Here is some info I got from an ex-big oil LDP candidate
His Experience:
- 3 years post graduate school at Big Oil company (think Shell, Chevron, Total etc.) in their rotational leadership development program in business IT (so digitalization, devops etc.). 3 promotions so far, currently work as a Delivery Lead for Major capital portfolio projects at the company's upstream practice, leading a team of 6 and managing multiple projects. My developmental focus at the company's leadership program has been Innovation management and all my roles have had something to do with it (ie. it is my domain).
- Outstanding recommendations and job performance on top 1/3 on each assessment.
My Question:
This is off topic but could you please give me some insight into Big Oil LDPs in Europe?
This is my short-term goal post MBA hopefully at Insead/IE
Just want to know what my chances are and how I should plan to get in.
There is not much information out there!
My background is Petroleum Engineering degree and 5 years a drilling engineer at Canadian E&P.
His response:
Generally speaking it is fairly hard. The LDP-programs at any oil company are very limited in space (for example only 6 people started with me) and the recruitment process is stressful and very competitive, as in as competitive as say an analyst spot at McKinsey. Your best option is to upload your CV through the companies' websites and try your best to get into one of the recruitment days. You can find more information on what these recruitment days entail exactly on the company website. I had to fight my way through a thesis internship through my university due to my unconventional background. Wasn't easy, but I'm happy I did it.
Please bear in mind that ALL big oil companies are looking for people, who have a long term focus on sticking with the company. They invest a lot of resources and time to shape you into a vital part of the company and doing so expect you to stay with them for 20-30 years. I'm saying this not to encourage you to apply, but to make sure that you understand what kind of a ''story'' you want to be telling the HR. You don't want them to think you are just going to leave after a couple of years (like I am, maybe).
You seem to have the ''perfect'' background for it. And the top MBA school will certainly help. Take time to ensure you understand what it is that Big Oil companies appreciate (VALUES! VALUES!) and place your bet
I think you got a chance.