Purchasing agents buy materials for their companies.Food products, labor, and office supplies are just some of the services and materials.The purchaser negotiates the contracts for the benefit of the company.To become a purchasing agent, you will need to complete certain educational requirements, train for your career, and enhance your expertise.
Step 1: You can get your high school or GED.
If you haven't completed your high school degree yet, you should take classes.If you don't want to enroll in school, you will need to take and pass the GED test, which is equivalent to a high school diploma.Use GED.com to find a test center near you.The test is only administered in person on certain dates, so study with a test date in mind.
Step 2: A bachelor's degree in business or finance is what you should get.
As a purchaser, you will have to use the contract negotiating skills you learn in class.The skills you learn will help you evaluate different vendors.To determine which degree program is best for you, make an appointment with your guidance counselor.A degree in agricultural production or science business is helpful if you want to be a purchasing agent in the agricultural industry.
Step 3: If you want to work for the government, choose a master's degree.
Many governments and elite companies require their purchasing agents to have master's degrees.It is possible to enroll in a master's program in business if you want to work for a specific company or government agency.You can get more in-depth skills from a master's program.To access high-level classes that are relevant to your career, you may be able to declare a concentration in purchasing.
Step 4: You can create a resume for purchasing.
A resume that highlights skills and classes you have taken supports a purchasing career.You should list any certifications, relevant course electives, and any work experience where you managed supply or negotiated the terms of an agreement.An objective with the name of the company you will be applying to at the top of your resume can be helpful.For example, you might say, "Accomplished student seeking purchasing internship with Mark's Metals that will allow for inventory management, relationship building and excellent attention to detail."
Step 5: If you want to purchase an internship, you have to apply.
You can apply for an internship while you are in school by consulting your college career counselor and online job engines.The cover letter should explain your course experience and any skills you have that relate to purchasing, such as performing inventory or buying materials.You can use the internship to practice the skills you have learned in the real world.They create a relationship between you and the company who is training you.Valuable job leads can be provided by networking.If anyone knows of an available internship in your field, please chat with professors and other students who know of your purchasing interest.
Step 6: An interview is needed for your internship.
It's a good idea to wear a suit for your buying interview.It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.If the interviewer has you meet multiple people during your visit, you should bring multiple printed copies of your resume.Prepare to talk about your classwork and relevant work experience.
Step 7: Purchase jobs in your area of interest.
Purchase jobs to begin your career after you have finished your studies.It is possible to reach out to your former employer to see if they are hiring full-time.They may be able to provide valuable job leads.You can leverage the connections you have made during your studies to get a job by using professional networking sites.Some of the people you worked with or went to school with may be able to help you in your job search.
Step 8: It's necessary to complete on-the- job training.
Purchasing agents are trained in the nuances of purchasing by their employers.If you want to learn more about purchasing at work, participate in any new-employee training programs.If you want to learn more, ask your coworkers and supervisors questions.In the purchasing process, your company will teach you specific methods and procedures.Business relationships are managed by purchasers.If you cultivate good relationships with any suppliers or representatives, you will have lots of options when making purchasing decisions.
Step 9: There is a network within your industry.
Networking with other purchasing professionals can help you advance your career.You can ask your boss to coffee for a professional development meeting, attend purchasing workshops, and more.When you need to change jobs, ask a professional favor, or negotiate a purchasing deal, your network will be larger if you make more purchasing connections.You can network while doing good in your community by volunteering.
Step 10: A purchasing certificate can be earned in your area of interest.
If you want to show off your skills to potential employers, look for a license or certificate program.Whether you have a job already or are out of work, earning a purchasing certificate provides concrete evidence of your level of specialty in the field.A certain amount of work experience is required for most certificates.The American Purchasing Society has a program called the Certified Purchasing Professional.You can choose from a list of programs that the U.S. Department of Labor has to offer.
Step 11: There are online specialty courses.
Purchase skills and knowledge can be improved with online courses.If you want to learn more about purchasing or develop your skills in an area that is weak, these courses can help.The American Purchasing Society offers online courses.
Step 12: There are seminars for purchasing.
Networking at purchasing seminars can lead to career opportunities.You can hear speakers discuss their experience and give professional advice.Some seminars can be used for certificate programs.The U.S. Department of Labor has a list of top-notch purchasing organizations.The Institute for Supply Management, American Purchasing Society, the National Institute of Government Purchasing, and the Next Level Purchasing Association are a few examples.