BP Widening Participation Programme (WPP) Review

by bp

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.9/5
  • About You
    5.0
  • The Company
    4.8
  • Everything Else
    4.9

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • This whole experience has been a very enjoyable, memorable, and an extremely valuable one. All the staff members were very approachable and they tried their very best to give us an insight into the oil and gas industry (including its overall function and a substantial amount of technical knowledge), as well as the operations in BP. New friendships and connections were made throughout this programme, and I now have a better feel of what it's like working in the oil and gas industry (and BP). Overall, this programme has well exceeded my expectations.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • The fact that this programme was carefully planned with many different activities/ meetings throughout the day proved that BP genuinely values us and made sure that we could gain the most out of this programme. A significant amount of my time here was spent meeting employees of different levels and functions within the organisation. I especially appreciate how the employees took some time off to engage with me despite their busy schedules. All of them were more than happy to share their experience with me and discuss about the future prospects in the oil and gas sector.

    5/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • A whole lot! My hosts during the shadow days advised me on the pathways and strategies that could be undertaken towards building a successful career. A lot of guidance was also given regarding specific stages of the intern/ graduate role application process, techniques in tackling competency-based interviews/ assessment centers, as well as public speaking and presentation skills. Also, worth mentioning that the staff members were willing to pass us their contact details should we have any related questions in the future.

    5/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Having had a talk on structuring presentations and a workshop on interview skills, the techniques that I've gained will definitely come to good use in my future presentations and interviews. It is a confidence boost to know what is expected of a good presentation/ interview from a recruiter's standpoint, and this helps me identify the important elements that should be focused on during my preparations. Having a better grasp of the (upstream) oil and gas business also made me realise the level of advanced knowledge and skills that are required - this motivates me to keep improving and perform well in the university.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The programme was well-structured with a mixture of talks, meetings, workshops, and site visits, with adequate lunch time and breaks in between. Information pack, security passes and name badges were prepared and we were given a detailed timetable for each day of the programme. There were also coaches from Sunbury site to the train station everyday. However, accommodation had to be settled by ourselves.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The five core BP values - safety, respect, excellence, courage, and one team were well portrayed in the organisation. There is a balance between 'seriousness' and 'fun'. The working environment is also dynamic and conducive where employees seemed to enjoy the challenges in their work.

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Given the short period of time, the company has done a significant amount in exposing us to BP and oil and gas industry, as well as drilling us on our presentation/ interview skills. As mentioned, there was a talk on presentation and interview skills on our first day, which was later practiced on the final day through a mock interview session and presentation by each participant. I find the mock interview session particularly useful, and so I wished it could've been a longer session (due to time constraint, each participant was only being asked 1 competency-based question).

    5/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • Having spoken to various BP staff members (I was scheduled for a 1 hour meeting with every one of my host during my shadow days) and attended several team meetings, I gained an insight into the different tasks and responsibilities that entail each employee. Although this varies depending one's position and team, I could see the similarity in work ethics that underpin the smooth operation in all the divisions within the organisation.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • Very much! All the five BP core values were clearly demonstrated right from the start of this programme. For example, we were give safety briefings upon arrival at each site and were required to hold the handrail whenever using the stairs. All the employees are also very humble and are willing to help each other regardless of their status.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • This programme has allowed me to get a glimpse of the works and projects undertaken by the team that I was placed in during my shadow days. This gave me a refined definition of the upstream business and I am now able to confirm my interest in the upstream oil and gas sector. Although I have yet to set my eyes on a particular role, I now realise the possibility of specialising in a specific area in the upstream sector, which is something I would love to do in the future.

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • About 380 pounds was given as compensation for the accommodation and travelling costs. Lunch credit was also given during the shadow days.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • I would say this whole programme revolves around networking and meeting many different people within the company. The highlight of this programme is the opportunity to network with leading experts and senior professionals in the industry. Other than the scheduled meetings, I could also network with other employees during my lunchtime and breaks.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • There were many opportunities for networking and socialising with both BP employees and other participants in this cohort. On our first day, we were treated to dinner as a cohort, which was a great socialising event where new friendships were established.

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • I was told about the the different sports and outdoor activities that employees could be involved in after work or during break time. There are also various societies that are run by employees for the employees within the organisation.

    5/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • I would absolutely recommend this programme to a friend. Besides gaining an early insight into the real working industry whilst being an undergraduate, this is an amazing opportunity to meet with many outstanding working professionals and students from various disciplines, all with a passion in their undertakings and a drive to achieve excellence.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

May 2017


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