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Qaya Scheiwiller - Senior Business Analyst
I remember when I was young that Shell Canada had a good reputation in the Mackenzie Delta, where I am from, and having recently arrived in Calgary from working in Bolivia, I did not hesitate to apply for a position.
Has your view of Shell pre-employment and post-employment changed? If so, in what way?
Yes I think it’s changed; it’s improved. I have had over 5 years of seeing how things are done from within. Integrity, respect for people and sustainable development are not just catch phrases, but are in the corporate culture.
What is your current job?
I am currently a Senior Business Analyst in HR, managing enterprise systems in Calgary.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day at Shell for me is full of challenges and rewards. As part of IT, I am fortunate enough to be in a position where I can help people be efficient in their roles and reach their goals.
What’s great about my job is that although I have longer-term projects, there are often smaller requests that come up day-to-day to keep me on my toes. It’s a nice balance of project planning and execution, and the unknown.
What are the interesting aspects of your job?
There are several things that are interesting in my role. I.T. is naturally appealing to me because technology is always changing, but Shell offers great opportunities to study and take courses to expand your skill set. At this time we are also aligning to the parent company Royal Dutch Shell and these times are interesting, as many things are changing across the company.
Also I have had the pleasure of starting Shell Canada’s first employee network, AbNet, a network for aboriginal and non-aboriginal employees. We are growing and one of our hopes is to encourage aboriginals to apply to Shell. As an Inuvialuit (Inuit), I have been warmly welcomed and feel at home.
Does your job match what you had in mind?
My various roles at Shell have exceeded my expectations. I have been given great opportunities to take on new roles and responsibilities that I’m not sure I would have had elsewhere.
How do you see your next role and future career opportunities at Shell?
I think opportunities are truly endless. Learn, grow and excel. Shell is an international company, so the world is possible.
What would be your advice to someone?
Stay in school, and follow your dreams.
Is there something that you didn’t expect from Shell but which exceeded your expectations?
That’s a hard question. I suppose I don’t think that I would have had so many varied professional opportunities, and looking back I have gained invaluable work and life experience.
What are your reasons for staying with Shell?
The people I work with. My supervisors propel me to be better, and I have the greatest respect for them.