To work as a purchasing manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have more than five years of purchasing experience.

Education after high school

Purchasing managers nearly always have a bachelor's degree or higher. Many colleges and universities offer programs in business, engineering, or economics.

Manufacturing firms have higher educational requirements than stores or distributors. Many purchasing managers in the manufacturing industry have a master's degree in business or engineering.

Work experience

You generally must work in the industry for several years before you can move into this occupation. Most purchasing managers work for up to six years as buyers, purchasing agents, or assistant managers before becoming purchasing managers.

On-the-job training

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Most employers provide at least one year of on-the-job training to new managers. The length of training varies by your background and your area.

Because of the fast changing nature of purchasing and technology, purchasing managers must continually update their knowledge and skills.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be purchasing and contracting managers. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. Training lasts three to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.