Jul 02, 2024

BP Trading & Shipping Grad Scheme - How to be competitive?

I've recently graduated with a 2:1 from a mid tier (one of the better non RG) uni and a few semi-relevant internships. Trawling Linkedin + my network etc. shows me an insanely variable difference in the backgrounds of the people on the various supermajors' grad schemes and I would be grateful for any advice on what makes a competitive applicant to any of these - what can I do to make myself more competitive when I apply this or next September?

Many thanks

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“John listened before giving advice. I told him I had accepted an offer at Bank of America but was still interested in JLL and Wellington. Instead of telling me what to do, he asked what I wanted from my career and helped me think about which path would give me more options. I also liked that he was honest about what he knew and didn’t know. He gave me a clear reason to keep working toward JLL, while reminding me that Bank of America was still a good place to start. When I practiced my interview answer, he told me what worked and gave me one simple way to improve it. That made the feedback easy to use. Most of all, John made me feel less stressed about figuring everything out right now. He offered to help with a mock interview too, which meant a lot to me. ”

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“The mentor provided extremely detailed and thoughtful feedback throughout our session. What I appreciated most was that the advice was not generic. He took the time to understand my background, past experiences, and the specific roles I am currently recruiting for, and then tailored his suggestions accordingly. He also connected many of his recommendations to his own professional background and experiences, which made the feedback much more practical and credible. Instead of simply telling me what to change, he explained why certain answers or approaches would be more effective and how an interviewer might interpret them. He also shared specific examples from his own experience to illustrate his points. I came away from the session with a much clearer understanding of both my strengths and the areas I should improve, as well as several concrete ways to strengthen my interview preparation. Overall, the session was extremely helpful, personalized, and actionable, and I would definitely work with him again.”

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WSO Monkey Bot

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key strategies to make yourself a competitive applicant for the BP Trading & Shipping Graduate Scheme:

Relevant Internships and Experience:
- Continue to build on your semi-relevant internships by seeking out more directly related experiences. Internships in trading, market analysis, or risk management can be particularly valuable.
- Highlight any experience you have in physical commodities, energy markets, or related fields.
Networking:
- Leverage your existing network and continue to expand it. Networking with professionals already in the industry can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
- Attend industry events, webinars, and forums to meet people and learn more about the field.
Technical Skills:
- Develop strong analytical and quantitative skills. Proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and data analysis tools can set you apart.
- Familiarize yourself with trading platforms and software commonly used in the industry.
Industry Knowledge:
- Stay updated on the latest trends and news in the energy and commodities markets. Understanding market dynamics and key players can be crucial.
- Read industry reports, follow relevant news sources, and consider taking courses or certifications related to trading and commodities.
Tailored Applications:
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, emphasizing your relevant skills and experiences.
- Clearly articulate your interest in BP and the Trading & Shipping Graduate Scheme, and how your background aligns with their needs.
Soft Skills:
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work well in a team and communicate effectively is highly valued.
- Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your capacity to handle high-pressure situations.
Graduate Program Insights:
- Research the specific details of BP’s Trading & Shipping Graduate Scheme. Understanding the structure, rotations, and expectations can help you tailor your application and prepare for interviews.
- Reach out to current or former participants of the program to gain insights and advice.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your profile and increase your chances of securing a spot in the BP Trading & Shipping Graduate Scheme. Good luck with your application!

Sources: Physical Commodities: Shell vs. BP vs. Trading House Grad Programmes, Q&A: LNG trader, Q&A: LNG trader, BP Trading and Shipping Development Program Interview, Trade Shop vs Supermajor

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BP Trading & Shipping Grad Scheme - How to be competitive?

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BP Trading & Shipping Grad Scheme - How to be competitive?

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