Middle Office Intern Review

Whilst working at BP IST, I was able to carry out interesting and varied work enhancing my skill sets. Compared to my other recent placements, my experience at BP was definitely the best.

Despite being very young and inexperienced, my colleagues at the time were extremely accommodating. They ensured that I had work to keep me busy and were always on hand to give some help and most importantly their own insights into working at BP on a full-time basis.

Sitting with a fairly close, tight-knit team meant that support was always given when needed. Moreover, my manager at the time afforded me time each day to ask questions on wide-ranging issues, whether specific to my work or general issues about working for BP

I was assigned 2 different projects on my placement which kept me fairly busy. However, due to the nature of the projects which had to be checked and verified by my manager on a regular basis there were times when I had no work to do.

Due to compliance issues working in finance I was unable to have a great deal of responsibility in terms of updating their databases or spreadsheets. My work was very much limited to project work but it did give me some flexibility in my work

My computer software skills were greatly enhanced from working in this placement. Continued use of Microsoft Excel during the placement enhanced my understanding of the package and improved my coding using VBA which I have subsequently been able to effectively use in my academic coursework.

The atmosphere was definitely a highlight of the placement. It was surprisingly relaxed and enjoyable for a company in the financial industry. I strongly believe that the environment fostered by the management was conducive to a well-functioning and successful arm of the business.

It was fairly well organised in that I had set tasks to complete and regular meetings with my manager about my progress.

During my placement, I took part in training sessions to develop and improve my computer skills as well as inductive sessions to give me a better insight into the functioning of the business.

I would truly recommend applying to this company. The atmosphere created, the workers and the amount invested into the workers make BP a cut above the other companies I have interned for.

Despite being the only intern at the time and there being a significant age gap, the colleagues were incredibly friendly and would always try to include me in their social activities whether it was a football team or a few drinks at a bar.

Working in Canary Wharf made the cost of socialising very costly. I was fortunate to live near the office so it was only a short commute to which the company reimbursed all my travel expenses.

Apart from a few bars and restaurants there is not much of a nightlife in Canary Wharf. However, it is only a short tube journey to central London

I was able to join some of my fellow colleagues in the charity activities organised by the company as well as being involved in the football team.