My advice to people who are just coming here is to gather as much knowledge as they can in the shortest possible time and look for another opportunity as soon as possible. Basically, I feel sorry for all the talented people who will come here and be disappointed very soon.
Those of you with a lot of experience here, what advice would you give to those just coming here?
9 replies (most recent on top)
The problem with BP is they make Accenture project managers full time employees. They have limited/no experience of the oil business. How many employees have been to a refinery or a tank farm? Then these new managers set their agenda. Absolutely pathetic.
When I joined BP 20 years ago, people with 20+ years experience really complained about the working experience and how many of the joys of working in BP had faded away. At the time I thought the place was great.
10 years and 3 restructures later, I started to understand why people complained about the lack of long-term commitment and direction.
another 10 years and I was just as miserable as the experienced people when I joined the company.
I would say that anyone who joins today and really loves the place will feel just as let-down by the company in 20 years time, but it seems unlikely that BP will still exist in 20 years.
Spoken like a true BP leader..."If you don't like it then leave and stop being bu-t hurt"
This is the attitude that permeates BP but its never spoken out loud. I know of a multitude of people who will be leaving as soon as they get things lined up to do so. Its going to become increasingly hard for this company to attract top talent in the future as word gets around and word is traveling fast.
Things are the worst I've ever seen them in this company in my 15 years here. The stock is underperforming relative to other O&G companies; benefits are dwindling; multiple losses on divestments; very poor buisness decisions, overpaying for assets and investments; severe nepotism; disrespectful leadership; fear of job loss for speaking up; and the list goes on.
If you are considering a career here please think twice.
Wow it feels like you are talking about a different company! Bp is pretty great at the moment!? Lots to get involved in if you are motivated. Not sure why everyone is so bu-t-hurt here? Just leave if it’s that bad??
I agree. This place is toxic and the benefits are quickly getting ripped out from under us. Leadership lacks the necessary experience to lead teams. The wrong people are promoted; the best people are pushed to the side if they speak up to try and do things right.
There is a job hit list that you are put on if you are not connected to the right people when re-orgs occur. I've seen really subtle and clever retaliation when the time comes for layoffs. They push this "no retaliation" message but everyone who has been here a while knows how it works. You learn to keep your mouth shut so you don't get put on the hit list.
They tell you to be thankful for your job and they work you into the dirt. The work life balance is horrible here and they just keep taking personal time away from us. You are not rewarded if you never say no to strenuous deadlines. They just keep taking from you more and more.
If you push back on requests because you are overwhelmed you are ostracized and treated poorly by leadership.
Learn all you can. Do your best to work hard and get a long with everyone. When the times comes leave as soon as you can. The company culture here is awful. Especially at BPX.
They say they will treat you with Dignity and Respect ... THEY LIE! !! They don't even know what that means! Make your money while looking for another job
Kiss as much a-s as you can and always say yes. Get drunk often with your management and pick up the tab. You’ll go far young grasshopper.
Well, I also feel sorry for the talented people who come here and are Not disappointed.
Bread and circus is enough for most.
Good post