Internship Review at BP

The Role

Role Description

I was given a project to carry out for my time there. This involved some time in the lab and some time in the office. I regularly had meetings with people regarding aspects of my project and also assisted colleagues.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I sincerely hope I can come back and work full-time when I graduate.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Despite only being there for 11 weeks I felt like everyone treated me as part of the team. With some people it felt like I had worked with them for ages, not just the summer!

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My line manager provided the perfect balance of giving me responsibility and supporting/guiding me. He allowed me to make mistakes and then learn from them but at no point did I feel like he wasn't there for me if I needed him. The team leader was also very supportive.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

At BP in Pangbourne the balance between work and home is perfect. The hours aren't too long and there is some flexibility with when you work just in case something unexpected comes up. I had a lot of project work to do but I never thought it was unmanageable and still left me time to meet people and find out more about what the company does.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My line manager gave me as much responsibility over my project as I wanted. I never felt like I was working for him but with him. I had plenty of scope for making my own decisions and taking my own actions on the project.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

A key lesson I learnt during my internship was to ensure I remain structired in my approach to problems and make sure I regularly check the bigger picture before analysing the details. Very useful lessons not only for my degree, but any future work I undertake.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The office was a great environment to work in. Everyone was friendly and interested in each others' projects. It was a place where a lot got done but it never felt like you could never turn up and chat to someone.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

It was clearly a very well organised internship scheme with only a few technological teething problems that are likely to occur in most places!

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There were masterclasses on site I could attend, training sessions I was encouraged to attend, and even the final assessment centre provided valuable lessons. I was even invited on a departmental team building event despite being there for so short a time. I was definitely very well looked after by BP.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Extremely! I sincerely hope I am able to return for full-time employment after I graduate!

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were only 4 interns at the site who lived in different areas so it was difficult to find a time when everyone could meet up outside work however we regularly met for lunch and all got on well.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Average. There isn't much to do in Reading but it's not too expensive.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There isn't much to do in Reading but other places nearby offer good nightlife.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

BP offer subsidies towards events organised by and for employees.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I worked at BP's Technology Centre so all my answers are based on work there. I cannot speak for how things are at BP's other sites.

Review 109/114 for BP

Previous Next