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Purchasing Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

It's one of the key reasons over 5 billion consumers purchase our products around the world. On our ... Available to complete a 12-week internship between May and August of 2027 * Strong analytical and ...

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Purchasing Internship information

What is a purchasing internship?

A Purchasing Internship is a temporary position, usually for students or recent graduates, where individuals gain hands-on experience in the purchasing or procurement department of a company. Interns typically assist with sourcing suppliers, negotiating prices, managing purchase orders, and maintaining inventory records. This role provides valuable insight into supply chain management and helps develop skills in negotiation, organization, and communication. The experience is beneficial for those interested in pursuing a career in procurement, supply chain, or logistics.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a purchasing internship?

As a Purchasing Intern, you will typically assist with tasks such as conducting supplier research, supporting the procurement team with purchase order processing, and analyzing pricing data to help optimize costs. You may also be involved in communicating with vendors, evaluating supplier performance, and participating in negotiations under supervision. This hands-on experience is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the procurement process and supply chain operations, often with mentorship from experienced purchasing professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing Intern, you typically need a background in business, supply chain, or a related field, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Familiarity with procurement software, Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities ensure accurate order processing, smooth supplier interactions, and contribute to efficient procurement operations.

What is the difference between Purchasing Internship vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectPurchasing InternshipPurchasing Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in supply chain, business, or related fieldRelevant experience in purchasing or supply chain, often with some certifications like CPSM
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, learning-focused, often in office settingsMid-level, responsible for managing purchasing activities and supplier relations
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by companies across industries to train future professionalsFull-time role in manufacturing, retail, or logistics companies

While a Purchasing Internship provides hands-on learning and exposure to procurement processes, a Purchasing Coordinator is a more experienced role responsible for executing purchasing activities and managing supplier relationships. Internships are ideal for gaining foundational knowledge, whereas coordinators handle ongoing procurement operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Purchasing Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Purchasing Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

2027 Abbott Operations Internship Program

Abbott

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Full-time, Internship

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Operations Internship Program

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Unlock your potential as an Abbott Operations intern. Join us to work on impactful projects, learn from senior leaders, and build your career. Here you can:

  • Contribute to meaningful, challenging projects with a direct impact on our business
  • Have regular access to senior leadership providing you with an opportunity to grow and learn from the best each day
  • Develop your career and grow your knowledge through targeted training, a global intern community, and the opportunity to build your network
  • Access perks that keep you supported both inside and outside the office

The Opportunity

Our Operations Internship Program provides a meaningful, professional, hands-on experience to students with proven academic performance and leadership potential. We hire students majoring in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Life Sciences into our programs based on business needs. Ideal candidates will combine technical and business knowledge with analytical strength and creative problem-solving abilities.

Abbott's global business enables you to work in a variety of fields, including:

  • Engineering
    • Instrument Development
    • Fermentation Development
    • Design of Process Systems
    • Equipment Application
    • Plant Maintenance & Utilities
    • Facilities Design
    • Contract Administration
    • Project Engineering
    • Energy Management
    • Controls Design
    • Site Engineering
    • Start-up Engineering
    • Packaging Engineering
  • Manufacturing
    • Operations Supervision
    • Project Management
    • Purchasing and Materials Management
  • Quality
    • Plant Quality Assurance
    • Division Quality Assurance
    • Division Regulatory Affairs
    • Corporate Quality Assurance and Division Quality Assurance
  • EH&S
    • Plant Support
    • Lab Safety
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Environmental Engineering

Interns have the possibility of working in the following locations based on assignment:

  • Casa Grande, AZ
  • Alameda, CA
  • Menlo Park, CA
  • Pleasanton, CA
  • Santa Clara, CA
  • Sylmar, CA
  • Temecula, CA
  • Columbus, OH
  • Tipp City, OH
  • Abbott Park, IL (headquarters)
  • Buffalo Grove, IL
  • Des Plaines, IL
  • Westford, MA
  • Westbrook, ME
  • Sturgis, MI
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Plymouth, MN
  • St. Paul, MN
  • Dallas, TX
  • Plano, TX
  • AltaVista, VA

Career growth and future opportunities are pillars of our program. Students who continuously excel in our early career programs are encouraged to apply for Abbott's Operations Professional Development Programs (OPDP) or other full-time positions.

Required Qualifications

  • Completed at least one year of college coursework prior to the start of the internship.
  • Candidates must be returning to school following the internship assignment.
  • Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
  • Must be geographically mobile.
  • Must have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Exceptionally demonstrated interpersonal skills
  • Proven leadership skills
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
  • Engineering candidates should be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, or Computer Science.
  • Quality candidates should be pursuing a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Bioengineering.
  • Manufacturing candidates should be pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain Management.

Salary Range

$20.00 - $35.00/hour

Please note, that you are submitting for general consideration only. Your qualifications will be reviewed and if you fit the current need, you will be contacted by a Talent Acquisition Professional.


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