To work as a buyer or purchasing agent, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; 
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

There are many educational paths you can take to become a buyer or purchasing agent. The path varies with the type of company you want to work for and the goods or services they provide.

Many buyers and purchasing agents have a bachelor's degree. Common majors are business, economics, and purchasing. Some buyers and purchasing agents have a bachelor's degree related to the products they buy. For example, those who purchase supplies for machinery manufacturers may have a degree in engineering. Those who purchase plastics for toy manufacturers may have a degree in chemistry.

You may need an engineering or master's degree for jobs that involve technical products. These jobs generally are in manufacturing, government, and construction.

Work experience

Many firms promote their employees to beginning or assistant buying jobs. In retail stores, you may start as a sales clerk or a junior buyer. Manufacturing firms may promote experienced purchasing clerks. Construction firms and suppliers look for workers who have good knowledge of building materials and methods.

On-the-job training

As a new buyer, you receive on-the-job training that typically lasts up to one year. In wholesale and retail businesses, you begin by selling merchandise. You may also supervise other sales staff. You learn how to check invoices on new deliveries and keep track of stock. As you progress, you get more buying-related duties.

Many manufacturing firms have training programs for new buyers and purchasing agents. You learn about company operations and purchasing practices. You work closely with experienced workers who teach you about commodities, prices, suppliers, and markets. You may also work with the production-planning department and learn about what is required of the materials that make the products. In addition, you learn how the inventory system works. It is important that you keep the supplies in stock for when workers need them.

Military training

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