Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Sourcing suppliers for new product introduction, working on a project to release a new range of machines. Negotiating piece part and tooling prices, contracts and warranty agreements for suppliers of plastics, pressings, tracks, cabs and minor fabrications.

I am in contact with suppliers on a daily basis, getting quotes and negotiating pricing. I am often out visiting suppliers, doing audits and understanding production processes. I work cross-functionally a lot especially with the engineers who are designing the parts. I am effectively the link between the engineers and the suppliers. I also work a lot with the materials and quality teams.

I enjoy the interaction with suppliers and cross-functional work internally within the company. I enjoy the travel aspect of my job and learning about new cultures and their work ethic. I travel often and enjoy the time I spend out of the office. I enjoy the fast paced environment that my organisation offers.

Some suppliers can be difficult especially when we are telling them that they have lost business or haven't won new business. Managing historic relationships and trying to get people to change their views on purchasing can sometimes be a challenge.

I liked the idea of being a buyer, travelling and interacting with new people.

The management side of my degree I use every day but I don't use my Spanish at the moment. I would ideally like to use my second language more.

I am offered a wide range of training from my organisation. I have recently been on negotiation training and there is more training scheduled this year.

September 2010 - June 2012, Global Purchasing Graduate, Cummins Generator Technologies.

September 2011, NVQ Level 4 in Supply Chain Management.

June 2012 - Present, Platform Buyer, JCB.

This year I am working towards MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply). I plan to work abroad, possibly in the USA or South America. I would like to become a Purchasing Manager in the next 2 years and then move up the organisation.

My advice would be to do a year in industry during your degree. I was fortunate to be able to combine my year abroad for the Spanish aspect of my degree with a job at a leading manufacturer of alternators.