What is it?
As one of the world’s largest producers of oil and gas, BP is a household name not only in the UK but in dozens of countries overseass. It employs 100,000 people across six continents and the company generated sales of more than $260 billion (£127 billion) in 2006.

Are there opportunities for work experience?
BP offers around 120 places annually on its intern schemes and recently won the National Council for Work Experience’s annual award for the best short-term placement programme. There are internships available throughout the company and, depending on performance, placements can lead to the offer of a graduate role.

Which graduate jobs are on offer?
Despite the recent announcement that the company is restructuring, BP expects to hire up to 300 graduates in 2008, nearly double the number recruited in 2007. There are opportunities in three main areas – engineering, science and business – with vacancies as diverse as naval architecture, chemistry, drilling engineering and finance. Where are the jobs? Most new graduates work in Aberdeen, London, Hull, Pangbourne and Surrey.

What’s the pay like?
Starting salaries for graduates in 2008 have yet to be confirmed, but those joining BP this year were paid a minimum of £28,000, more for those with a relevant master’s or PhD. Additional location allowances are also paid for those working in London or offshore.

What’s the competition like? The major oil companies typically receive between 50 and 100 applications for each place on their graduate schemes.

How do you apply?
Applications are at www.bp.com/careers and all candidates will need to complete an online psychometric test and a self-assessment questionnaire entitled “How BP are you?”

How has BP done in the Top 100?

2003 - 15, 2004 - 32, 2005 - 25, 2006 - 20, 2007 - 19

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with more than 17,000 final-year university students. To find out more and to order the new 2007-08 edition for £14.99 visit www.Top100GraduateEmployers.com

Find out more about the best places to work in The Times Top 100 interactive table – timesonline.co.uk/top100grad

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