Our graduates

Graduate Process Engineer

Louise studied Chemical Engineering at Edinburgh University, before joining TEP UK’s graduate scheme in 2009.  She is currently working within our Safety Engineering department.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

When I was considering my career options as I came to the end of my university course, I was very keen to work within the oil and gas industry, and ideally for a large operator that was investing in the future of the North Sea.  Another appeal of the TEP UK graduate scheme was the opportunity to work within various different parts of the business over the course of three years.

During my first year as a graduate, I worked offshore on a regular basis as a Field Technologist, which for me was a particular highlight as it gave me real hands on, practical experience.  I also particularly enjoyed my time working on our West Franklin project – this was a new and fast moving project so I was required to think on my feet and use my initiative.  Working on this project also gave me my first taste of working abroad as I spent some time in Paris working with our engineering contractor.

I’m currently working within TEP UK’s Safety Engineering team where I’ve been involved in a number of different projects.  At the moment I’m working on Safety Integrity Level determination for our Elgin Franklin asset, which involves working with an external consultant two days a week.  I’m also scribing for various HAZOPs, HAZIDs and risk assessments.

Outside of my day job, I’ve had the opportunity to learn French which I really enjoy.  Working alongside many different nationalities and cultures is one of the things I enjoy most about working for TEP UK and living in Aberdeen.  The city itself is compact but has all the amenities of a larger city, with the added bonus of easy access to the outdoors.  There are also a vast number of graduates living here because of the oil and gas industry, so there is a great social life to be had!

To any graduate thinking of applying to TEP UK, I would say you should be up for a challenge and be keen to take all the opportunities that come your way.  The chance to work offshore is one not to be missed, and because the programme is three years long, you will spend long enough within each area of your chosen field to really get involved in the work being done and make a real contribution on a daily basis.

Graduate Subsea & Pipeline Engineer

Saurabh achieved an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen before applying to join the graduate programme at TEP UK.  He started with the company in 2010 and is currently working within our Business Development department.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

The main reasons I applied to join the TEP UK graduate programme were the prospect of gaining an appreciation of different roles and departments and how they work together, and also the possibility of a career that would allow me to travel to and work in different locations throughout the world.  I consider myself very lucky to work in such a multi-cultural organisation.

In my short time with TEP UK, I’ve had the opportunity to take on several positions of responsibility, and also to see some very interesting pieces of work through from start to finish.  During my placement in the Subsea and Pipeline department, I spent considerable time offshore on both platforms and dive support vessels, managing several technically challenging projects.  I also had the chance to work closely with Total HQ in Paris when I was involved in subsea barriers integrity studies, and managed various different inspection and maintenance workscopes during my time offshore.

In my current placement within the Business Development team, I am involved in different pre-project, engineering and conceptual studies.  I have taken a frontline role in coordinating engineering studies for umbilical replacement for one of TEP UK’s subsea tie-back well clusters.  There’s no such thing as a typical day in the office!

All new starts at TEP UK get plenty opportunities to integrate with their colleagues outside of work.  For those who enjoy a challenge, there are numerous fundraising activities, and TEP UK also encourages employees to participate in projects within the local community.  In addition, each department has team building events and away days, which offer the chance to get to know your colleagues outside of the normal office environment.  Aberdeen is well off for amenities – pubs, clubs, gyms and golf courses are all within easy reach.  The North East of Scotland is also ideally situated for those that enjoy the outdoors, with water sports during the summer and snow sports over winter.

Any new graduate joining TEP UK will benefit from a real culture of mutual support, and I feel privileged to be surrounded by colleagues at all levels who are helpful and willing to devote their time to answering my queries.  One of the main reasons I would recommend the graduate programme is the level of responsibility you will be given at an early stage in your career, and the amount of practical experience you will gain working on real projects.  To succeed in a fast paced environment such as this, you will need good analytical skills, and the ability to think on your feet.  Leadership, team working and communication and influencing skills are also important to help you make the most of your time on the graduate scheme.

Graduate Drilling/Completion/Subsea Engineer

Tom gained an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, and joined the TEP UK graduate scheme in 2008.  He is now working as a Drilling Engineer.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

I chose to apply to the TEP UK graduate development scheme as I was very impressed with the wide range of challenges and opportunities that graduates are exposed to.  I also had the impression that, as a graduate, I would be undertaking real work from the start – something which I was pleased to discover is true!  From day one I’ve been involved in projects that have allowed me to gain the experience required within my discipline, and at the same time feel as though I am making a real contribution.

The highlight of my three years on the graduate scheme was the 16 months I spent working as a Night Drilling Supervisor offshore in Brunei.  This was a very challenging role which I thoroughly enjoyed as it gave me the responsibility of supervising drilling operations.  It was also an excellent opportunity to work in a different affiliate, get a taste of a different culture and gain a better understanding of Total’s global nature.

As a Drilling Engineer, my day starts with a conference call to the rig.  I spend time looking at current and planned operations, and ensuring that the correct equipment and people required for the job are available or ready to be mobilised.  At the moment, I’m also working on the well design for an upcoming HP/HT exploration well.  This is extremely interesting as it involves planning the complete architecture for the well, ensuring it is compliant with company and HSE guidelines.

I’m very good friends with a number of the graduates I joined TEP UK with, as well as those in the years before and after me, and that social aspect is great, particularly as a newcomer to Aberdeen.  I enjoy running and regularly go for a run at lunchtime or meet up at local races with colleagues.  Aberdeen itself is well located for heading into the Cairngorms for skiing in the winter and walking in the winter, so it’s ideal if you enjoy the outdoors!  It is also the oil capital of Europe which means there are a lot of young professionals working in the city, making it a great place to go out and socialise.

I would thoroughly recommend the TEP UK graduate scheme to others.  For technical disciplines in particular, the opportunity to go offshore and see operations for yourself is an invaluable part of the development process.  Listening and teamwork skills are very important – at TEP UK you get the chance to work alongside many extremely experienced people who are delighted to share their knowledge with you and help you improve as an engineer, so it is important that you make the most of this.

Graduate Geologist

Matthew’s first degree was a BSc Hons in Geology-Petroleum Geology from the University of Aberdeen, and he then went on to achieve an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience from Heriot-Watt University.  He joined TEP UK’s graduate scheme in 2009 and is now a Geologist within our Central Graben Growth and Exploration team.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

When I was looking at graduate development schemes, I wanted to work for a company large enough to give me the experiences and opportunities that would allow me to grow as a geologist.  I was extremely impressed by Total’s worldwide portfolio and in particular by TEP UK’s drive to explore the North Sea utilising in-house HP/HT expertise.  One of the other appeals for me was the level of responsibility I would be given at the outset, something which I feel is very important for development.

Three things in particular stick in my mind when I think about my time on the graduate scheme.  The first is my involvement in the 26th licensing round, when I was part of a team working up new ideas and prospects, some of which I’ve been able to see through to well preparation phase and hopefully on to drilling.  The second is the varied and interesting training courses I’ve been on – from Sedimentology in the Pyrenees and Hydrocarbon Evaluation in Stavanger, to Structural Geology in the French Alps!  Finally, for the past two years, I’ve been fortunate enough to be selected to play for TEP UK in Total’s annual football tournament, held most recently in Perpignon, South East France.

I am now a Geologist working within the Central Graben Growth and Explorations teams.  This means my time is split between the synthesis of our knowledge on the Upper Jurassic of the Central North Sea, and the well preparation of targets acquired in recent licensing rounds.

There are plenty of extra curricular activities available at TEP UK too.  I’ve had the chance to help with graduate recruitment, speak at the Young Geologist Symposium in Edinburgh, become a STEM ambassador, attend industry awards ceremonies....  In addition, through TEP UK’s Sports & Social Club, there are plenty of gigs, theatre productions and weekends away to enjoy.  Aberdeen has plenty on offer to cater to most tastes – restaurants, shops, and the munroes and glens of the Highlands are only a short drive away.

If you’re looking for the opportunity to experience different roles within your field, and real responsibility from the outset, then I would encourage you to apply to TEP UK.  The scheme is well structured and organised, and the in-house training offered equips you to do your job to the best of your ability.  The support you receive from colleagues, both at a technical and non-technical level, is also excellent.  As a new graduate joining TEP UK, you need good communication skills and commitment – and a passion for your discipline always helps!

Graduate Geophysicist

Thomas studied Physics at the University of Durham, and then went on to complete an MSc in Petroleum Geophysics from Imperial College in London.  After joining our graduate scheme in 2009, Thomas now works within TEP UK’s Central Graben Growth team as a Geophysicist.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

When I was looking at graduate schemes, I was keen to find a company that could offer the opportunity to work abroad, and also the chance to learn a second language.  When I realised that TEP UK could provide both these things, as well as a world class training programme and a variety of interesting projects, it became an easy choice!

Shortly after joining TEP UK I took part in the 26th licensing round, which involved identifying North Sea blocks of value and putting together Total’s bid to the UK government.  This was an extremely interesting project and a real testament to the opportunities TEP UK gives you to do ‘real’ work from day one.  I’ve also attended various training courses in France Spain and Norway – all excellent opportunities to continue my professional development.

The majority of my time as a Geophysicist within the Central Graben Growth team is spent interpreting regional seismic data and working closely with the rest of the team to produce a geological model for an area and assess its hydrocarbon potential.  I also solve a variety of geophysical problems, take part in plenty of training and share my skills with other teams.

I have also had the opportunity to perform various roles and activities outside of my main job in the Geoscience department – everything from taking part in projects in the local community and competing in a charity white water rafting challenge to weekends away with the Sports and Social Club.  Your time in the graduate scheme is the perfect time to try out as much as you can and enjoy every aspect that working for a large energy company can provide.  As a city, Aberdeen has far more to offer than you might expect!  There is plenty to do, and with so many like minded people coming to the city to work in the oil and gas industry, it is a really enjoyable environment to be part of.

The support and opportunities TEP UK’s graduate programme offers are fantastic.  Few companies can offer such a broad range of training and activities, both within the geosciences discipline and in the company as a whole.  Great care is taken to make sure you feel welcome and supported from the start, and after two years on the programme you really appreciate the experience you have gained.  Most people starting as graduates have little or no practical work experience, so being able to keep a clear head and learn from every opportunity is vital.

Graduate Contracts Engineer

My previous work experience and education as an Exploration Geologist gave me a good understanding of the oil and gas industry prior to starting the Graduate Programme at TOTAL.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

The contracts team at TOTAL is fantastic and has played a large role in my development so far. The team’s willingness to guide me in my first few months enabled me to grasp the job requirements quickly and contribute to the team in no time at all.

My job as a Contracts Engineer is very dynamic, and gives me a good insight to many different departments in the business. I have gained a wider understanding and exposure to the various business units in the oil and gas industry as a result of my experience in drafting and negotiating contracts for Well Services, Drilling Operations, Subsea, Geoscience, Maintenance and Inspection as well as General Offshore and Onshore Services.

I have also gained a deeper understanding of the technical, legal and commercial aspects of our varied operations as a result of working closely with the Legal team to draft appropriate terms and conditions and with the technical counterpart, to understand service requirements and draft appropriate scope of work.

I really enjoy my time working with TOTAL and living inAberdeen. International experience is important for me and I am looking forward to more exposure to other cultures, and projects within the wider TOTAL group. As part of the graduate development programme I have received valuable commercial and technical training and on-the-job coaching from experienced professionals.

TOTAL is a great place to work, the people are friendly, accommodating and extremely helpful. From my undergraduate years, it had always been my desire to work for TOTAL, and after three years working for TOTAL I am confident I made the right decision.

Graduate Reservoir Engineer

Drew’s first degree, which he studied for at the University of Aberdeen, was a BSc in Geology-Physics, which he then followed up with an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College in London.  He started his career at TEP UK in 2010.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

I chose to apply to TEP UK as they are a major oil and gas operator committed to the UKCS.  Total have a very interesting profile, not just in the UK but worldwide, and can offer an exciting and diverse career path.  A further appeal for me was the well structured graduate programme, with the guarantee of real work and operational experience at an early stage in my career.

The most enjoyable moment of my time as a TEP UK graduate so far has been going offshore for the first time and overseeing the perforating and well testing of a new reservoir.  This was both a challenging and exciting experience where I learnt a great deal and saw first hand the operational side of our business.  I’ve also really enjoyed the various training courses I’ve attended, some in the South of France – well, what’s not to enjoy?!  They’re a great way to meet people from all across the world who work in the same discipline as you.

I’m currently working as a Graduate Reservoir Engineer, involved on a day to day basis in monitoring three of our subsea fields in the Northern North Sea.  I monitor how gas/liquid production, along with pressures and temperatures, decline over time and compare the results with what we have predicted using our reservoir models.  I also get the opportunity to make the occasional trip offshore to observe and learn from various different operations, such as well testing, logging and Production Logging Tools (PLTs).

Outside of my core role at TEP UK, I’ve taken an active role in presenting at events that encourage youngsters to consider a career in the oil and gas industry.  Membership of professional bodies is also encouraged at TEP UK, and I’ve become a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.  TEP UK also has an excellent Sports & Social Club that offers discounts on tickets for sporting events, gym memberships, gigs and theatre shows.  I very much enjoy living in Aberdeen – it’s a diverse and exciting place with plenty to keep you entertained outside of work.

The TEP UK graduate scheme has very much lived up to my expectations.  From day one I’ve been involved in exciting and challenging projects, working alongside other professionals and managers.  There aren’t months of training to go through before you can get stuck into the ‘real’ work – it’s straight into applying what you’ve learnt at university to real life operations.  As well as learning on the job, there are plenty opportunities to attend both internal and external training courses – coming back to the office and immediately putting into practice what you have learned really is the best way to develop your skills.

To new graduates joining the scheme, my advice would be ask lots of questions, and make the most of the opportunity to learn from working alongside both more experienced colleagues, and those from different disciplines and cultures.  You need to be adaptable as the type of work you are involved with can vary from day to day, and don’t be afraid to challenge existing thinking.  Being able to work as part of a team is also important, and above all an enthusiasm for working and learning with Total.

Finance Graduate

Malcolm’s first experience of TEP UK was during a one year placement from university.  Following his final year at the Robert Gordon University, where he obtained a BA Hons in Accounting & Finance, he applied to our graduate scheme and returned to TEP UK in 2008.

My Time So Far At TOTAL

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at TEP UK – as well as providing me with a wealth of practical experience, it also confirmed my desire to work in the oil and gas industry.  I had the opportunity to see first hand the level of support that TEP UK’s graduates experience, and I was delighted to be offered a place on the graduate scheme at the end of my degree course.

Some of the highlights of my time on the graduate programme are completing my CIMA exams, and also the ten days I spent at the Total Together event in Paris.  This is a group wide event that outlines the main activities and organisation of Total, introduces exploration and production techniques and helps you understand the structure of career management at Total.  Not only did it give me a good grounding in various topics relevant to my career, it was also an excellent opportunity to meet employees from other subsidiaries who I would not otherwise have come into contact with.  

I have been fortunate enough to spend time working in almost all the finance functions within TEP UK.  This has allowed me to gain a vast amount of knowledge and practical experience that can only benefit my future career, while at the same time having the responsibility that working in a ‘real’ job brings.

I am currently working as a Cost Analyst within our Finance team, responsible for Alwyn Area finances.  I provide reports and information on spend, budgets and forecasting.  Working closely with one of the operational areas of the business has been extremely interesting for me, as it has given me a greater understanding of that side of things – something you wouldn’t necessarily otherwise experience working in Finance!

The graduates tend to be a close knit group, with long lasting friendships being formed and plenty of nights out!  TEP UK’s Sports and Social Club is also a great way to meet people from across the business.  Aberdeen is a great place to live, with plenty variety for everyone and a great nightlife.

I firmly believe that the TEP UK graduate scheme is one of the best on offer to finance graduates.  You will be offered continual support through your professional qualifications, and have the chance to learn about a huge variety of the different aspects of finance.  Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and listen, and an ability to show initiative will all be well rewarded at TEP UK.