About the Company & Graduate Programme
BP is at the forefront of the global energy transition, evolving from an international oil company into an integrated energy company. With our primary hub in London, we are reimagining energy for people and our planet. Our mission is to reach net-zero by 2050 or sooner, and this journey requires the brightest minds from the graduate community to help us innovate, trade, and scale renewable infrastructure. As a graduate in our Trading & Shipping division, you will be part of a culture that values intellectual curiosity, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to safety and ethics.
This graduate intake is pivotal to our strategy. You will join a cohort of high-potential individuals tasked with bridging the gap between traditional energy markets and the burgeoning green hydrogen, wind, and solar sectors. We offer a culture that promotes internal mobility and continuous learning, ensuring that our early-career professionals are equipped to lead in a rapidly shifting energy landscape where precision, technology, and global reach are the cornerstones of our success.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Participate in three 8-month rotations across Gas, Power, and Renewables trading desks to gain a holistic view of the value chain.
- Utilize advanced quantitative modelling tools and Python/SQL to analyse market trends, supply-demand balances, and price fluctuations.
- Support senior traders by performing real-time data monitoring and developing automated dashboards for market risk assessment.
- Collaborate with the Logistics and Operations teams to ensure the smooth physical flow of commodities, managing trade lifecycle and contract compliance.
- Engage with senior stakeholders to present research findings on market volatility and potential investment opportunities in low-carbon technologies.
- Identify operational inefficiencies and lead small-scale process improvement projects to enhance trade execution speed and accuracy.
- Monitor geopolitical developments and environmental policy changes that impact cross-border commodity trade.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- Final-year students or recent graduates from any discipline, though STEM or Economics degrees are highly preferred due to the analytical nature of the role.
- A minimum 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) in your undergraduate studies.
- Strong analytical mindset with a natural aptitude for working with complex datasets and abstract problem-solving.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where communication is critical.
- Evidence of leadership potential, whether through academic projects, societies, or extracurricular pursuits.
- Unrestricted right to work in the UK; BP is proud to offer visa sponsorship for exceptional international candidates under the Skilled Worker route.
- Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in a second language such as Mandarin, German, or Spanish is highly advantageous given our global market footprint.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
Our structured 24-month programme is designed to transform graduates into well-rounded trading professionals. You will participate in intensive classroom-based training on commodity markets, risk management, and Python for finance. Beyond technical skills, we provide a robust framework for professional development, supporting you as you work towards globally recognised qualifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or specific industry-focused energy trading certifications.
You will never be left to navigate your career alone. Every graduate is paired with a peer 'buddy' from the previous year’s intake and a senior mentor who is a leader within the trading business. These relationships provide you with a safe space to ask questions, discuss your rotation preferences, and gain deeper insight into the strategic direction of BP. Regular check-ins with the Early Careers team ensure that your development plan remains aligned with your personal growth and business needs.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary of £36,000 - £38,000 per annum.
- Annual performance-related bonus scheme based on personal and firm-wide targets.
- Generous non-contributory pension scheme with company matching up to 10%.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional days.
- Private medical insurance, life assurance, and a bespoke wellbeing allowance for gym memberships or mental health support.
- Hybrid working allowance to support your home office setup, alongside travel-to-work subsidies.
- Relocation assistance for candidates moving from outside the London area to support your transition.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application & CV: Submit your application via our portal. We review CVs on a rolling basis, so we strongly recommend submitting early as places fill up quickly.
- Gamified Cognitive & Situational Judgement Tests: Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited to complete a series of engaging online assessments designed to test logic, numerical reasoning, and behavioural alignment with BP’s core values.
- On-Demand Video Interview: A chance for us to learn more about your motivations, your interest in the energy sector, and your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
- Virtual Assessment Centre & Technical Presentation: The final stage involves a group exercise and a technical presentation where you will present your analysis of an energy market case study to a panel of managers. Success here leads to an offer to join our cohort.