Intern – General Operations Support

Job Description

Procurement Intern | Watco

The Tone:
This is a Procurement Internship at Watco, located in Overland Park, KS. Watco is a leading provider of supply chain solutions, with its team working daily across a diverse network of short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs, all committed to keeping the world’s supply chain moving. This internship offers a valuable learning experience for students or recent graduates seeking to gain practical, hands-on experience and develop essential skills within a professional setting. It provides a unique opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects, learn about the company’s extensive operations, and understand the intricacies of the logistics industry, all within an organization recognized for its outstanding culture and commitment to leadership development through Watco University.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person, Overland Park, KS
• Mission: Provide practical support to assigned teams or departments, contributing to daily operations and various projects while learning about company workflows and industry practices.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office, enterprise content/records management systems, electronic records handling, imaging, emerging technologies.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Support Teams: Provide direct assistance and support to assigned procurement teams or other departments on various tasks and projects, ensuring contributions are relevant and aligned with departmental goals, especially those closely related to your field of study.
• Engage in Operations: Actively participate in the daily operations of the procurement department, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company’s established workflows, operational procedures, and industry practices.
• Data and Reporting: Conduct thorough research, collect and meticulously analyze relevant data, and prepare clear, concise reports or presentations as required to support departmental decision-making and project needs.
• Administrative Assistance: Execute essential administrative tasks, including precise data entry, efficient organization of documents, and proactive management of databases to maintain accurate and accessible records for the team.
• Professional Development: Attend key meetings, workshops, and other relevant company events to gain valuable insights, observe professional interactions, and enhance your understanding of the business landscape and collaborative processes.
• Project Execution: Take ownership of assigned tasks, ensuring their timely completion within designated timeframes and strict adherence to established project plans and schedules, contributing effectively to overall project success.
• Collaboration and Initiative: Collaborate effectively with team members, contribute constructive ideas to discussions, and actively participate in departmental initiatives, while also taking the initiative to ask questions and seek feedback for continuous skill enhancement.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student: Must be 18 years of age or older with a High School diploma or GED equivalent. This internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are seeking to gain practical, hands-on experience and develop professional skills, with the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world business projects.
• Experience: Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required. Familiarity with enterprise content/records management systems, electronic records handling, imaging, and emerging technologies is also essential for managing information effectively.
• Skills:
• Interpersonal & Service: Possess excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the capacity to effectively support team members and suppliers across the broader Watco network.
• Communication: Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to listen closely, accurately interpret business needs and potential risks, and craft timely, accurate, and succinct written communications for diverse audiences.
• Organization & Prioritization: Demonstrate a strong ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks efficiently to ensure their timely completion, managing workload effectively in a professional setting.