Discovery Day Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into the supply and trading division at BP. The event was well organised with a lot in the day. I found it very informative not only in that it informed me of the wide range of roles available at BP but also that it brought me with like-minded individuals.

I felt very valued during my time at BP. This is because the employees were very open, enthusiastic and welcoming. As a result, I felt at ease during my time in the London office, and was encouraged to apply to future programmes in the upcoming years. This meant the whole experience was more enjoyable.

In addition to learning about different functions within the Supply and Trading division, all participants were encouraged to ask questions. This led to guidance and support being directly relevant. Furthermore, focusing on the application process and skills needed to succeed such as interviewing was very useful especially as vacancies start to open.

As part of the day, there was networking with not only participants on the discovery day but also with employees, interns and the recruitment team. This interaction with a wide range of different people and backgrounds will be very useful in the future. Furthermore, as applications for jobs approach and begin, identifying the skills and what recruiters are looking for will assist me immensely, whether at BP or at another company.

The day was very well structured. Throughout we knew what we were doing and what was planned. This helped in that we were able to cater questions to specific people. Furthermore, the range of activities throughout the day was varied ranging from presentations from current employees and their experiences, to trading and energy simulations/games.

The general atmosphere during my insight was one that was very open and welcoming. We were encouraged to ask questions not only during the day, but even after the event through LinkedIn or email. Everyone in the company was happy to help and answer any queries we had, and ultimately made the whole experience very enjoyable.

In terms of personal training and development, the company helped invest in us by providing us with what skills and competencies would help a graduate or intern excel in a role. This would help me in application processes not only at BP but at other companies. We were also informed of future events and schemes that we could apply to, which would help us continue at the firm.

Whilst it was emphasised that there is a wide range of roles, all around the world, it would be difficult to know how a full time role with the BP would be like without actual experience on the job at the firm. However, one thing that was noted with my time at BP was the environment which focused on teamwork and working with other people closely.

Having spent a day at the company, it is evident that the company culture is one which not only envisions the company's values of safety and sustainability, but also that it is one which is very relaxed and open. I noted a flat hierarchy within the firm, one which would be very welcoming to anyone, whatever their experience.

Before the insight day, I had not considered this industry. However, after attending the discovery day, I am now more informed about not only BP's company culture, but also of the wide range of roles in the firm. As a consequence, it has actually posed more questions about what I want to do in the future so whilst it did inform me more, I'm now more unsure about what I want to do in the future.

All expenses reimbursed after the event.

There was opportunity to network not only with participants on the scheme, but also employees and interns during lunchtime and during the day.

Unlike previous insight events I've been to, there was plentiful time to network over lunch. This was very good as it meant there was an opportunity to both eat and network. There were also breaks throughout the day which meant we could socialise with participants as well as ask the recruitment team questions.

We learned about the initiatives at the firm such as ventures funds and sustainability, however there was not much mention of formal activities employees can get involved in outside of team events and socialising.

I would completely recommend it as not only was it very informative, but it was very enjoyable. I met a wide range of people from different backgrounds, and learned a lot about my own ambitions and BP's roles and corporate culture. I also experienced a commercial environment in a bustling hub.