Indirect Purchasing Intern Review

Item: Indirect Purchasing Intern at BMW Group UK
Rating: 4.7
Author: Anonymous

at BMW Group UK

Placement (10 Months+)

Procurement, Purchasing and Supply

Oxford

Review Submitted: September 2023

Overall Rating

4.7 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

4.8/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Support and Guidance

4.5/5 - Company Culture

5/5 - Overall Experience

4/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.

As an Indirect Purchasing intern based on the MINI Plant in Oxford, my day to day responsibilities include supplier commodity strategy research, project sourcing, negotiation and order placement. My main role was to look after orders largely up to the value of 150k. I also had the opportunity to provide data and reporting support for the wider team.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

Yes, I felt part of the team and was never waiting for the next task! The role I had felt important and beneficial to my colleagues. Right from the start I was surprised by the level of responsibility during order placement and when dealing with suppliers. I could build up trust with my colleagues and was given progressively significant tasks.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?

I have developed my interpersonal skills during my time at BMW Group. Dealing with both internal customers and suppliers on a day to day basis, I learnt how to speak with peers in a professional and confident manner. I also learnt many purchasing specific skills, the most important being negotiation. It was great to work with more experienced colleagues so I could develop my own technique and try this with my orders.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?

4/5

Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development

5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?

The support and training was amazing. Everyone in my team and the wider company was open to helping and offering their experience. Being on one of the UK's oldest and most established car manufacturing plants, there are plenty of people around with a wealth of knowledge. I was never left isolated with tasks but given the right push to figure it out myself.

How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?

5/5

How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?

5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

The BMW Group has a great culture both locally in the UK and internationally. I had the opportunity to work with colleagues at all levels of the company from manufacturing associates to directors. Everyone was always supportive and generally friendly.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

5/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

4/5

How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I had a great time on my placement and feel I have significantly developed as an individual and professional. The opportunities I had both in my specific role and the wider company allowed me to network and grow my skills. I even extended my time with the company beyond the initial 13 month contract!

Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship

5/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at BMW Group UK

4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BMW Group UK to a friend?

Yes

What advice would you give to others applying to BMW Group UK

Prepare well for the application process. Do your research on the BMW Group as a company and the products too, everyone is passionate about what the group produces! Take any opportunities to experience different areas of the company while on placement to get a good feel for all departments.

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