Summer student Review

I was very satisfied with the experience and knowledge which I have gained from the BP Widening Participation Programme. I particularly enjoyed being involved in the day to day work of a team of reservoir engineers and geologists, attending their meetings and learning about the responsibility of different individuals in the team.

During presentations by BP representatives, we were reminded of the fact that we have been chosen from a large number of applications and that we have done very well to get in. This made me feel honored in being part of the BP Widening Participation Programme. Gifts were also handed out such as hoodies and key rings. My supervisors for the two days of shadowing were very passionate when presenting and teaching me the basics of reservoir engineering. I feel very at ease even when they were teaching me topics which I have never heard of before. I was also participating in their latest oil field project called Shah Deniz and was allowed to attend their conferences with the overseas team.

During the insight, adequate guidance was given when necessary to help me through tasks. During group activities, we helped each other out and no one felt left out. In my two days shadowing, my supervisor always gave me enough information before proceeding onto the activities. General enquirers were also handled well by the staff.

During the insight, I have developed valuable skills such as being punctual at all times, being professional in terms of my personal image and behaviour, working to your strength in a team to solve a challenge more effectively and ways of communicating with piers and colleagues. These skills will not only help with my degree studies but will also prepare me for the world of work after I graduate.

The insight was well structured because each day there was something new to learn about. The insight started off with some talks about the values and qualities of BP as a company. Specific areas of the business were also discussed such as shipping. The following 2 days, you get to shadow an employee in a department of your choice. I shadowed the reservoir engineering team which I chose during my application. The schedules for these two days were packed with lessons, meetings, hands-on activities, using their software, etc.

In general, there was a professional atmosphere throughout the insight. The majority of employees seemed positive and upbeat about their work. There were also calm times, for example, during breaks my supervisor and I would go grab a drink at the coffee station and chat about general interests. My peers were quite eager to 'connect' with each other meaning we got to know each other relatively quickly.

In terms of personal training and development, the reservoir engineering team which I shadowed for two days invested in quite a lot of time in teaching me about oil and gas and how they distinguish between them under the ground. They also gave me a concise presentation on their current Shah Deniz project which gave me a good insight into the grand scheme of work that reservoir engineers deal with.

This insight gave a clear indication of what it would be like to have a full time role with BP. We had many talks from different employees telling us about their role as a full time employee in the company. I also got a taste of what it would be like to work in the reservoir engineering team from the two days of shadowing. They spend a lot of time on the computers in the office and there are lots of meetings.

The first day at BP was entirely dedicated to introducing us to the core values of the company. We had talks from representatives and were shown videos about the company culture. We were drilled from the first day that health and safety was the number one in priority for BP. This was evident during my 2 days of shadowing where health and safety was always brought on the agenda.

This insight gave me a head start in seeing what it would be like to work in a multinational company like BP. It was very valuable for me to get onto this program as it did inspire me to pursue a technical and challenging career with a world renowned company like BP.

There is a reimbursement of £15 a day for travel expenses. However, after more than 2 months from sending the travel expenses receipts and bank details to the company, I still have not got reimbursed for the travel. I have emailed them about this matter but never got a reply. I am disappointed in the support from the company after the insight program came to an end.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of BP during the days where you shadow an employee. I got to meat the entire team of experts in the reservoir engineering department.

There were plenty of time to network with peers during the insight. There was a free dinner organised for this insight which was a perfect time to network with others.

We were shown videos about the welfare and benefits that BP employees get. For example, they get free access to an on site gym.

I would recommend this insight to a friend.