Global Purchasing - Placement Student Review

Overall my placement was fairly enjoyable. Certain projects allowed me to think in depth around issues and use my own ideas to add value to the company. Some tasks were of a more mundane nature and so were of less enjoyment but the importance of these tasks were clear to see so were not a burden to carry out.

I felt like I was valued by the majority of my colleagues at Caterpillar. Without having a clear role in the business it can be quite hard to develop a solid reputation in a particular field.

Management offered me constant support and guidance throughout the year that I spent with Caterpillar. Monthly one-to-one meetings were held, in these meetings I could discuss any issues that I wanted to. I was regularly reminded that if there was a specific thing that I wanted to do in the company then management would do there best for this to occur,

As lots of my work was project based then workload would vary on a day to day basis. Some periods of my year were busier than others.

I would say that I was given a moderate level of responsibility. None of the work that I did was customer facing so it did not directly impact the customer. Despite this, much of the work that I did do, I was allowed to get on with myself and put my own spin on how it was done. In much of my project work, I was given goals to achieve and it was up to me to devise a plan to achieve these goals, whilst reverting back to management to see whether they were happy with the direction that I wanted to take for the project. I was also given access to drive the company car and to go out and visit suppliers on my own.

Doing Accounting and Financial management at university I wouldn't say that much of my placement in the purchasing department at Caterpillar would directly assist me much with my studies. However many of the skills that I have developed on placement will benefit me no-end for the future. Working at Caterpillar for a year has no-doubt made me a more rounded person and it has taught me invaluable skills regarding working in a large business which will benefit me in the future whether this be at university, when applying for future grad jobs and once I get back into full time work.

The general atmosphere is calm and friendly in the office.

The placement was advertised as a rotation scheme where I would fulfill 4 mini placements within the purchasing department so that I could gain a good understanding of the purchasing department. It turned out that no such a rotation scheme occurred and the placement was not so well organised as it oringially seemed. However over the year I managed to complete tasks in various areas and as such have developed many different skills.

Little training or development opportunities were given to myself however there are lots of training opportunities for graduates that join the company.

There are quite a lot of roles becoming available for youthful people in Caterpillar, as there has been a drive to employ more university educated people within the company,

There were 5 placement students at Caterpillar Leicester in 2014/2015. All of which got on well and most of us enjoyed a good relationship. There is plenty of under 25 year old persons working in the office so there is an opportunity to make friends with like minded people. Fairly regular nights out and other social events are organised.

The cost of living/socialising in the Leicester area was really quite competitive.

The nightlife in Leicester is generally quite good. There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants.

Fairly regular nights out and social events were scheduled. Also there is a sports and social club on site which offers various classes and activities.