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.

Supplier Management
Contract Management
Procurement Project Management
Stakeholder Management

Varied! Can involve negotiating with suppliers, monitoring or reviewing supplier performance, conducting market research, carrying out supplier assessments, meeting with internal clients to discuss requirements... A host of different activities!

Frequent challenges - rarely a dull moment. Also, as I work in the Pharmaceutical industry, it is rewarding to see the output of your effort contributing to a healthier society.

Time management, as I often have a number of competing areas of focus. There is always something to do!

Varied and interesting workload - very important to me!

General Business Skills
Negotiation Skills
Purchasing Skills

Ongoing Purchasing-related training, mentor support etc.

Employment
1 year - Pub worker
1 year - Door to Door salesman
1/2 year - Largely unemployed, some basic labouring work
5 years - Management Consultant
1 year - Sourcing Specialist within a Procurement Department.

Qualifications (post-university)
MCIPS (Professional Procurement Qualification)

Remaining in procurement, and progressing to a Sourcing Manager / Category Manager.

I am currently looking at MBA options.

Do not be surprised if you don't walk out of university and into a dream job. I am sure that 95% of graduates don't! Your degree will give you an outstanding basis on which to develop, but it may take time before you get the career you want.

It is far easier to continue studies while you are young and less constrained by responsibilities (family, mortgage etc) so do it if you can!!!