Purchasing Analyst Review

I had the opportunity to travel to all of the UK manufacturing sites and go on various courses to find out more about the company and how they operate.

My line manager and supervisor were very supportive throughout my placement. As there is no chain of command in larger offices, it is easy to talk to other staff and they can be very helpful.

As well as training courses to familiarize myself with systems. I also received one to one training which helped me get into the student role as quick as possible.

Towards the end of my placement, I found myself very busy due to our team implementing a new project.

I was given responsibility of over 100 framework agreements to maintain and send for approval, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wish I had more input with external suppliers as I feel it would have given me more people skills.

Sitting in an office full of Purchasing managers and productivity managers has significantly improved my skills set. From the purchasing managers I have picked up useful buying skills and negotiation.

As I was located in a smaller office, sometimes it can be very quiet. When colleagues are in the office, it can be a lively place.

From PepsiCo's end, they have done a tremendous job. They have also taken on feedback from previous students to improve the placement experience even more.

I was put on many courses, including: Bitesize supply chain course, to understand how the whole UK business works. Introduction to potatoes course, to explore how PepsiCo/Walkers/Lays grow new types of potatoes for the consumer. Commercial Activity Day, a student exercise to invent a new PepsiCo product and pitch to Directors.

The only downside to PepsiCo is they don't have a graduate scheme. I am looking to get an analyst role back at PepsiCo, but I will have to apply through the normal careers website.

There are around 20 students who worked at PepsiCo. The social scene started off well, but many of the students were from nearby universities (unlike me). So many students preferred to socialize at their university.

I commuted from my hometown in Rugby, to work (Leicester) everyday. Though from friends, I was told that living costs are reasonable, especially if you live with other students. Some of the clubs can be expensive, though the Pubs and Bars are quite reasonable.

Leicester has many great pubs, but only a few great clubs. The high cross shopping centre is a great place for he cinema and various restaurants from Pizza Express to Nandos.

I had two social groups throughout my placement. One consisted of the office and the other consisted of he students. PepsiCo is a very relaxed atmosphere, but also the employees are driven which is a very good balance. Both social groups planned nights out to bars and clubs. With the students, we regularly attended the cinema and had meals together at different restaurants.