How To Become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer

What degree do you need

One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Wholesale and Retail Buyers or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Wholesale and Retail Buyers what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Educational requirements usually vary with the size of the organization. A high school diploma is enough at many organizations for entry into the Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products occupation, although large stores and distributors may prefer applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree program and have taken some business or accounting classes. Many manufacturing firms put an even greater emphasis on formal training, preferring applicants who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, business, economics, or one of the applied sciences. Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products usually have at least a bachelor’s degree and some work experience in the field. A master’s degree may be required for advancement to some top-level Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products jobs.

How hard is it

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Wholesale and Retail Buyer. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.

License and certifications

The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) credential, offered by the Institute for Supply Management, covers a wide scope of duties that Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products do. The exam requires applicants to either have a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of supply management experience, or for those without a bachelor’s degree, 5 years of supply management experience and the successful completion of three CPSM exams.

Skills required

We asked other Wholesale and Retail Buyers if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Wholesale and Retail Buyers are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

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