Doris Chan
Job Title: Marketing Analyst, Commercial Airline Global Planning Group, Aviation

Studied BA Business and MSc International Marketing at Strathclyde Graduate School of Business (2001)

After graduating and having worked between my degrees for small/start-up companies, I decided that it was time to try my hand at climbing the corporate ladder. I wanted to work for an international company, one that offered varied career paths, matched with a formal training programme, international travel opportunities and a real job from day one.

ExxonMobil met my criteria. I joined ExxonMobil Aviation's Business Planning and Analysis Group in September 2002, as a Financial Analyst in the global HQ in Leatherhead. As part of my role, I collate, analyse and report on our European Aviation activities. I am also involved in projects such as co-ordinating the world-wide Aviation Business Plan. My role has provided me with a good grounding of the aviation business. The nature of the job means that there is constant interaction with the different parts of the business, from Marketing to Operations and the in-country affiliates in the different regions - this in itself brings with it challenges in terms of communication, cultural and time zone differences.

As part of the ExxonMobil Graduate Development Programme, I also attend courses at the London Business School. This is aimed at providing us with the necessary business skills and knowledge, to understanding business dynamics and the broad future and challenges of management. It also provides an opportunity to meet up with the rest of my peer group who are working in different parts of the corporation. The social aspects are great on these courses and the interaction allows you to learn more about the company.

I started my second role in Aviation as Marketing Analyst in the Global Commercial Airline group this summer. This role is in essence project based and will allow me to experience working in virtual groups, as part of a global project team working on global issues or specific regional issues. It's a chance to travel globally and learn more about the company and the environment we work in.

I have no doubt that the future will bring me more challenging and diverse roles, which will enable me to gain new skills and to see even more of the world. The journey has only just begun and I am excited about the challenges and adventures that lie round the next corner!

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