VPI Purchasing Student Review

Daily tasks vary from the more basic actions such as submitting Purchase orders, SR's and PPAP's to being responsible for the procurement of an entire list of parts for the project. There is substantial planning and tracking involved in the role that requires good organization skills. You will interact with core team members from all functions such as engineering, program, marketing, quality etc. Moreover, you will communicate with suppliers regularly over phone, email and zoom calls. Out of Covid even face to face visits etc. these meetings could be for a update on production, planning or DQR. Projects you will work on are whatever Cummins is working on at the time, these are real projects and you'll have a real impact! I worked in CES which specializes in engine exhaust aftertreatment systems.

Planning and organization skills have greatly developed, notably my use of excel for this purpose . Furthermore, presentation skills and general professionalism when communication in the cooperate world, I've grown a lot of confidence and the quality of my work has improved. Im on my way to complete a Certified procurement professional certificate which is funded by Cummins, this has helped me further develop my understanding of the purchasing function. This certificate is industry recognized.

Responsibility depends on your competence and willingness to get involved. Initially you are issued core purchasing tasks that are simple enough for you to work on whilst learning the function such as submitting purchase orders and source releases. As your understanding develops you will be given greater responsibility. ~You are expected to manage your time and projects well. I had multiple high level responsibilities by mid term that had a direct project / customer impact. If you don't show willing and competency then your exposure could be limited.

One of the reasons I selected Cummins is that they appeared to look after their employees well. I can confirm this is true, all of the Cummins employees I have met are extremely supportive! Always willing to help and explain things if i didn't understand them (which btw is okay, always ask questions you can't know everything). You are provided with a buddy when you start who is usually the old placement student, they are there to offer your basic training and help with anything you need in the first month or so along side your manager. Furthermore, I got great support from our program leader, manager and other functions.

Cummins is a professional corporate environment, however, the people are very friendly and supportive. Meetings are of course conducted professionally but there is often time for some chitchat which does help form relationships and you get to know all the people you work with. I worked from home due to covid although did get to visit the office a couple of times and meet some people face to face. Everyone was very friendly. I recommend!

As a whole i really enjoyed my placement. The people at Cummins are great to work with and that aligns with the overall company culture. The work was testing and at times hard but i was always supported and ultimately this has allowed me to learn an develop. I have already accepted a contact extension to work part time at Cummins whilst I complete my final year at uni! I look forward to continuing my career with them.

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Practice online aptitude tests etc prior to applying, they are quite hard and if failed you wont proceed to the next steps. Apply for more than one role, Its good to have options. For the assessment center, research Cummins history and when there be friendly and chatty as much as possible to both Cummins staff and the other students, they want to see involvement and some energy! If you apply for a technical role, make sure you are familiar with the product e.g. how engines work, turbos etc.