I received an e-mail from a reader named Erin asking me how to become a Buyer. The reason I am posting this here rather just replying privately is that I also hope readers will comment with their own experiences and advice for her.
Erin asked specifically about college coursework and work placements. The career path to being a Buyer is not clear-cut as it would be for a doctor, for instance. If one wants to be a doctor, then one goes to medical school. There are no alternate paths to certification. Buyers, on the other hand, have diverse backgrounds.
I have known Buyers who were engineers, lawyers, military personnel, customer service reps, teachers, retail managers, IT professionals, and scores of other professions. Usually, a person becomes a Buyer or Buying Assistant at a company after working in another area of the company first and checking internal job postings. Another possibility to enter from the outside would be to get an administrative job as a Buying Assistant and then get promoted to a Buyer position.
As far as college coursework, it depends on your plan. If you want to get a job as a Buying Assistant first and you are open to working in any kind of industry, then your best bet is probably getting a degree in business.
If your plan is to be a particular kind of Buyer, such as one who purchases clothes for a retail chain, then you would want to study retail management and fashion merchandising. If you want to be a Buyer at a pet supply company, you would study animal science.
As far as internships go, you could check with your high school guidance office or college employment office. Another idea is to call the Human Resources Departments of local businesses (especially large ones) and ask what internship programs they have. If you are really ambitious, go to the website for the Institute for Supply Management, find your local branch, and see if they would be willing to match you up with a member of the organization who would be willing to take on an intern.
Readers, what other suggestions/advice do you have for Erin?
Keen Observation is the fundamental quality to become a good buyer. What is good and in, the ideal time and performance really counts for serious buyers.
Posted by: Therapy | September 10, 2006 6:30 AM | Permalink to Comment