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Arnold - Gourami Business Challenger
The Gourami experience gave me a very real life experience into the ways and workings of an oil company. Also it provided me with new insights into the different backgrounds and cultures of other participants.
Degree Studied: International Public Law
Gourami Attended: Europe 2008
What motivated you to apply for the Gourami Business Challenge?
Coming from a background in Law I came to the conclusion that I wanted to orientate myself beyond the field of law. In my orientation phase I encountered Shell. The Gourami business challenge proved to be a unique opportunity to discover what Shell exactly could offer me. This combined with the fact that I would have the opportunity to work intensively from people all over Europe in a luxurious hotel in Portugal was an opportunity I could not let pass by!
What did you get out of your experience at Gourami?
The Gourami experience gave me a very real life experience into the ways and workings of an oil company. Also it provided me with new insights into the different backgrounds and cultures of other participants. This was my biggest learning experience: to see how students from different backgrounds and cultures can work together and achieve a great result, whilst having a huge amount of fun in the meantime!
What were some of the challenges you faced?
One of the most challenging situations I had to face was to deal with the simulated emergencies, such as organized strikes and hurricanes striking your operating business. The coaching team took a great effort in making these situations as realistic as possible. Consequently you see what the challenges are that Shell staff is faced with on a daily basis.
The other challenge for me, within the Sales and Marketing team, was to make myself familiar with a discipline previously unknown to me. To find out where my specific knowledge could contribute to creating a successful business case.
What did you learn about Shell - and about yourself - in the process?
The experiences made me see how diverse Shell really is and how important it is to take into consideration what other parts of the business are doing. Developments taking place within the refinery can create opportunities for the sales and marketing business case.
What would you say to other students considering an application to Gourami?
The question basically is why shouldn't you apply? Gourami provides you with a huge learning experience not only into the Shell, but also into yourself. During the course HR professionals constantly assess you, afterwards their observations and advice will be shared with you.
Besides this you'll meet a lot of fun people many of whom I still remain in contact with today!