Spring Insight Review

The insight gave a first hand view of what it was like to work for BP in the supply and trading division. It was very useful as it allowed me to see the different roles within the sector. I particularly enjoyed playing the trading game, which gave a genuine insight into the kind of work done by employees on the trading floor every day. In general the insight was enjoyable however some aspects were a bit rushed which meant certain information was missed out.

The insight was mainly inside one room all day so there was limited contact with many actual employees. However, all that we did meet were incredibly welcoming, kind and willing to answer any questions that we had. It did seem like they genuinely wanted you to become part of the firm.

The insight was based around guidance on the different areas and on making applications. We even had a workshop on writing your application and answering interview questions which is incredibly useful for applying further into their summer and graduate schemes. I think the insight is well set up to support you in understanding whether BP is right for you and if it is in how to move further in your journey with the company.

From the insight, I decided that supply and trading at BP was not right for me so the information will not aid me further into BP. However, the trade game helped me develop skills and an understanding that I will now be able to apply to real concepts in my Economics degree. The information I received on applications and interviews will also assist me beyond my studies and into future careers.

The structure was probably the worst part of the insight. It seemed that timings hadn't been fully considered which meant that some talks and activities were rushed or finished early. This was strange to me as we then finished about an hour early. I think the actual activities and talks fit in well with what the insight was trying to achieve but some of them should definitely have been longer.

The atmosphere was quite quiet. I think the organiser did well as she understood that people might be a bit shy and so avoided making us do any activities that might embarrass us but it did mean that the participants didn't really get to know each other. As we were mainly in one room all day we also didn't experience the atmosphere of the actual company; even when we did get onto the trading floor most workers had left as it was bank holiday weekend.

As the insight was only one day this was limited. I think they were trying to advise us on progressing into the firm which would then allow them to do this. As already said there was focus on developing application and interview skills which would be important in getting further with BP. However, from this one day event there was no clear path into another scheme like some other insights. Instead we would have to reapply from the beginning.

Although we didn't get to actually experience the work being done, the trading game gave an insight into what it would be like working on the trading floor and the talks gave an insight into the possible areas we could go into. Networking freely with graduates over lunch gave me a better insight into the average working day and full-time positions. I also thought it was good that they gave us an insight into different level roles- a senior manager spoke to us in the morning about all the different roles he had been in over time; an intern spoke to us about her year with the firm; and we had an hour where 4 employees from different areas came in to talk to us.

Talking to actual employees gave me a good understanding of BP's culture and the additional activities they put on for employees. An introduction to BP also highlighted it's values and allowed me to gain a better insight. However, in general I think more could have been discussed about what the company offers employees and it's general vision. This would probably happen more on a longer insight.

Overall, the days content allowed me to realise that this was not the path for me and also helped me decide that investment banking would not be for me. From this, I believe it was very valuable in helping me to decide on my future career path. I think there was the right level of insight for you to be able to get a general idea of "maybe this is for me" or "no, definitely not" but more would be needed for there to be a definite decision.

BP reimbursed my travel expenses to and from the insight- train and underground tickets.

Yes, the day was centred around this. As mentioned we had talks from employees in various levels of the firm including senior manager and graduates. At lunch we were joined by five employees who swapped between us in groups to allow everyone to ask questions and gain the information they needed about their positions and working for BP in general.

The opportunities were good but a little rushed. Lunch had to be shortened which meant less time to ask the questions we had and occasionally one person would be allowed to dominate conversation meaning it was difficult to get time to ask questions. The talks from individuals were good but I think it would have been better to also allow for a chance to network with these. There was minimal opportunity to network with other students on the placement.

We did if we asked the employees at lunchtime but there was no mention of this in any of the talks or activities. Most of the information I know about it was found out through research afterwards rather than on the day which I feel is disappointing as this is quite important when deciding on a company to work for.

I would recommend the insight for someone who was interested in this area. I went as I wasn't sure what to expect for this area at all and it has allowed me to make a decision. As it is only a day it is very quick and information is therefore somewhat limited but it does give a snapshot into what you can do at BP and how the different areas work. The only problem was the timing, especially as at the end of the day there was spare time left.