Purchasing Undergraduate Review

I've really enjoyed my work placement year at JLR. I've been involved in some significant sourcing projects, had an introduction to strategy and supply chains, and been given opportunities to develop my personal skills which will be useful in the future.

I felt valued by my team from other buyers working around me right up to management level. I received praise for when I did completed tasks efficiently, and this generated more workload at times when it was thought I could resolve the issues we faced.

I was given lots of support by my manager and senior manager. I feel as though the only area which could've improved was being given a "buddy" buyer or mentor for the full year, but this didn't happen due to a high turnover of colleagues in the team.

I was more or less filling the role of a normal buyer so day-to-day I was very busy. This involved supporting internal and supplier meetings, processing purchase orders, recording savings and productivity and producing business case proposals.

I had real responsibilities in my placement which made you feel as though you were making a difference to the company. This included commercial analysis and negotiation strategy approaches. I seemed to be involved in most activities which were going on in the team at any time.

I've developed my verbal and written communication skills, and confidence in presentations. I've received training on strategic sourcing and commercial analysis which will be useful beyond my degree.

The general atmosphere in the office was relaxed but focussed. The different commodity teams tended to sit together in their own little area so you were always up-to-date with what was happening.

The undergraduate placement at JLR is more of a job than a scheme. I wasn't given a specific project to complete, just support with all the ongoing tasks of the wider team. On our first day, we were given the curriculum outline including offsite events, which never actually happened.

JLR invested a lot in me during my placement. They encouraged participation at training events run by CIPS for example and courses on Global Mindset and Cultural Intelligence.

Future employment at JLR is a very appealing prospect. The organisation is growing rapidy having experienced 6 successive years of growth and are leading the way in manufacturing sought-after vehicles which combine iconic British brands.

There was a good social scene between fellow undergraduates but this depended on where you were positioned. At the larger JLR sites I believe this was strong but at mine there was only 1 other undergraduate. You did meet others on training days and this led to meals/nights out.

The cost of living was reasonable. Double room for £360/month in a 4-bed house share. I believe it is more expensive to live in Warwick/Leamington Spa.

Coventry - only really one main nightclub but didn't really experience much nightlife where I lived. Tended to head back home or visit university friends.

No not regular events such as football but I believe this is team/department dependent. Our office however was good at organising one-off events scheduled outside of work hours: visit to the Races, 10 pin bowling and a pub quiz.