Energy Research Analyst

I was first contacted for an online assessment which was very easy (basic math/logic questions). Then, I was invited to fly down to Houston for an on-site assessment, which consists of a group assessment, individual presentation, written exercise, behavioral and technical interviews.

First, we had a group activity where we were handed a case (plan out an operating daily schedule for a manufacturing plant by assigning personnel to different tasks) and had to come up with a solution in a 3-person group while the interviewers watch. This activity was kind of silly and didn't really seem to contribute to the final offer. Then, you are given material to prepare for an individual presentation (typical written case study), and you make the presentation on a flip chart board.

The technical interview is more of a discussion on energy markets, make sure to understand basics of oil & gas market (brent vs. WTI, effect of shale on natgas prices, effect of middle east tension on energy prices, etc.) and also basic valuation (how to value an oil-field: what are the inputs of a discounted cash-flow approach). Behavioral interview is simple, just explain why energy, leadership, etc. Written exercise asks for short responses on why Wood Mackenzie, and what are the issues facing energy industry.

I got the offer about 2 weeks after the interview.