HBCU Purchasing Intern

Summer 2025 (May 2025 - August 2025) 

Full-time Work Schedule, 

Monday- Friday, 40 hours per week

About the Role:

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.

Internship Structure for Procurement Specialist Role

Overview:This 10-week internship (May 27-August 1, 2025) offers a focused and immersive experience in NCDOT’s Procurement Department, which plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT): Connecting people, products, and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. Interns will gain practical skills in procurement processes, vendor management, and strategic sourcing while learning how the department delivers best-value products and services to fulfill NCDOT’s mission.

NCDOT’s Procurement Department is committed to integrity, fairness, and openness while fulfilling public policy objectives. Interns will be empowered to contribute to these goals, working collaboratively with a team and gaining a solid foundation in procurement operations and strategy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Interns will engage in a range of tasks and responsibilities to gain hands-on experience in procurement operations and develop the skills needed to thrive in a professional environment.

Introduction to Procurement and Analytics

• 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.

Tasks Include:

• 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.

About the Procurement Department:

NCDOT’s Procurement Office is responsible for overseeing the acquisition of goods and services for all divisions and business units, except for construction-related projects managed by the Division of Highways. Key responsibilities include:

• Training and providing oversight for the acquisition process.
• Serving as the liaison between NCDOT and the Division of Purchase and Contract (P&C).
• Ensuring customer satisfaction in terms of cost, quality, and timeliness.
• Promoting competition, minimizing administrative costs, and maintaining public trust.

Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to these goals, gaining firsthand experience in fulfilling public policy objectives and participating in a procurement process designed to operate with integrity, fairness, and transparency.

Preferences for Candidates:

• Education Level: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a college-level program.
• Majors: Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Economics, or related fields.
• Skills:
  • 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.
• Attributes:
  • Interest in procurement and supply chain operations.
  • Adaptability, eagerness to learn, and attention to detail.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.

Performance Evaluation Metrics:

• Accuracy and Completion:
  • Timely and precise execution of assigned procurement tasks.
• Skill Development:
  • Progress in using procurement tools, managing data, and completing core tasks.
• Supervisor Feedback:
  • Positive feedback regarding professionalism, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Project Impact:
  • Contributions to procurement projects that drive efficiency and meet organizational goals.

1. Resume:
   • Highlight your educational background, relevant coursework, skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.
2. Academic Transcript:
   • Provide an unofficial or official transcript that lists your completed coursework, grades, and current GPA. This will help us assess your academic qualifications and areas of study.

• Must be a currently enrolled full-time student in a bachelors, masters, 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)
   

To help you with your interview, we suggest that you do your research: know some background about NCDOT and the business area to which you are applying. We also suggest that you practice your interview skills by discussing your experience and job history with a family member, friend, or mentor.

Dr. Jarrett Eason jdeason1@ncdot.gov

More Information About The Office of HBCU Outreach: 

Website: NCDOT: HBCU/MIHE Internship Program

Salary : $18