Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 BP Graduate Scheme

The BP Graduate Scheme is an exciting opportunity for those looking to get into the energy sector.

This comprehensive article covers aspects of the BP graduate programme, including the areas that the programme runs in, the application process and some tips to help you perform to the best of your ability in the recruitment process.

What Is BP?

BP, or British Petroleum, is one of the world's largest multinational oil and gas companies.

It is one of the supermajors in the oil and gas industry. It is also the world's largest company based on revenues and profits.

The company is headquartered in London, UK, and operates in all areas of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing.

More recently, BP has been tackling the energy trilemma and aims to be net zero by 2050. BP is well known for its global presence and is involved in various energy-related initiatives, including renewable energy and its environmental sustainability efforts.

BP employs over 67,000 people worldwide. The firm recruits at all levels of experience and has various graduate schemes across many different specialist areas.

An Overview of the BP Graduate Scheme

The UK BP Graduate Scheme enables candidates to experience different aspects of the energy industry. The company offers graduate schemes in five of its main business areas.

These include:

• Business – This area includes roles in business and finance disciplines, such as the BP finance graduate scheme, as well as graduate schemes in accounting, economics and business management. Also included in this area are sales and marketing roles, a BP HR graduate scheme and legal and compliance roles.
• Trading and shipping – This area works to align the business to its net zero goals, dealing with energy commodity trading using specialist financial instruments.
• Science – BP recruits graduates with backgrounds in various scientific fields, including chemistry, geology, geoscience and environmental science. These roles involve research, exploration and environmental projects while focusing on BP’s drive for sustainability and net zero goals.
• Engineering – Within the BP engineering graduate scheme field, the company recruits students into specialisms such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering and civil engineering. Individuals in these fields work on the different aspects of BP's energy and infrastructure projects.
• Digital – These areas include specialisms such as IT and computer science backgrounds to work on technology and digital innovation projects. Other areas include digital design, data science, technical innovation, architecture, business analysis and data performance.

All of BP’s graduate programmes offer structured training programmes, enabling graduates to gain practical experience and exposure to different aspects of the business.

With the company focusing on sustainability, the work focuses on innovation to meet the challenging sustainability goals.

As BP is a global organisation, graduates are given the opportunity to network with employees from around the world.

As BP fosters an environment of continuous learning, an individual's skills can be enhanced formally or informally through training and mentorship opportunities to help them grow and develop their careers.

Graduates also receive competitive salaries and benefits that can be tailored to an individual's specific requirements. Base salaries can vary based on the specific role and location.

Application Process

BP runs a structured multi-stage application process for all its graduate vacancies.

Understanding the application requirements and format is an essential part of showcasing your skills and highlighting your suitability for the role.

Complete an Online Application for Your Preferred 2024 BP Graduate Scheme

The first step in applying to BP's Graduate Scheme is to complete an online application through BP's official careers website.

Candidates first need to create an account on the BP recruitment portal. Once created, individuals should navigate to their preferred vacancy and complete the application attached to the vacancy.

If an individual needs help determining which vacancy suits their skills, they can use the BP candidate matching tool to determine which areas better suit their skills.

The BP graduate application form comprises several sections. The form requires individuals to provide basic details such as contact information, academic qualifications and work experience.

In some instances, a resume may also be required to support the application. When completing the application form, it's essential to take your time to complete this step accurately.

Ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements. Many BP graduate roles require candidates to have attained a specific degree classification. Ensure that your qualifications and experiences align with the job requirements.

Make sure that any contact details are input correctly. Any information detailed on the application form can be checked in the pre-employment screening process should an individual be made an offer.

This means attention to detail is paramount when completing the application form.

It is worth remembering that candidates can only apply to one BP graduate programme in each academic year. If an individual applies to more than one vacancy, BP will accept the first application made and withdraw any subsequent applications.

Take the Online Assessments

After submitting the application, candidates may be requested to complete online assessments.

These assessments are designed to evaluate your cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills as aligned with the role you've applied for.

Tests include aptitude tests such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning or personality assessments. BP may also ask individuals to take a situational judgement test or additional specialist assessments depending on the role they've applied for.

Before taking the tests, it is essential to prepare for all the assessments you will be asked to take.

Many of these assessments are timed assessments. In practising, you familiarise yourself with the style and format of questions asked, as these differ depending on the test taken.

By understanding what is being assessed and how to answer questions, you can identify any areas for development and refresh your memory on any concepts or principles evaluated in the test.

This familiarity not only gives you confidence going into the test, but it also saves precious time in figuring out the format of the question and how to answer it.

Complete the On-Demand Video Interviews

Those successful at the application and testing stage are then required to complete on-demand video interviews.

On-demand interviews are pre-recorded interviews. Candidates are presented with a series of questions, each aligned to a specific competency, ability or behaviour that BP assesses.

They are given a designated amount of time to read the questions and prepare their responses. Once ready, they then record their answers to each question.

Once all answers are recorded, the interview is submitted for review by a BP recruiter.

Using on-demand interviews allows BP to assess the skills and competencies needed to be successful in a graduate role at BP.

Questions in the on-demand interview focus on your understanding of BP. Questions are also asked to determine whether candidates have the competencies and behaviours to succeed in a graduate role, such as teamwork, time management and interpersonal skills.

Candidates are also assessed on their understanding of BP, its values and the organisation's culture.

Preparing for the on-demand interviews is essential. Research the competencies that BP looks for in its graduates. Be clear on the culture at BP and its values and long-term sustainability goals. Be clear on why you have applied to a graduate role at BP.

It is also advisable to research common interview questions and your responses to these.

As the interview is recorded, practise your answers to ensure you feel comfortable when videoed.

Meet Recruiters to Take Part in a Technical Interview

Successful candidates at the on-demand interview stage are invited to technical interviews with BP recruiters.

These interviews delve deeper into a candidate's qualifications, experience and technical knowledge related to the specific role you've applied for. Preparing for a technical interview is essential to demonstrate your suitability for the position.

To prepare, review any technical topics, theories or principles as related to the role applied for. Be clear on the transferable skills you can bring to the position and how these align with and can be used in the role.

It is also essential to demonstrate your motivations for a role at BP. Research BP, its values, culture and the vision of the organisation.

Be clear how, through the role, you can contribute to BP and make a difference in the graduate programme. Being clear on what motivates you to join BP and the technical skills you have enables you to showcase your expertise.

It also demonstrates to recruiters your understanding of BP and the role, in addition to your commitment to a career with the organisation.

Attend an Assessment Centre

The assessment centre is a crucial step in the selection process. You'll participate in various exercises and simulations that assess your skills, including problem-solving, teamwork and leadership.

These activities often mirror real work scenarios and enable BP to evaluate how you work and use your skills in a dynamic and practical environment.

When at the assessment centre, it is essential to participate fully in each assessment.

Recruiters evaluate individuals' ability to work effectively in a team, communicate with others and contribute to achieving a shared goal. To do this, it is important to understand any tasks set, contribute your views and opinions and encourage others to do the same.

In some instances, candidates may take part in a technical assessment. This is dependent on the role applied for.

Receive a Job Offer

Those successful at the assessment centre are made a job offer. This offer will include details about the position, compensation and other terms and conditions.

Depending on location, BP may complete a pre-employment screening check before issuing a final offer of employment. Pre-employment screening includes checking academic qualifications, employment history and right to work in the country you have been made an offer of employment for.

While the BP recruitment process may seem daunting, there are many things that you can do to help you perform to the best of your ability and highlight that you have the skills and abilities needed for the role.

These include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

BP is a global organisation in the energy sector, offering several types of graduate programmes across five different business areas. These can range from a BP finance graduate scheme to a BP human resources graduate scheme, BP chemical engineering graduate scheme and more.

The firm runs a structured recruitment process that thoroughly evaluates individuals on their skills, abilities and behaviours as relevant to those needed to succeed at BP. Individuals are also assessed on their motivations for working at BP, their values and how these align with a career in the energy sector.

To succeed in a BP application, it is essential to understand the process and what BP looks for in its graduate applicants. Be clear on the transferable skills you have and how you can use these to be successful in a role at BP.

Practising tests and interviews, research and preparation are key to showcasing your skills and suitability for the role, ensuring you secure a place on your preferred BP graduate programme.