Purchasing Intern Review

The purchasing intern role is an intern role in indirect procurement. On the day-to-day: I update various reports to support the wider team, such as the PO-Spend report. This requires ensuring the data is as accurate and applicable as possible. The purchasing intern also runs a helpdesk email to support the wider business in procurement-related queries regarding systems and preferred suppliers. In this role your day-to-day will shift slightly as you make the role your own, picking up projects and contributing in tenders. The team appreciates your active approach and speaking up, letting them know what you want to learn and experience during your placement year.

I have learnt how to best communicate with various internal and external stakeholders. Both via email, teams and in person. I would also say efficiency is required by the role and appreciated by the team. The same goes for being organised and on top of tasks. Furthermore, I have developed my presentation skills and Excel skills and learnt how to use SAP.

Yes, I have been given several responsibilities during my placement year and have been told the scope of the role will be broadened ensuring the intern gets the chance to make an active difference in the business. During my placement, I created a monthly dashboard report and sent it directly from my email to the ELT. I have been in several meetings with a few of our ELT members and one meeting with the UK&I CEO.

I have had various support from my wider team of 12 people. In the office, everyone asks questions all the time with the spirit that there are no stupid questions. If not in the office, you can send them a message on TEAMs and they will reply as soon as they can. However, my manager has also been good at letting me work autonomously and operate on my own time, figuring out the best ways of working and learning by doing.

The company culture is a bit chaotic as it is a company of multiple brands collaborating with influencers and events. Not everyone is superhelpful so do not be afraid to escalate urgent issues with the help of managers, senior managers or even directors. However, generally, everyone is very passionate about what they do and very nice to speak to. It's a very nice office and a very nice team - it is more so the lack of knowledge for what purpose purchasing and other corporate functions serve that can be a challenge with the wider business.

I have enjoyed it very much and it feels sad to go. The learning opportunities have felt vast and a good level of challenge. I wish the team the best of luck moving forward and hope the new intern will have just as an amazing experience as I have had. I do, however, believe this job is what you make of it so without enthusiasm and dedication you are less likey to find all the possible projects and possible improvements.

Yes

Be well prepared, stand up for yourself and don't be afraid to stick out of the crowd. The interviewing and assessment centres may seem daunting but are less complicated than it seems.