A bright future in energy

Transcription

1 A bright future in energy A guide to careers in the energy business

2 The world needs energy to keep us warm, to take us to school, to get us to work, to power our offices and factories, to cook our food, to chill our drinks, to charge our mobiles and to give us a bright light to study by it is an essential part of our lives.

3 2/3 Our energy needs We face the challenge of how to increase energy production while minimising the environmental impact. Demand and consumption is rising because of the rapid economic growth of countries like China and India, and the increasing global population. Every year BP commits over $1 billion to technology that is shaping the future of the industry; and every year we hire up to 150 British graduates and interns to become managers and technical experts of the future. Working for an energy company such as BP means you will be in a position to help shape the future and decide how best we can meet the world s energy needs in the next 100 years. Making the right decision Choosing a career can be difficult, so make sure you talk to your friends, family, teachers and careers adviser for support and advice. You can also use online forums and careers websites, or take part in work experience to find the information you need to make an informed choice about your future. Visit for more information about the energy business.

4 Interested in Science? If you are a keen scientist, you may wish to consider one of the many scientific careers within the exciting and dynamic energy industry. You could have the opportunity to contribute to every stage of the exploration and the production of oil, which could even involve working overseas. For example, you might help to predict where to drill wells or work out how to get the most oil out of the ground for the lowest possible cost. Alternatively, you could choose to specialise in ensuring that Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) issues remain as important as other business concerns, such as cost and schedule. 1 Geologist Katherine Ryder Sunbury Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Maths Geology I wanted to work as a Geologist, and the oil industry appealed to me as it is a global industry producing something that most people use. I also wanted to travel and work with new technology, which I could do in BP. I did an internship with BP after the third year of my degree. I really enjoyed my summer at BP, so I finished my degree then came back full-time. I am involved in finding potential new oil fields, so I need to understand what type of rocks are below the surface and if there is oil in them. The most exiting thing I have done so far is travel to Azerbaijan, where I visited the capital, Baku, and then spent two weeks on an oil rig in the Caspian Sea. I enjoy travelling, hiking and photography as well as just relaxing with friends in my free time. Did you know? By 2022 the US plans to increase the amount of biofuels it uses from around 9 billion gallons to 36 billion.

5 4/5 2 Environmental Advisor Richard Pawson Rotating between a remote site in Algeria and home in London for 4 weeks at a time Environmental Science, Geology, Geography BSc Geology and Geography and a PhD in Physical Geography I joined BP in 2008 of all the energy companies, I thought that BP s message around corporate social and environmental responsibility was the strongest. I work at an oil producing facility, running a programme of audits and various projects to improve our environmental performance and minimise impact. This involves a mixture of working on the site and in the office with others in the team. My most exciting career moment so far has been driving through remote sand dunes in a 4x4 in the Sahara Desert, Libya, on a field survey! 3 Environmental Specialist Sathiamoorthy Muhuntham Aberdeen, Scotland Maths, Physics Chemistry and Further Maths Mechanical Engineering and MSc in Energy Conservation & the Environment As an Environmental Specialist, I provide the business with technical, advocacy and strategic advice with regards to all atmospheric legislation. I chose BP because it gave me the opportunity to work on a subject area I held a passion for and a chance to make a practical difference. My career highlight so far has been leading a team that saved $8 million in one year through energy efficiency at a BP refinery with virtually no investment. Taking a scientific route will not restrict your choices in later life and you will have the chance to make a real difference, be that in research or working for a major company. It is a fantastic area to work in, and there is a vast array of disciplines that will allow you to specialise in areas that are of particular personal passion or interest. Think about which subjects interest you most and what style of job you would enjoy. Studying Science is not all about sitting in a laboratory doing experiments; Geology is a great subject for people who want to travel during my degree I went to California, Cyprus, Spain and New Zealand. Since working for BP, I have been to Ireland, Norway and Azerbaijan. Katherine Ryder, Geologist

6 Interested in Engineering? If you would like to help make a difference to the way the energy business operates and you enjoy using your problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions, you might want to consider a career in engineering. As a graduate engineer, you would have the opportunity to work with leading-edge technology to maintain, improve and develop all areas of the oil exploration and production process. As well as opportunities for graduates, if you have a minimum of three GCSEs or Scottish Highers, you might also consider taking part in an apprenticeship programme to gain practical on-the-job training, with the opportunity to study for further qualifications. Find out more about job roles in engineering by visiting 1 Reservoir Engineer Abdelmadjid Alane Sunbury Maths, Physics and Chemistry Chemical Engineering I joined BP in I knew that it would provide good career prospects and development. I work as a Reservoir Engineer, analysing the production potential of a petroleum reservoir. This includes the study of the behaviour and characteristics of a petroleum reservoir to determine the drilling and extraction methods that should be used to optimise oil or gas recovery. Data are gathered data from various sources to produce a development plan, using computer models to simulate production conditions. This helps identify risks and forecast the likely outcome of events and possible interventions, to maximise reservoir yields and performance. A typical day includes reviewing s first thing in the morning and replying to requests/queries; analysing data from simulation runs completed overnight; and discussing data with the team before deciding on an action plan. Did you know? The Baku-Tibilisi-Ceynon (BTC) pipeline is the largest pipeline to date. Covering 1,768 km from Azerbaijan to the Mediterranean Coast, it spans three countries, negotiates 14 fault lines and crosses 1,500 streams.

7 6/7 2 3 Graduate Chemical Engineer Emma Roberts Chemical Engineer Mark Sankey Sunbury Hull Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Latin MEng Chemical Engineering I first came to BP as an intern in the summer of 2007; this led to a graduate job in When I came back as a graduate, I found my internship work had been implemented and used to help design a pilot plant. Everyone is really friendly and supportive, so even if you re having a challenging day, someone will be on-hand to help you out. A typical work day includes modelling chemical processes and evaluating them sometimes this involves consultation with third parties and sometimes it s knuckling down to do calculations. Outside work I enjoy rock climbing, cycling, snowboarding and dancing. I can also juggle! MEng (Chemical Engineering) and PhD (Chemical Engineering) BP offered me the chance to pursue my aspiration of doing engineering research and development in industry. At the interview I was really impressed by both the technical calibre and the friendly manner of the staff I met. At the moment I m doing a placement in the Petrochemicals SPU to gain manufacturing and operations experience. In a typical day I ll check on the latest status of the plant then work on designing modifications to improve it (from a safety, environmental, operational or performance perspective). The whole process is very carefully controlled under a management of change system to maintain the highest levels of health and safety. I also help in day-to-day operations to keep the plant operating smoothly and safely. The best part of my job has been being able to have a peer-to-peer discussion with a world-renowned expert in reactor technology. Great choice of career! it s a way to use science and engineering to solve practical problems. Keep abreast of chemical engineering issues in the media (technology, energy supply, safety and the environment) and try to get some work experience. Mark Sankey, Chemical Engineer

8 Interested in Business? Working in business can be both challenging and rewarding, and there will be many opportunities available. There are many different business roles in any one organisation. You might work in finance and accounting, human resources, administration, trading, customer relations, IT or marketing. Whichever area you choose to work in, you will be making sure the company operates effectively, in the best way possible, to bring the most value to customers and shareholders. 1 Project Analyst Jessica Howe Aberdeen, Scotland Chemistry, Physics, Biology BSC Physiological Sciences and MSC Business Management BP offers diverse opportunities in different areas of the business on the Commercial Graduate Scheme. This appealed to me because it meant I could get a feel for which area of the business I would like to work in once I had graduated from the Scheme. As a Project Analyst, my job involves economic analysis of various investment options for BP. A typical work day includes understanding what scenarios the engineers would like to be valued; talking to Reservoir Engineers to obtain and understand production profiles; and talking to Costs Engineers to get facilities and drilling costs. I then analyse the value of the project at various oil prices and sensitivities. I provide these numbers to the business manager so that they can be used to support negotiations, and I review and assist in drafting commercial agreements. So far, my most exciting career moment has been negotiating face-to-face insurance policies with third party businesses in Sharjah (UAE). Did you know? By 2020, 80% of BP s oil production will come from water flood projects, using technologies like Brightwater in Alaska.

9 8/9 2 3 Trading Intelligence Analyst Michael Wolman Commercial Analyst Rebecca Collacott Canary Wharf Sharjah, UAE Politics, Economics and Classics Maths, Physics, English Management with Marketing Philosophy, Politics and Economics The energy industry seemed like a good pick, but my decision to join BP came at their assessment centre: everyone was extremely open and willing to share their wealth of experience, something I still experience today. As a Trading Intelligence Analyst, I don t really have a typical work day. I use new methods (or technology) to get the right information to the right people as fast as possible. Due to the large nature of the oil industry, there is so much data out there, but it can be difficult to turn that into useful information. My team applies a highly agile and creative methodology to do this. When I m not at work, I m a keen runner. I also love music (I ve been playing the guitar for almost ten years) and trying to make weird new milkshakes with various chocolate bars. A typical work day includes responding to s on a variety of subjects, from risk management to a current contract under negotiation; running economics on a project being considered; visiting the plant to work on third-party risks with the Operations teams; attending meetings with external parties; and and dealing with ad hoc requests from the Head of Finance. I joined BP in 2007 because of the importance of energy supply and a desire to be part of ensuring the world s energy needs are met responsibly, sustainably, and profitably. Within that, I found BP s positioning as a green company appealing. Seize every opportunity and always do your best. Even if you think what you re currently doing seems irrelevant to your end goal, often you develop skills or insight or meet people who will be useful to what you want to do next. Don t settle for second best but don t underestimate the advantages of opportunities you hadn t previously considered. Rebecca Collacott, Commercial Analyst

10 Do you have the skills? As well as needing the right subjects and qualifications to begin a career in the energy business, you will also need to develop many other skills that will be needed everyday in the workplace. Consider the list of skills and attributes below and decide how you can improve in these areas. Skills Attributes How to improve Oral/spoken communication/ interpersonal skills Written communication skills Teamwork/ collaboration skills Working under pressure Organisational skills Time management skills Speaking to people one-onone, as well as in groups Listening to and advising others Relating to other people and communicating with them daily Printed and online written work Working with others to accomplish a task Handling stress that comes with deadlines and other limitations Being organised and methodical, especially in work-related situations Using your time wisely and consistently Try public speaking Get more involved in group work at school If someone you know has a problem, listen to them and try to help them solve it Practise writing reports and letters and sending s Don t always use your phone to communicate; think of other written ways to communicate with people Practise using computer programmes such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint Join after-school clubs Make the most out of group work in class Learn not to ignore deadlines, be prepared ahead of time Learn to expect the unexpected Make a record of what you should be doing and when. E.g. write down what is expected of you for homework or coursework Learn to set and stick to schedules and deadlines

11 10/11 At BP we continually look for talented and creative individuals to join our energy business to: develop and harness alternative sources of energy make our current energy sources as efficient as possible contribute to exploration and production of oil and natural gas sell and trade energy products market the natural energy resources on which the modern world depends. What s available for you? We can offer able students and graduates unparalleled scope to kick-start their careers in a work environment that is both challenging and rewarding. Graduates: if you intend to go to university to study a degree, Masters or PhD, a wide range of options within BP will be available to you upon graduation, depending on your subject. Apprenticeships: if you are interested in science and technology and have a hands-on, practical approach to problem solving but do not expect to go to university, then you might want to consider an apprenticeship. Internships: BP offers a range of award-winning internships for university undergraduates, enabling you to explore career options and develop the skills needed for a successful career. Did you know? BP is listed in the top 20 of The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers BP recruits up to 200 graduates in the UK each year for 19 different entry-level programmes in engineering, science and business. Want to know more? At you can: read about the types of jobs available to you learn about the specific training and development programmes read the profiles of recent graduates now working with BP find out more about the recruitment process.