Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
Procurement Intern — Skills, Roles, and Responsibilities
As taught in the Gen Z & Generational Management in Procurement / ★★★★★ 4.9 rating
What is a procurement intern?
- A procurement intern is a student or recent graduate undertaking an internship within a company’s procurement department.
- Procurement interns handle basic tasks, providing them with the necessary groundwork for learning how procurement operates.
- The internship process builds crucial communication and analytical skills that benefit how aspiring professionals can find their way in procurement.
Picture yourself taking on the role of a procurement intern. You’re about to embark on an exciting journey, gaining hands-on experience and becoming a driving force behind the procurement team’s success.
In this article, we’ll look into the world of procurement interns, diving deep into their crucial responsibilities and the skills that will propel you to excel in this dynamic role.
What is a Procurement Intern?
A procurement internship provides a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, gaining practical experience in the field. It’s a dynamic role with numerous opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
A procurement intern is a student or recent graduate undertaking an internship or temporary role within a company’s procurement department. The main goal of this role is to acquire practical experience in procurement and supply chain management while offering essential assistance to the team.
Interns play a crucial role by assisting with tasks such as vendor research, contract management, negotiations, and inventory management. This involvement enhances departmental efficiency and deepens interns’ understanding of procurement’s multifaceted aspects.
Procurement Intern Job Description
The Procurement Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the procurement team in executing various purchasing and sourcing activities. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the procurement field and develop a deep understanding of how procurement contributes to the overall supply chain and business operations.
The intern will assist with the day-to-day operations of the procurement department, including managing supplier relationships, conducting market research, tracking purchase orders, and supporting contract negotiations.
They will work closely with senior procurement staff to identify and evaluate potential suppliers, ensure compliance with company procurement policies, and help optimize the procurement process to achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Additionally, the intern will be responsible for maintaining accurate documentation of supplier interactions, purchase agreements, and inventory levels, while contributing to the preparation of reports and data analysis that inform strategic decision-making.
Responsibilities of a Procurement Intern
1. Assisting with Purchase Orders (POs)
A procurement intern plays a crucial role in overseeing the entire purchase order process. They ensure accuracy in order details and pricing through collaboration with suppliers, monitor order statuses, address any issues, and maintain organized records. They also facilitate communication with suppliers and seek continuous improvements to enhance procurement efficiency.
2. Market Research
A procurement intern lends their expertise to the table by gathering and analyzing supplier data, a crucial aspect of informed procurement choices. They research potential suppliers, assess capabilities, and evaluate product quality and pricing. Interns also track market trends, identifying opportunities and risks. Supporting benchmarking efforts, they compare current suppliers and contracts to industry standards, aiding in better negotiations and finding improved value.
3. Vendor Communication
A procurement intern maintains vendor contact databases, ensuring up-to-date information and accurate records. They assist in scheduling meetings, preparing communication materials, and coordinating follow-ups. Interns also track orders, deliveries, and invoices, keeping vendors informed and addressing any discrepancies.
4. Sourcing Suppliers
A procurement intern conducts research to identify potential vendors, analyze their capabilities, and compare pricing and terms. They can assist in preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and supplier questionnaires, gathering essential information for evaluation. Interns participate in supplier negotiations, helping to secure favorable terms and conditions.
5. Assisting with Contracts
A procurement intern organizes contracts, tracks expiration dates, and ensures compliance. They also assist in negotiations by conducting research, which helps enhance agreements. Their attention to detail and organizational skills reduce risks and support successful procurement outcomes.
6. Inventory Management
A procurement intern maintains records, tracks stock levels, and collaborates with suppliers to optimize turnover rates. Their support ensures efficient inventory, cost savings, and smoother operations.
7. Cost Analysis
A procurement intern collects data, creates cost reports, and analyzes supplier pricing and performance metrics. Their work enables data-driven decisions that optimize costs and improve financial efficiency.
8. Administrative Tasks
A procurement intern organizes records, schedules meetings, manages correspondence, and digitizes paperwork. They assist the procurement team in operating more efficiently, focusing on strategic tasks, and ensuring easy access to up-to-date information.
Pro Tip: Assign interns a small, low-risk sourcing project—they’ll learn by doing and feel trusted from day one.
⭢ Want to build a Gen Z-ready team? Our Managing Gen Z in Procurement Course shows you how to engage, mentor, and retain next-gen talent.
Skills Required for a Procurement Intern
What does it take to excel in this role? Here are the five skills every aspiring procurement intern should develop:
1. Proficient Analytical Skills
In the world of procurement, interns analyze data, market trends, and supplier information to make smart decisions. A knack for digging into data and deciphering complex information is key to shaping procurement strategies.
2. Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial. Interns are in constant contact with suppliers, colleagues, and other key players. Mastery of both written and spoken communication paves the way for successful contract negotiations, issue resolution, and collaboration.
3. Attention to Detail
Accuracy is essential in procurement. Interns need razor-sharp attention to detail to review purchase orders, invoices, and contracts, keeping everything on track.
4. Logistical Competence
To make sure everything – documents, contracts, and supplier relationships – harmonizes smoothly, you’ll need top-notch organizational skills. It’s all about staying on top of procurement tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring supplier relationships perform like a well-tuned orchestra.
5. Adaptability and Learning Orientation
Procurement is dynamic, so being flexible and eager to explore industry-specific software, procurement regulations, and best practices is key. Keeping yourself informed about the latest industry trends is crucial.
Education for Procurement Interns
Procurement interns have a fantastic opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through online procurement courses. The Procurement Tactics platform offers a wide range of courses that can significantly impact your internship and long-term career growth.
Within this platform, you’ll discover courses covering diverse aspects of procurement, spanning negotiations, sustainability practices, and even the integration of ChatGPT & AI in procurement strategies. Each of these courses has been meticulously crafted to equip you with invaluable insights, hands-on skills, and a profound understanding of the procurement field.
Now, especially if you’re just embarking on your journey as an intern, consider enrolling in a Junior Procurement Management Course. This particular program lays down a robust foundation in procurement principles, policies, and industry best practices. It arms you with practical skills, including contract management, the art of negotiation, adept vendor selection, and astute cost analysis.
By taking the initiative to enroll in such courses, you’re not only gaining a competitive edge during your internship but also positioning yourself as a capable and knowledgeable procurement professional. Don’t miss the opportunity; explore these offerings and take your skills to the next level!
Conclusion
Being a procurement intern is like embarking on a thrilling adventure in the world of business. You’ve got a front-row seat to the action, honing your skills in data analysis, communication, organization, and adaptability.
As you navigate through contracts, suppliers, and ever-evolving industry trends, you’re not just an intern; you’re a vital part of the procurement dream team.
So, embrace the challenges, grab the opportunities, and get ready to shape your future as a procurement pro. Who said the world of procurement couldn’t be an exciting journey?
Frequentlyasked questions
What does a procurement intern do?
A procurement intern assists procurement professionals with various tasks related to sourcing, purchasing, supplier management, and data analysis to gain practical experience and support the procurement team.
What is involved in a procurement job?
The procurement job revolves around sourcing and handling the acquisition of goods and services for a company. This means scouting out potential suppliers, hammering out contract details, and sending out purchase orders to seal the deal—all with an eye on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Procurement specialists don’t stop there; they keep a watchful eye on supplier performance, nurture relationships, and stay in the know about market shifts and regulations. All of this is aimed at fine-tuning the organization’s supply chain for top-notch efficiency and maximum value.
What skills do you need for procurement?
To excel as a procurement intern, you’ll need five key skills. First, analytical skills help you make informed procurement decisions. Second, strong communication fosters successful negotiations and teamwork. Third, attention to detail prevents costly errors. Fourth, organizational competence keeps everything running smoothly. Finally, adaptability and a hunger for learning are essential in the dynamic world of procurement, where staying updated with industry trends and best practices is crucial.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.
