Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am now a final year business management student studying at Loughborough university.
What inspired you to apply for this role with Philips?
Looking for a job was tough, and honestly, I applied to a bunch of different places because I wasn't sure what I really wanted. But then, I saw Philips and thought it looked like a great company with a really good work environment, so I applied. Going to the assessment day just made it even clearer for me. The team dynamic was awesome, and I really wanted to be part of the procurement team. Even though I didn't initially think about procurement as an internship, it turns out it involves a bunch of different skills which I wanted to use, and being in this role has given me a lot of diverse experiences.
What is your role and how long have you been at Philips?
I successfully completed a 12-month procurement placement at Philips and am currently back at university, completing my final year.
What has been the single most important thing you learnt so far in your role?
There's a common misconception that interns play a minimal role within a team and are often left with little to do. However, in the procurement team at Philips, the intern is recognized as essential team members and are entrusted with significant autonomy to handle important tasks.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
In my role as a procurement intern at Philips, each day brings a variety of tasks and responsibilities. A significant part of my work involves managing the onboarding process for suppliers and products, ensuring a smooth onboarding onto Philips systems. Attending numerous meetings with different teams is a common occurrence, where the focus is on aligning project deadlines with the onboarding of suppliers and products.
Beyond these collective efforts, I also dedicate time to individual projects, utilizing my skills to contribute to the team's overall objectives. Importantly, my interactions extend beyond my immediate team, as I actively engage with individuals from various departments across the company and suppliers to Philips. This broader experience has not only enhanced my skills but has also provided me with valuable insights into the collaborative dynamics of the entire organization.
What is the company culture like at Philips?
Philips fosters a friendly and collaborative culture, where team members are approachable, helpful, and supportive. The overall atmosphere is positive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Colleagues are not only willing to help but also encourage personal and professional development by providing opportunities for diverse experiences.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a role at Philips?
When going for that procurement intern role, just be yourself – it's super important! Show them your eagerness to learn and let your enthusiasm for the field shine. Oh, and having some solid Excel skills will only make you stand out more, so feel free to flaunt those too. Good luck!