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Meet Matthew, Structured Energy Originator
- maryhartley19
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Name: Matthew Phillips
Degree: French and Spanish, University of Oxford
How did you spend your Year Abroad?
In Argentina studying Spanish language and literature, and in France studying French art and literature.
Briefly outline your journey from graduation to now.
After university I had a gap year in China, then worked internationally in consulting for 12 years across UK, US, India, Russia, Germany and then joined an energy trading business.
What is your current job? Structured Energy Originator, Shell Trading
What does your current job involve day to day?
I negotiate (renewable) gas and power supply deals / projects across Europe for a range of energy businesses and actors - from companies to government entities. In London I work on a dynamic trading floor but travel across Europe on a weekly basis.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with a variety of international people and companies, learning from them and always getting fresh perspectives.
What advice would you give to someone interested in this job?
Be curious, and enjoy combining geopolitics with real world infrastructure / consumer problems.
How has your languages degree been useful during your career so far?
Speaking a foreign language as a native English speaker is a highly impressive business card. Not only does it allow that little difference in accessing people in other countries, but can make you more trusted. Moreover, learning a language opens your eyes to a different way of speaking, how different cultures communicate, and the need to be highly adaptable as you travel the world.
Do you use or practise your languages outside of work?
I use my languages on a daily basis as my partner and children all speak multiple languages.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your career journey?
The languages you study at university don’t have to be the languages you end up working in. I learned German and Russian after university and an ability to learn languages can be a lifelong skill that starts at university.
Thanks very much to Matthew for sharing his journey!
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