Industrial Placement Student - Professional Services Global Procurement Review

I manage the data for my category, analyzing it and from this creating reports for my line manager. Management of documentation and the savings process for the category along side a colleague. Regularly speaking with suppliers and managing the relationship. Facilitating and running of tenders for my category. Running spend reports on suppliers as well as overall company reports. Building of dashboards for internal use.

Improved my data analysis skills and using a variation of tools in order to synthesis this information. Improved the way I deliver information to peers in the both the way the reports are created visually as well as the way I present them orally. I have developed skills regarding how to use procurement specific tools. I have also developed my relationship management skills further.

The level of responsibility I have been given during my placement has been high. It has gradually increased during my time at the company has meant I have had the adequate skills in order to take on the extra responsibility. As I have reached the end of my placement there has been the opportunity to take on projects by myself. My team has always pushed me in this regard but always offered support.

I have always been offered support during my placement. I have never felt that there has not been someone to go to during my time on placement. There is a stable network of early talent managers that I can always speak to in confidence as well as those in my team always offering support and guidance throughout my placement

There is a great company culture as you are able to talk to anyone within the company regarding any concerns that you would have or if you need guidance for something you are doing. It is an extremely friendly culture. However, the only downside would be that at the end and start of the week the attendance in the office is minimal and general social aspect is sometimes limited.

I enjoyed my placement thoroughly there was so many opportunities to extend my knowledge of procurement as a whole as well as opportunities to extend my knowledge outside procurement too. Everyone is very friendly at GSK making it enjoyed to work at the company and will definitely miss it when I leave to go back to university.

Yes

I would advice to make sure you have knowledge of the company, to have a genuine interest in the pharmaceuticals industry. Most importantly to have an open mind and have a willingness to learn as some of the skills you learn on the job your can not prepare for and as along as you will be willing to learn then you at an advantage. Need to ensure you can show this.