The qualifications that one may require to get a particular job depend on the organization. For instance, large provisions and distributors seek candidates having a bachelor degree with knowledge of business. To enter in manufacturing firms the applicants who have some training and a bachelor or master's degree in engineering, business, economics, or one of the applied sciences are given more preference. If you wish to become a purchasing manager or an agent then a bachelor degree with eight years of experience is must. For the post of purchasing clerk a high school diploma is required.
Besides the academic qualifications, the new employee in this field must try and learn the about the business they are going to work for. For this some training is a must and the duration of training may vary from 1 to 5 years. Initially the trainees have to start selling goods, looking after the sales workers, examining invoices on material received, and maintaining track of stock. As they gain experience they handle more responsibilities.
One should have knowledge of the business and tax laws, supply chain, and must have an idea about the products they need to purchase or sell. The professional in this field lays more emphasis on the cost, class, availability, trustworthiness, and technical support while selecting suppliers and merchandise. They must know how to use a spreadsheet and the internet. The purchasing buyers must be able to identify the products which may have a good sale in the market and for which there might be many consumers.
The progress is very fast in this field. If you have gained experience as an agent then you can become a manager. You can have a certificate from many colleges which proves your qualifications showing that you have become a purchasing manager or an agent. Some of the certifications provided are certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) and many more similar degrees are there.
Professionals in this field may get a good pay scale depending on their post, experience in the concerned field and qualifications. The pay for the purchasing manager or an agent at the low end is $59,000. The package of the purchasing clerk may range from $25,000 to $45,000 and for purchasing supervisor it may be $45,000 to $85,000. So you see the post and your performance in the job makes your package vary.
The job opportunities for growth for purchasing manager or an agent may not be very high in the nearby future. If you have a bachelor degree then the opportunities are high for you to obtain a buyer position in the wholesale market. If you possess a masters' degree, then it becomes easier for you to get a job in any sector.
