Wells Functional Intern Review

The projects BP issues all its interns are "real" projects in the sense that they matter. I was very lucky to have completed a year-long internship during which time I worked on a number of projects that mattered to the business, and have significantly affected aspects of how the business works.

Everyone I worked with at BP was very keen to introduce themselves and support me with any assistance I required. At no-point did I feel anyone was reluctant to help me when I asked for help. Due to my background in Chemical Engineering I was approached by a number of employees at times and consulted on matters relating to their work. This truly made me feel valued, like my opinion mattered.

I could not have asked for better management. I was assured that whenever I needed help that I would only have to ask. On week one the team manager issued me a personal gift as a welcome to the team. This was a book on the background and current means of oil exploration and production. On every occasion that arisen my line manager sought to get me involved with areas of work that felt would support my personal development as a Chemical Engineer, and within my role at BP.

There was never a period during my internship where I can say I've had nothing to do. Unfortunately not all this work was stimulating, however I can say that the majority of the time I loved my work at BP. I attended meetings on a near-daily basis and was introduced to many new programmes on which to work. I found that for those of us willing to work we would never be left wanting. As the placement progressed the work became more important and I entered a natural rhythm to do things.

I loved the level of responsibility BP allowed me. I worked on a number of highly important projects with a number of different teams. The work I performed within these projects was key to their progress. I attended meetings where my voice was heard and opinion was valued.

I worked on such a number of projects that I received an unparalleled degree of experience. I gained an insight into how a business the size of BP operates. I worked in areas relating directly to my degree (the study of non-Newtonian behaviour of drilling fluids for example) and in areas completely new to my experience such as procurement and finance. I was able to plan for my final year Master's project during my internship and were I to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry (which I wish to) then the experience I've gained here will be of much use to me in the future.

BP is a formal organisation. We go to work and we work. However that is not to say we don't enjoy ourselves. I had a number of team building exercises during my time at BP and learned to know everyone outside of the work environment. Every other Friday (known as casual Fridays) we had a half-hour session where we gathered together in our teams and ate cakes that someone from within the team had made. I never felt apprehensive about approaching anyone at work and often I was greeted with a smile. It was always a relaxed environment to work in.

I had the very fortunate position of being the first intern BP hired within the Wells team here at Aberdeen for a year. This also came with drawbacks however as for a number of weeks at the beginning of my placement I was left with quite little to do in terms of substantial work while the other interns received more focus, simply due to the fact their internships would only last for a duration of 11 weeks. I soon however found the work-load improve and in time I was given more and more satisfying roles within the team. As I gained more experience I was issued with greater responsibilities and by the end of my placement I could see how significantly I'd grown professionally.

BP provided me with a level of training I would not expect from any company. The staff and teams I worked with ensured I received all the training I needed to do the jobs I was issued. I had the opportunity to receive offshore training, all of which was paid at BP's expense. I received support in developing a plan for my final year Master's project at university.

I was extremely lucky in receiving the first year-long internship offered within the Wells department here in Aberdeen. I received an unparalleled degree of training and support throughout my time at BP. If felt right from the beginning of my internship that they valued me and were training me for a full-time position post graduation. I am looking forward to returning to the company to join their Challenger programme in which I will receive a further 3 years of excellent training and experience. The company will continue to grow in the future and I'm happy to be a part of it.

We often did many group activities together, including mountain walks, adventure courses, going to the cinema, bowling alley, gym and simple travels to cities a few hours away. We would head out together at least once a week, normally on a Thursday (if we had a "Flex Friday the following day where we had the day off) or Friday night.

Simply compared to back home in Northern Ireland the general cost of living is much higher. Accommodation is approximately twice the price here in Aberdeen (£460pcm), however it is still almost half the price of central areas within London where I know other interns have worked. Restaurants could also be quite expensive, depending on where you attended. On a socialising point of view things were often very cheap (for those who enjoy a drink on a night out you could obtain a vodka and coke for around 70p).

There is a good number of clubs to attend; I believe we attended at least 6 nightclubs and a countless number of bars. Unfortunately the variation in the nightclubs was almost non-existent and they all feel a little the same. Entry to certain places was free (at the expense of increased drink prices within).

There are a lot of clubs nearby such as rowing and mountain walking groups. BP offers to pay your membership to one of the local gyms. Within BP you have the opportunity to get involved with outside activities such as sports days or assault courses as part of team building exercises.