places a strong emphasis on continuous learning, so we always take out time each week for personal development and training. One thing we do is hold lunch and learn sessions, where a team member introduces a new technology or discusses something within the business that others might not know much about. This has been invaluable.

As a more junior team member, the senior team members have been fantastic mentors. They guide me through new technologies and are great at suggesting training opportunities that align with my growth. On an individual level, I balance learning and development with my workload by planning and communicating with my team. This way, I can continue growing professionally while still delivering results.

Any advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to people who know more than you. It’s not an inconvenience; it will help you, and often, it helps them too. Stay curious and eager to learn. Also, bring energy and enthusiasm to your work. It’s a fun place, so enjoy the experience!