Professional buyer: A hands-on, different type of training
Customer service, product/supplier compatibility, negotiation, mediation and creativity are just a few of the key elements of a procurement specialist’s work for the Government of Canada.
Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) procurement teams are responsible for purchasing complex commercial goods and services on behalf of the government. By joining the Intern Officer Development Program, you could progress from officer trainee to procurement specialist by performing increasingly complex tasks over the course of the three-year program.
The program allows officers to work with procurement teams for a variety of goods and services, including marine and defence equipment, marine and land-based machinery, commercial products, professional services, construction services, and consultant services.
In practical terms, intern officers acquire the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to plan, negotiate and administer contracts for various goods and services on behalf of PSPC for the Government of Canada. They have the opportunity to develop their negotiation, collaboration and teamwork skills, as well as their knowledge of contracting for products and services.
Motivation and learning
Although the program welcomes students who are finishing their studies, anyone interested in taking on a new challenge can apply. “What I would say to people who want to apply is: don’t be afraid,” says Amadou Bah right off the bat. He is a participant in one of the cohorts and has nothing but good things to say about the program: “It’s a great opportunity to become a professional buyer after 3 years. It’s neat, because I don't think it’s something that’s taught in a college or university.”
The structure of the program gives future officers an opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals and to touch on many aspects of procurement. The officers are supervised by mentors and coaches and always have a resource to turn to. They also form a small community whose members constantly support each other. “Procurement is something that is new to all of us. You just have to give yourself a chance to learn and not be afraid to ask questions. We help each other a lot, and we’ve even created a virtual group where we can ask questions,” explains Amadou.
For Amadou, moving from one team to another gives him an overview of the federal procurement world. Halfway through his 3-year career, he is confident that the experience he has gained and the things he has learned will allow him to pursue a rewarding career as a procurement specialist.
A rewarding path
Anahita Latifi's path has been a little different, but she agrees that the program is motivating. Seeing her husband happy at work and proud of his professional accomplishments is what made her decide to apply and get started. “I wanted to see the other side of the fence,” says Anahita, whose prior procurement experience was in the private sector. She admits that the private and public sectors are 2 different worlds, but the structure of the program allows her to properly understand and assimilate the concepts of the profession.
Mentors have busy schedules but are always there to support the trainees and answer their questions. Anahita admires their patience and dedication. “When you start, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. Coaches, mentors and colleagues are there to support you,” says Anahita, who is finishing her training and will soon become a procurement specialist.
She enjoys the sense of accomplishment that her job gives her, especially in her field of marine and defence equipment procurement: “You feel useful; you feel that you are contributing.”
Like Amadou, Anahita encourages anyone who feels like taking on a new challenge not to hesitate to take the leap. “Don’t be afraid, go for it, accept the challenge,” she says, but she also suggests taking the time to familiarize yourself with what PSPC does. “Get familiar with the PSPC mandate and the Minister’s mandate letter. It will help if you know what you are taking on.”
To learn more about the program’s benefits and eligibility requirements, visit Intern Officer Development Program.
Check out Our Stories for articles about the people and projects at PSPC that are making a difference in the lives of Canadians.
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