Insight Day Review

I enjoyed the insight a lot. It was a very valuable learning experience as we were able to speak to graduates and senior members of departments, which allowed us to learn a lot more about opportunities available and what it is like to work at BP. As well as this, there were interactive sections such as seeing some of the training equipment used, which made the day very varied.

I felt very valued at the company. All members of staff were keen to ensure that no questions were left unanswered and they helped in any way possible. Many people gave up their time to speak to us and made sure that we gained as much as possible from the day. We had a networking lunch in which staff came and spoke to us about their jobs and gave us tips to help us in the future. This made me feel very welcome and valued.

We received a lot of support during the insight. As there were only around 16 participants on the day, this meant that we could be given individual tips. One section of the day was based on interview skills, when we prepared and answered a typical interview question and were given individual advice.

While the insight day did not directly link to my degree course, the skills I developed, such as my interview skills, will definitely be useful for future applications to internship programmes or a graduate job. I also believe that I developed my networking skills during the day, which will be useful both for making connections to help with my course, and in a job after my degree.

The insight was very well structured, with a mix of activities. There was a good balance between interactive sessions and talks. We were spoken to by graduates about their jobs so far and the opportunities available. We also had, for example, a session where we played a business game. This involved making investments in different types of energy based on information and finding out what these investments returned.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming, and interesting. Everyone was passionate about their job and this created a lighter atmosphere. Due to the mix of opportunities on the day, all of the time was engaging and helpful.

The company was very helpful in developing our interview skills through specific practice, and giving us individual advice. As the insight was only one day, it was difficult to develop skills a lot, but the advice given on interviews and the application process will definitely be useful in the future. So, our skills were developed as much as was possible in the time available.

We were given talks from many different types of people within the company. This gave us a lot of insight into the roles available and what it is like to work there. After each person had spoken, there was time specifically dedicated to asking them questions, which ensured that all queries we had about working at BP were answered.

There was specific focus during the day on BP's values and all members of staff that I spoke to were keen to tell us about what it is like to work there. During the networking lunch, we spoke to members of the Business Resource Groups, which allowed us to see the different opportunities available to make a difference in the company outside of the specific job role.

The day gave a good insight into working at BP and the many different options for jobs available in the company. This showed me what was available for me, and some of the paths we were shown do interest me. So, I have more of an idea of what I would like to do in the future, but it did not help me to decide completely.

We were able to claim back expenses for travel to and from the insight day. I was also able to claim back expenses to stay closer to the site the night before the insight day in a hotel, including breakfast on the day. This is because my journey time was more than three hours.

During lunch time, we were given an opportunity to speak to members of staff who were also running the Business Resource Groups. They were very willing to answer questions about working at the company and to give us tips on how best to present ourselves in the future when applying for other opportunities.

The networking section was useful, as we were able to ask any questions that we had not yet had the opportunity to. Although there were only a few members of staff there, the event was still very useful as it meant that we could sit in small groups and gain from listening to the answers to other people's questions as well as our own.

We were given a short site tour in which we were shown the different buildings and areas in which employees can socialise and eat. During this tour, we were told about the sports facilities available, and also the different clubs. For example, there is a running club that employees can take part in after work.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. I believe that it was a good learning experience and shows you more about working at BP than you could ever find out from the website and other sources. Being able to speak to employees gives a real insight into what it is like to work there.