Indirect Procurement Intern Review

I came into BP not sure what to expect and quite nervous about the people who work there. I wasn't sure how interesting the work would be for interns and whether we would actually do valued work. However from the first day every person here was willing to help and the projects we were given were challenging and enjoyable. The social scene was great as well. with so many interns here there were many opportunities to socialise on nights out and through sports. I would thoroughly recommend it.

The projects interns work on are actual projects that an employee would do if the interns were not there, so the colleagues value what we are doing and offer help and guidance as if it were their own project. I really felt part of BP and equal to my colleagues.

On the first day my line manager went through my project with me, and together we went through how to complete the deliverables and what the outcome of my project was. We had weekly catch up meetings to check my progress, and if at any point i was struggling with the work I could ask for help with no hesitation.

The project varied in work intensity. Some weeks when I had all the information i required to complete a specific task I was really busy and the days flew by, but then on occasions where i was waiting on information from other departments it was a more relaxed day where i could get on with some other long term deliverables.

We were trusted with a lot of responsibility throughout the internship. We had our projects to complete where we were responsible for finding out the information ourselves, but then outside of the project we also had site visits where we represented BP, and University students coming in to shadow us where we had to inform them about BP.

This is probably one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I have a foot in the door at one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, which has given me an insight into the industry and how everything works. I have learnt how to use computer programmes I did not know before, how to manage a project, work with others and deliver technical knowledge in new ways. I am sure what i have learnt will help in my degree and whatever job i go into when i graduate.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the office. People were always working away, but there was always a friendly buzz of people talking, without be overwhelming. There's an oasis area in each office with a coffee area, and then a starbucks in the main atrium so it's easy if you want to go for a quick break.

From the application process i found the company very organised. I knew which stage i was at the whole way from the original application to receiving the offer. On the internship we knew what was going and were informed of any events, and if we had any issues or concerns it was easy to get some advice.

Personally i received training in a computer programme i was using. We were also all given the opportunity to attend a presentation skills workshop where we learnt better presentation skills which will be useful in any job you do.

Once you get the graduate offer it seems you will be set for a great training programme. The intake differs each year, this year there are more interns than jobs so there is competition, whereas before there have been more jobs than interns. So although there are no guaranteed jobs, if you perform well there is a good chance you will receive the graduate offer,

The interns are given the opportunity to stay in University Halls of residence. This makes it very easy to socialise, and for those who dont stay at halls it provides a common location for everyone to meet. We had football in the evenings, squash, badminton, then outside sport we went for dinners and had nights out.

Aberdeen is an expensive area, drinks and food were quite expensive. However you are earning as an intern and get subsidised lunches, so it is only as expensive as you make it!

The nightlife was good, there were a few clubs but it is nothing special. Personally, coming from near London i usually have a lot more choices for going out. Aberdeen is a small city so for what it is it's okay, and Edinburgh and Glasgow are only a train ride away!

There are many football matches that go on where everyone is circlulated the email to sign up, so i played 5-a-side on a tuesday and 8-a-side on a wednesday. There is also a beach and golf courses we went to, Aberdeen is very good for those who like the outdoors! There were also interns that did climbing, canoeing, and hill walking.