"Backpack to Briefcase" with Libby Cheney from Shell Corporation

The College of Engineering and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program hosted Elizabeth "Libby" Cheney for one of the "Backpack to Briefcase Professional Development Series" lunches on March 24. Libby Cheney is the Vice President of Corporate Support for Shell Exploration and Production in the Americas Region. Before coming to Shell, Ms Cheney had 24 years of industry experience with another major oil and gas company, including technical roles in reservoir engineering and management of domestic assets and international projects. Mrs. Cheney is Chairperson of the newly formed North America Carbon Capture and Sequestration Association.

In addition to pizza and salad, student were given information on how to declare a concentration, different concentration requirements, and a top 10 list of important things to know about declaring a concentration.

Ms. Cheney took time to discuss how she moved into her current position at Shell, what opportunities were available at her company and new information about Shell's ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Ms. Cheney spoke to a group of undergraduate and graduate students about her career path. After earning an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University she worked more than two decades with a large oil and gas company. Ms, Cheney had assistance along the way, She found mentors who were willing to offer support and information to help her sharpen the skills and necessary for each of her career moves. At Shell, her position certainly requires that she utilize her technical, organizational and interpersonal skills as she manages six managers who oversee 60-80 people set and meet corporate goals. She offered the following advice for current students:

1. Get to know the people (on your job.)
2. Know what is expected from you personally and from the job
3. Work well in teams
4. Understand and appreciate what traits set you apart from others

For those preparing to enter the workforces she suggested that your resumes should include community involvement and other activities. Applicants should show something "other than school" on their resume.

Ms Cheney is married and the mother of three children in college. In addition to her professional position, her current plans include her efforts as an Advisory Board Member for the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan, and a Director At-Large for the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

April 2008 eNews

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