What is it?

As one of the world's largest producers of oil and gas, Shell is a household name, not only in Britain but also overseas. It employs more than 100,000 people on six continents and has the capacity to produce four million barrels of oil per day.

Shell boasts the world's largest fuel retail network, with 45,000 petrol stations, 7,000 delivery lorries and more than 300 distribution facilities. Given the recent high price of oil, it is no surprise that Shell turned in a record profit of $27.6billion last year.

What jobs are on offer?

Shell is expecting to recruit about 300 graduates in 2009 to work in the UK. Technical roles include geology, process research, petrophysics, production technology and mechanical, electrical & civil engineering, for which a relevant degree is essential. Commercial posts include finance, trading, supply and distribution, human resources, IT and procurement.

Where are the jobs?

Shell Centre, on the South Bank of the Thames in London, is the global headquarters for the company's oil products and chemicals. Its main British refinery is at Stanlow in Cheshire. Shell also has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester, Staines and Great Yarmouth.

What is the pay?

Shell offers initial packages for graduates worth £30,250, including benefits, for those joining in 2009.

What is the competition?

More than a third of this year's engineering graduates turned their back on their training to pursue jobs in consulting, banking or finance. In the present economic turmoil, the leading industrial employers expect a surge in applications for their graduate roles from the Class of 2009.

How is Shell rated?

Shell appears consistently in the Top 20 in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers and its highest ranking to date was eleventh place in 2006.

How do I apply?

Graduate recruitment at Shell continues year-round, but vacancies are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Full details at www.shell.com/careers

- The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers book is based on research with more than 15,000 final-year university students. Price £16.99 from timesonline.co.uk/booksfirst

Times Recommends

• Inspirational leadership
• How to get a new job
• The reluctant CEO