subject: Career Change - How To Get Into The Buyer Sector [print this page] Companies will always need to upgrade and update their products, inventory and equipment. This is not a job that will go away with a new fancy invention. People will be needed to analyze purchases and inventory. If you want to make a career change in the buyer sector there four things you will need to consider.
Experience
Everyone is a buyer. You may not do it on a large scale however. You will need to be able to work within time deadlines, and on corporate budgets that are provided to you. If you have any experience dealing with inventories, and planning then you could transition nicely to a buyer job. It doesn't matter it you've worked with a small company or an international one. The basic duties will be the same. You will work with suppliers that you need to plan out your purchases based upon the usage history, buying patterns, and pricing from your customers. In many cases the budget can be a few hundred dollars to the millions or more.
Education
If you have a college degree and are a new graduate you might be able to get started as a new trainee program. However if you have experience without a degree you may be able to get hired without it, but for any further advancements you will need a college degree.
Training/Certification
You will also stand out by having purchasing certifications. There are two different kinds. APP which is the accredited purchasing practitioner is more for the entry level purchasing personnel. The CPM is the certified purchasing manager designation. This is for someone with more experience. Both of these are offered by the Institute of Supply Management or ISM. You can become a member of this organization which will provide you with a magazine and online job tools, training and even career search and leads. If you are thinking about a buyer job check out their website to read up more on this sector.
Industry
You can specialize in any industry. Some purchasing positions will need advanced training. The medical, chemical and aviation fields will require a little bit more training and knowledge if you want to work in these areas. The payoff will be worth it as that additional training will pay more than a generalized area. You might be able to transfer skills from the automotive industry to aviation possibly if you are interested. And likewise if you have any experience in the medical field you will find it easier to get a purchasing job buying health supplies.
Buying jobs are a great career. You will be able to get to see the inner workings of the company that employs you. No matter what anyone tells you this is where profits are created. If there is no product to sell no one can make any money. If you don't take advantage of quantity discounts offered by your vendors you will not make money. Your job is determined by what profit margins you can bring to the bottom line for your company. You do this well and you will get noticed and promoted.
