Why BG Group?

First and foremost I wanted to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry - a fast paced, dynamic industry whose activities dominate the front pages as much as the business pages.

BG Group’s graduate programme has clear formal objectives for Engineers, not to mention a vast support network. BG Group offers an accredited company training scheme approved by both IChemE and IMechE, with a guarantee that you’ll be given meaningful roles with real responsibility. To back this up BG Group also promises at least one international placement within the first two years.

Where do you fit in?

The Operations function is charged with safely and efficiently operating and maintaining the global portfolio of BG Group’s assets. The function consists of a broad base of specialist engineering, managerial and hands-on experience in disciplines that together ensure BG Group’s assets deliver against performance targets, covering safety, production volumes, revenue  and environmental goals  - all this while complying with corporate and legislative frameworks and standards.

What would I need to do your job?

A job in operations is not to everyone’s taste – you can expect exposure to varied and contrasting environments, from working out of the head office developing strategies and new initiatives to spending 12+ hours in the field co-ordinating shutdown work scopes. It takes a certain type of character to deliver, but if you seize the opportunity you can reap the benefits.

If you like the idea of a challenge, taking on responsibility from day one, working internationally in sectors across the gas chain, being part of a function that will invest in your personal development and future, then operations is an area you should consider.

And the highlights?

It’s hard to nail down a specific experience. I’ve had so many from working offshore in the UK's North Sea to working in Tunisia and Egypt designing and executing turnkey projects.

My current role is intriguing. Working in a Joint Venture organisation trying to deliver a major project of national significance and instilling ‘best in class’ protocols is an exciting challenge – particularly in an environment where colleagues do not necessarily have the same drivers and objectives as you.

What's the work environment like?

It varies greatly – you have to be prepared for anything in this industry. I’ve gone from working offshore, sharing a dormatory with three people and living on a platform for two weeks, to an office-based job at the Company’s headquarters in Reading, UK, to working out of an apartment block in Cairo.

Due to the international nature of the industry, it’s a job where you get to work alongside colleagues from all different walks of life, with varying cultures and values. Although the end game is the same, it’s amazing to see the differing approaches taken in order execute activities and achieve objectives.

Has BG Group met your expectations?

It’s lived up to expectations, without a doubt. Within little over two years I’ve travelled the globe, worked in four different roles from commercial to engineering, within projects and operations, interfacing with staff, contractors and vendors alike.

Most importantly, I’ve felt that I’m adding real value and gaining great exposure and experience. It’s fantastic to be able to look at my role and see where my work fits into the overall strategy of both the asset and the business.