British Petroleum

Role: Engineering Student (Full-Time Position)

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: October 2023

Interview Type: Full-Time (Graduate Program)

Result: Not Specified

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Rounds: Final Round "Virtual Exploration Day" (Team and Individual Challenges)

Topics Asked: Engineering, Operational, Political, Commercial Decision-Making (Scenario-based), Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving, Technical/Disciplinary Knowledge Application

Experience:

This experience describes a "virtual exploration day final interview" for a full-time engineering position at BP, lasting half a day (8 am to 1 pm) and including a variety of team and individual challenges.

The structure involved putting three prospective graduates in a virtual room and presenting them with a drilling/exploration-related scenario. Candidates had to work through the scenario, making engineering, operational, political, and commercial decisions. Throughout the session, assessors introduced "curve balls" that required candidates to react and potentially revisit previous decisions.

Key expectations for candidates included active participation, clear communication, offering ideas, considering others' ideas, constructive challenging, building consensus, and making decisions as a team. It was emphasized to avoid competing against other group members, to not dominate but also not be dominated, and to verbalize thought processes. Encouraging quieter team members and agreeing with good ideas were also noted as important. Assessors observed everything from verbal contributions to body language. Candidates were advised to draw on their experience and technical/disciplinary knowledge. The overall goal was to assess cultural fit and problem-solving approach rather than just technical knowledge.