Navigating the Ups and Downs: Managing Your Career Trajectory for Success
What do you want from your career? It's a question that most graduates either haven't asked themselves or struggle to answer confidently.
Too often, people enter the workforce without a clear strategy, hoping that time and experience will naturally lead them to success.
Unfortunately, career success doesn't happen by accident. For recent graduates, it requires taking proactive measures to understand industry trends, network with the right people, and seize growth opportunities early.
Organizations like Shell recognize the importance of these steps. As such, they help provide an environment that encourages career development through mentorship programmes, leadership training, and an innovative culture.
Why managing your career trajectory matters
A career trajectory refers to the paths you must take, including growth, skill development, job changes, and overall progression toward long-term career goals. It's simply a route to reaching your career's full potential.
A clear career trajectory provides direction and ensures that every job, skill, and experience aligns with one's long-term professional goals. Without it, professionals risk stagnation, missed opportunities, or job dissatisfaction.
Having a well-defined career path ensures that you:
- Stay focused on your future professional growth opportunities
- Continuously work towards self-development
- Enjoy improved job satisfaction due to greater clarity
- Position yourself for better work opportunities as well as leadership roles
- Improve your earning potential
To contribute towards directing employees' professional lives, Shell provides mentorship programmes, leadership development initiatives, and a structured career framework to help employees direct their professional lives.
Types of career trajectories
The main idea behind planning a career trajectory is to ensure that we continuously improve and grow over time. Such growth can take two forms: horizontal and vertical.
- Horizontal career trajectory: This refers to career movements across industries or roles. Instead of promotions, individuals may switch roles, departments, or industries to build expertise.
- Vertical career trajectory: This path progresses upward and is characterized by promotions, increased responsibilities, and higher compensation. Professionals following this path climb the corporate ladder from entry-level positions to executive roles.
Horizontal vs. Vertical career trajectories at Shell
| Aspect | Vertical Career Trajectory | Horizontal Career Trajectory |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Upward movement in roles with increasing responsibility. | Lateral movement across roles, departments, or functions. |
| Focus | Leadership, promotions, higher responsibilities. | Skill diversification, cross-functional expertise. |
| Example Roles at Shell | Moving from Graduate Trainee → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Manager → Executive. | Transitioning from an Engineering role to a Business Analyst or HSE Specialist. |
| Benefits | Opportunities for leadership roles, greater influence in strategic decisions, and potential for increased compensation. | Enhanced versatility, a broader skill set, and access to diverse career paths which can also open doors to future leadership or specialised roles. |
| Best for | Professionals who are motivated by structured progression, growing responsibilities, and leadership roles within a defined path. | Individuals who thrive on cross-functional experiences, enjoy adapting to new challenges, and want to build versatile expertise that can also lead to leadership opportunities. |
| Shell’s Support | Leadership development programmes, executive mentorship, fast-track promotions. | Job rotation programmes, cross-functional training, and skill-building initiatives. |
Strategies for planning and managing your career
Setting short-term and long-term career goals
Establishing career goals is vital to creating a clear career trajectory plan. No one starts a journey without a destination—in this case, these are your short and long-term goals.
Short-term goals focus on immediate skill-building, project achievements, or role advancement. Long-term goals, on the other hand, define future growth opportunities, such as wanting to become an industry expert.
Recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities for growth
Everyone is exposed to opportunities at different points in their career. However, being able to identify and seize those opportunities can often be crucial for success.
You must be proactive and adaptable to recognize and take advantage of opportunities. In most cases, this might mean taking on challenging projects, pursuing additional certifications, or relocating for better prospects.
Building your professional network
To achieve your career goals, you must build strong professional relationships. These professional networks open doors to mentorship, job referrals, and first-hand access to insights.
Networking can be done online through professional platforms like LinkedIn or industry forums. Offline opportunities include conferences, industry events, and internal company initiatives that support early-career networking and collaboration.
Also read: The Dos and Don’ts of Professional Networking
Overcoming setbacks and learning from failures
Career growth is not always linear, and setbacks are inevitable. Seeing challenges as learning experiences rather than obstacles can be a better way to cope with these situations.
Even better, focus on what led to the failure, seek constructive feedback, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Seeking feedback and mentorship
Feedback is the backbone of self-improvement. Mentors are one of the best channels for receiving constructive feedback. They offer guidance, share experiences, and can help you navigate industry challenges.
You can also seek feedback from supervisors and peers.
Taking calculated risks
Most times, our inability to take risks comes from a place of fear, resulting in stagnation. Taking calculated risks might involve transitioning to a new role, starting a business, or switching industries, all of which can lead to our desired breakthrough in career growth.
Learn to assess risks and embrace new opportunities when necessary.
Maintaining work-life balance
Prioritize health, relationships, and personal development because that’s the only way to achieve sustainable career success and prevent burnout.
Companies like Shell promote work-life balance through flexible schedules, wellness programmes, and supportive workplace cultures.
Power your progress at Shell
Shell's operations in Poland are renowned for fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. The diverse team comprises over 5,000 professionals in Kraków and more than 200 in Warsaw. Employees represent over 60 nationalities and communicate in more than 20 languages.
This multicultural setting enriches workplace interactions and promotes inclusivity. Shell also strongly emphasizes gender equality, with women holding approximately 50% of managerial positions in the Kraków center. The company actively supports individuals with disabilities and provides assistive technologies.
For recent graduates and early-career professionals, Shell Poland offers a range of entry-level opportunities designed to cultivate talent and foster career growth. These include opportunities to:
Grow your skills
Shell Poland provides an environment where early-career professionals can continuously develop their skills through hands-on projects and mentorship programmes. The Shell Graduate Programme offers learning experiences in areas including supply chain, finance, and commercial operations, ensuring employees can build expertise in their chosen fields.
Collaborate with experienced colleagues
New employees at Shell Poland benefit from working alongside top professionals who offer guidance, knowledge, and support. Mentorship and teamwork promote a collaborative work environment.
Regardless of your field, you're opportune to learn from real-world challenges from day one.
Achieve your balance in a values-led culture
Shell is committed to work-life balance and employee well-being because it's the basis for thriving as a professional. To this end, Shell Poland supports flexible work arrangements and wellness programmes, making it a place where employees feel valued.
Develop the energy solutions of today and tomorrow
Besides all the work benefits, early-career professionals at Shell Poland play a vital role in shaping the future of energy. Regardless of your department, you can contribute to innovations that drive cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.
Joining Shell Poland as a young professional is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to grow, collaborate, and make a difference.
Meet Farah
Shell Graduate Programme
The Shell Graduate Programme is an opportunity that allows graduates to develop their skills through formal training, on-the-job learning, and leadership development.
Applying only takes a few steps.
Application process for the Shell Graduate Programme
Online application
The first step is to submit an online application through the Shell careers portal. Candidates must upload their resume, academic transcripts, and personal details, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria.
These criteria include having a relevant degree, fluency in English, and up to three years of work experience (for the Shell Graduate Programme).
Stage 1: Online assessments
Shortlisted applicants receive an invitation to complete a series of online assessments, which test cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and work-related behaviors. The assessments include:
- A gamified test evaluating cognitive strengths
- A decision-making test simulating workplace challenges
- A working style assessment to determine how well the candidate fits within Shell's culture
Stage 2: Final assessment
Candidates who pass the online assessments proceed to the Shell Final Assessment, which includes a case study and an interview. During this stage, applicants analyze real business challenges and present their findings to Shell assessors.
This session also includes competency-based interview questions to evaluate leadership potential, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
Shell connect
Before receiving an official offer, successful candidates are invited to Shell Connect, an informal networking session. This event allows applicants to engage with current employees, recent graduates, and senior leaders, all of whom provide insight into Shell's work culture.
What to expect on the Programme
Your Learning Journey
Within your three years in the programme, you will be molded to be a future leader through a range of development opportunities which may include job rotations, on-the-job challenges, formal training and coaching.
Tailored Graduate Development
At Shell, we empower graduates to take ownership of your own development.
Co-created by you and your line manager to make the best of your individual strengths, your unique plan is an agreed course of action to help you keep track of your progress and steer your learning.
Using this plan as a guide, you will actively manage your development while your line manager will provide the necessary enablement.
End-of-Programme Assessment
At the end of your programme, your performance and achievements will be reviewed. Upon a successful outcome, an exciting next phase of the journey will commence.
Power your future with Shell
Managing your career trajectory is vital for success in the long run. A well-defined career path helps you set clear goals, seize opportunities, and build a strong network, amongst other things.
At Shell, employees benefit from a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages them to become the best they can be as professionals. If you're looking for a company that values growth, innovation, and diversity, Shell is an excellent place to start or advance your career.
Start shaping your future with Shell today—visit our career page to learn more and explore opportunities!