Operational Purchasing Intern Review

I enjoyed it an incredible amount! I was challenged every day, got to travel frequently, learned something new every time I completed an exciting project or task and was given some amazing training opportunities that gave me new perspectives on the way I work and why; you can't ask for much more than that.

I had a great time working with the team around me and with the other interns when we met for the IDP (Intern Development Program). Sometimes you can get lost in the crowd in a large business like Siemens; but I was still given some real opportunities as an intern and some amazing support by my manager and the people around me.

Personally, I was extremely lucky to have a manager that saw my time with the company as a mutual path of development - he wanted to know what I could do and see differently as an intern and someone fresh to the business; and in return gave me some amazing training, support and development, both inside and outside of the organisation. This is something that I have heard over and over again from the other interns within Siemens.

My role as a Procurement Intern at Siemens meant a very large range of responsibilities and people to contact on a daily basis; this would have been completely manageable if by itself; but due to my personal nature and the support of my manager, I took on various projects that added to my workload. Siemens really encourages a healthy work/life balance, however I found myself taking on a lot more than I should have; this isn't the company's fault, but my own! I still had plenty of time for personal development and time outside of work to relax, but I found myself slightly stressed at some points due to the volume of meetings and deadlines to adhere to.

I was given complete autonomy over my role and my own projects to manage as I saw fit; which was an incredible experience as it made me feel like I owned my time with Siemens, rather than just working 9-5 and working a normal job. To me it's exactly how an internship should be as the learning and development process of being given your own time and resources to manage is so valuable!

It has given me context, experience and depth of understanding of how business works in practice; which on my return to university will mean that I am able to write and discuss my research with more authority than I would have been able to, had I not completed an internship. I have been allowed to take on research specific tasks to further my understanding of business theory and strengthen foundational, transferrable skills that I can carry forwards to any job I choose to in the future.

I had the chance to work with an experienced team of buyers and schedulers in my office that were extremely knowledgeable, but still knew how to laugh. Sadly, the only downside was that it was a bit harder to identify with them or anyone else in my office (apart from the occasional apprentice that would be doing a placement on the same floor), due to the age and life experience difference. It was a very professional environment, which although had it's lighter side, led to some days where I wished I could have had a friend my age to talk to about work and the office.

We were the first ever year to be taken on into a structured internship program at Siemens, so have been very lucky to be a part of it's development. Hand in hand with that also meant that sometimes decisions were made last minute and were slightly unclear. Once we had started the Intern Development Program however, everything fell into place and was well structured; I'd say it had the same amount of uncertainty of starting a new job or learning a new organization, which is to be expected.

We had a large amount of investment from Siemens; they gave us 5 very well put together training days off site that worked on our core competencies and personal development; with professionals in their areas delivering the training. I was also allowed to travel often with my job, with all expenses paid around the UK and even around Europe to visit suppliers (with good reasons to visit obviously!) Siemens truly sees interns as long term investments and is keen to retain the talent through putting not only time and resources into you, but also a sense of care.

Siemens are very keen to retain the interns after graduation and have made sure that we adhere to the "stay in touch" policy in place. As interns, we skip much of the application process for grad schemes, should we choose to come back. Many of the interns I know have already secured grad placements; with most others expressing a desire to return. I also wish to return to company and have had the process of finding and applying to grad schemes within Siemens clearly cascaded to me.

Among most other sites, the interns mixed very well and seemed to socialize regularly; I've made some amazing friends through the IDP & at my site, but sadly my site is split into 4 plants; with interns sprinkled amongst them in different departments. As a result the only real time I got to socialize with other interns was at the various events throughout the year.

My site was in Lincoln; which is incredibly low cost in terms of accommodation and food as it's a East-Midlands, university city. It allowed me to save a great deal of my earnings to pay for a studio apartment for my next university year and be able to socialize still.

As Lincoln is a university city, there are plenty of pubs. bars, nightclubs and many other things to do in the evening. The other students are really friendly for the most part and you'll have plenty of chances for a good night out.

Siemens provided a large range of opportunities for volunteering, sports clubs and other events outside of work; communicated via the intranet and regular emails. If you want something to do, there is always something going on to get involved in.