Buyers

High School

A high school diploma generally is required for entering the field of buying. Useful high school courses include mathematics, business, English, and economics.

Postsecondary Training

While a college degree may not be a requirement for becoming a buyer, large and medium-sized stores and distributors prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree with an emphasis on business. Moreover, a majority of buyers have taken some college courses, many majoring in business, engineering, or economics. Some colleges and universities also offer majors in purchasing or materials management. Regardless of the major, useful courses in preparation for a career in buying include accounting, economics, commercial law, finance, marketing, and various business classes, such as business communications, business organization and management, and computer applications in business.

Retailing experience is helpful to gain a sense of customer tastes and to witness the supply and demand process. Additional training is available through trade associations, such as the Institute for Supply Management, which sponsors conferences, seminars, and workshops and offers online resources, including education courses, podcasts, and videocasts.