I decided to do a placement with Siemens, as we learn about sustainability/climate justice and I wanted to apply an ethical & theoretical underpinning to a working environment.

I am part of a small sustainability team within the indirect materials supply chain function of Siemens. Commodity managers in my team manage large contracts with suppliers, buying anything that doesn’t go into the final product such as office supplies, IT equipment and company cars. They pool the spend for all factories and offices across the UK with large suppliers, meaning a high amount of spend with strategic suppliers, we have close relationships with them and can influence towards our strategic sustainability goals - pushing Real Living Wage accreditation or NetZero commitments. I work to push sustainability goals – focusing on measuring, tracking and reporting on supplier performance and our impact as a function.

Why did you decide to do a placement?

I decided to do a placement as on my course we learn about sustainability, climate justice & policy - I wanted to apply this ethical and theoretical underpinning to a working environment. I also aimed to develop my professional skills and portfolio, increasing my confidence and employability, as well as networking.

How did the application process work?

I did an initial application with a CV and cover letter – then psychometric testing and a pre-recorded video interview, then was invited to an assessment centre with 3 other people and an in-person interview. 

I originally applied for a different job, also in sustainability, and didn’t get it. However, my current manager was on the panel recognised my skills, so opened up a job in his department for me! The application process is similar for a lot of placements - I applied for over 50, it was a lot of work and a lot of rejections or just not hearing back. It definitely developed my resilience and also has prepared me for the process of applying to graduate jobs.

What made you choose this organisation?

Siemens has a great network of Early Career Professionals, everyone is so lovely and this helped me settle in! It is also a complex global organisation - learning how sustainability works in a multinational company has been extremely helpful in understanding how change works in a corporate organisation. This has also given me the chance to network with people doing a range of jobs across the world.

Describe your main responsibilities?

My main responsibilities involve developing Siemens Indirect Materials Sustainable Supply Chain strategy, increasing our own spend with Social Enterprises and Diverse Owned organisations where possible - our spend can be a force for good! encouraging suppliers to embrace becoming Real Living Wage accredited or NetZero. A lot of my job involves the tracking of this & our impact.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

A lot of my work is project based - meetings about these projects, working on actions, although these actions vary from sending an email to creating training to brainstorming about an impact report.

What do you really enjoy about your experience?

The people! my team is so welcoming and friendly, the other Early Career Professionals are amazing. I also have been given so many opportunities - I’ve been to conferences, made a speech in front of over 100 people and met people working through our help making real impact in the community.

What skills/experience/knowledge have learned from the GSD course so far, do you use in your role within the sustainability team? 

A strong ethical underpinning! inclusion and justice at each step. I try to bring this into all of my work and go back to it when in doubt. Also, a passion for learning!

How has your experience influenced your future career choice?

It has drawn me to the social side of sustainability - I prefer working with people rather inputting carbon data, although both are very important!