Buying Happiness
Procurement Agent, Boeing Research and Technology
I interned at The Boeing Company during the summer of 2007, and then continued through my senior year. After graduation, I was hired as a full time buyer in Boeing Research and Technology.
As a Procurement Agent, where my primary job is to act as an authorized agent of Boeing, I am responsible for managing all supplier-related activities and have the authority to commit company resources through contracts and agreements. I also develop requests for quotations and proposals, analyze supplier responses, negotiate awards, and negotiate and maintain contracts between Boeing and its suppliers. I work to negotiate Intellectual Property Rights ownership, as well as establish protection of proprietary information when collaborating with suppliers.
My advice to other students:
· Learn how to work well under pressure—there won’t always be long-lead deadlines, so figure out how to perform when it really counts.
· Make the most of your experiences in teams at UWB—make sure you work in a balanced environment. Taking on too much in a group can be just as detrimental as doing too little. Learn to trust your teammates and synergize with them.
· Get an Internship—it really does make a difference to have professional experience when entering the job market. It shows you know how to work in a professional environment, and it may lead to a full-time position.
· Work hard—do a good job on every project you work on. Many companies are smaller than you think when it comes to reputations. Performing well could open up a job opportunity years later. Conversely, making a poor impression on someone may come back to bite you.
· Take on additional responsibilities—look for ways to add value outside of your work statement. It shows you really care about the company, and that you will make the most of any situation.