Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management
• Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General
• General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Educational requirements for buyers and purchasing agents usually vary with the size of the organization. Although a high school diploma may be enough at some organizations, many businesses require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. For many positions, a degree in business, finance, or supply management is sufficient.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Sold on the idea of being a buyer? Not sure how to get there from here? It turns out there are a number of routes.

Purchaser Jason Lee stresses education and work experience. He took a two-year course in marketing management. He was working in receiving at a produce market at the same time. When he finished the program, the company promoted him into the purchasing department.

Sandy Hearn works with a firm dealing with cellular phones. She also took marketing at college. She became a certified purchasing manager through the National Association of Purchasing Managers (NAPM).

Certification requires completion of an exam, five years of experience in the field, a four-year college degree and attendance at a number of NAPM seminars. Hearn says anyone considering a career in marketing should plan on getting some sort of certification.

Extra Requirements

There are several certifications available for buyers. Although some employers may require certification, many do not. The American Purchasing Society offers the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) certification. The Association for Supply Chain Management offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential. The Next Level Purchasing Association offers the Senior Professional in Supply Management (SPSM) certification. The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) offers two certifications for government workers.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.american-purchasing.com
• http://www.ascm.org/learning-development/certifications-credentials/
• http://www.ismworld.org/certification-and-training/certification/
• http://www.certitrek.com/nlpa
• http://uppcc.org