HBCU Purchasing Intern

State of North Carolina - Raleigh, NC

Full-time - Intern

Raleigh, NC

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Procurement plays a critical role in ensuring organizations have the goods and services needed to operate efficiently and cost-effectively. Procurement specialists are at the center of supply chain management, vendor negotiations, and contract administration, ensuring compliance, value, and quality. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to explore the dynamic field of procurement within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Interns will work closely with procurement teams to learn about sourcing strategies, vendor evaluation, and the broader impacts of procurement on business operations. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is dedicated to supporting its Purchasing and Procurement operations by inspiring and cultivating the next generation of talented professionals. Through this internship, NCDOT aims to provide aspiring procurement specialists with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in the dynamic field of purchasing. Interns will gain valuable insights into procurement processes, vendor management, and strategic sourcing, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the organization and their future careers.

Responsibilities

• Learn about NCDOT's procurement policies and procedures, which are governed by the North Carolina General Statutes and Administrative Codes.
• Understand the department's delegation of procurement authority from the Department of Administration's Division of Purchase and Contract (P&C) to NCDOT's Director of Purchasing.
• Support procurement activities, including vendor evaluations, data collection, and contract compliance.
• Participate in training sessions on procurement best practices and the acquisition of goods and services.
• Entering and maintaining data in procurement and contract management systems.
• Researching vendors, pricing trends, and market conditions to support purchasing decisions.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and documentation such as purchase orders or bids.
• Assisting with budget tracking and project cost analysis.
• Shadow procurement specialists to observe advanced practices in contract administration.
• Conducting audits of supplier performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms.
• Assisting in the preparation of RFPs (Request for Proposals) and RFQs (Request for Quotations).
• Compiling and analyzing procurement data for strategic insights and decision-making.
• Collaborating with internal teams to identify and address procurement needs.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled full-time student in a bachelor's, master's, or professional level program at an accredited or recently graduated from a North Carolina Historically Black College/University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) within the past three years.
• 24 credit hours completed.
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale).
• Proficiency in data entry and tools like Microsoft Excel, procurement software, or ERP systems.
• Strong analytical skills to synthesize data into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach.

Nice-to-haves

• Majors: Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Economics, or related fields.
• Interest in procurement and supply chain operations.
• Adaptability, eagerness to learn, and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in procurement operations.
• Opportunity to learn about sourcing strategies and vendor management.
• Exposure to a collaborative and fast-paced work environment.