British Petroleum

Role: Trading and Shipping Intern - Trading

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: October 2024

Interview Type: Internship

Result: No Offer

Difficulty: Medium

Rounds: 2 rounds (HireVue, 1-on-1 Technical Case Study)

Topics Asked: Behavioral, BP's values (environment, safety), Technical Case Studies (Storage & Supply/Demand, Geopolitical Risk, Commodity Pricing)

Experience:

The process for a Trading and Shipping Intern at BP started with a HireVue video interview.

Round 1: HireVue (Behavioral)
This round consisted of standard behavioral questions, with a focus on BP's values such as environment and safety.

Round 2: 90-Minute Technical Case Study
After 3-4 weeks, the candidate received an invitation for a 1-on-1 technical interview, which was a 90-minute case study, though the interviewer indicated it would take only 60 minutes. It comprised three cases, each with 10 minutes for reading and 10 minutes for presentation and follow-up questions. Candidates were allowed to use a calculator and scratch paper. Tips included asking clarifying questions early and tying answers to BP's values.

The cases included:

• Storage & Supply/Demand: Given a storage diagram and monthly supply/demand tables for two countries (A & B), the task was to calculate net values for each month, considering that B's supply flows via A's pipeline and storage tanks.
• Geopolitical Risk: Analyze risks and mitigation strategies for entering a new market in an unstable region, with an emphasis on safety risks.
• Commodity Pricing: Calculate a single price for Country D over several months and compare it with its current supplier's monthly pricing.

The most difficult question was a technical case regarding gas flow and creating a strategy to maximize profits when selling to a third party.