Graduate programmes

robfosters · 7 Aug 2013 at 15:42

Do big companies like BP accept graduate applications from older people as well as young graduates, or am I simply wasting my time studying an earth sciences degree?

craptakular · 7 Aug 2013 at 15:56

I have an earth science degree and never applied for a "graduate job", I am doing very well, i have a career in the water industry.

Earth Science != just oil.

robfosters · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:01

It's just by the time I complete it, I will be around 36-37. I'm just worried that even by then, I might be 'past it' in the new career world, so to speak.

shifty_uk · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:03

When applying, no one will be aware of your age until interview stages.

aa6972 · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:05

You might want to change the spelling of the title or there will be trolls...

icehot · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:06

robfosters said:
It's just by the time I complete it, I will be around 36-37. I'm just worried that even by then, I might be 'past it' in the new career world, so to speak.

While I appreciate I work in a different industry and it may be different in the energy sector, I was on my graduate program with people in their mid 30's and in one case, early 40's.

I personally wouldn't let it affect your state of mind.

shifty_uk · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:07

Oh and graduate programs aren't the be all and end all either. I don't know anyone who has ever entered one or even applied.

Beerbaron · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:10

surely age doesnt matter as its discriminatory to specify it.

how long is someone classed as a graduate for?

alx · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:33

craptakular said:
I have an earth science degree and never applied for a "graduate job", I am doing very well, i have a career in the water industry.

Earth Science != just oil.

But oil is best

alx · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:39

Beerbaron said:
surely age doesnt matter as its discriminatory to specify it.

how long is someone classed as a graduate for?

Varies, but usually 2-4 years depending on the particular scheme.

Regarding the OPs question, I don't think most companies are bothered by age but you can always ask them directly. Sometimes they will have specific schemes for people who change career later in life.

You just applying to BP or any others as well?

manic111 · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:40

I know someone who started KPMG's program at 27, that's the oldest I've heard of. They won't discriminate based on age but, as you say, "starting" a career at 35+ is pushing it.

Sudden · 7 Aug 2013 at 16:44

It depends on the company as some have rules as to how long ago you can have graduated in order to apply for the graduate programmes. It's not an age thing as much as when you actually graduated.

Salsa · 7 Aug 2013 at 17:00

DO you have work experience prior to your degree? That will likely count in your favour as well as having some life experience.

I did not find my age to count against me in the 200+ jobs I have applied to this year and I will be 30 soon. Made it onto an IT and Business change grad scheme with an environmental science degree after turning down an environmental consultancy grad scheme.

/Salsa