To become a purchasing analyst, one needs a bachelor’s degree, managerial skills, and knowledge of business, management, and strategic planning. Work experience can be gained through internships, training programs, or entry-level positions. Networking through trade organizations and attending industry conferences can also be helpful.
Individuals who wish to become a Purchasing Analyst will need to have excellent managerial skills as this position entails purchasing all of the equipment, supplies and services needed by an organization. A purchasing analyst is generally required to have a bachelor’s degree and extensive knowledge of the latest business, management and strategic planning techniques in order to fulfill the duties of the position. It is also necessary for analysts to work directly with the finance departments of many companies to develop good buying relationships. Great negotiation skills are also required for someone who wants to become a purchasing analyst, as he will be directly responsible for negotiating prices with potential suppliers.
Purchasing analysts must have a formal education to be considered for most open positions. Qualified candidates usually have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, business management or accounting. In addition to formal education, potential candidates will need to have some level of purchasing experience to compete for jobs in the marketplace.
A person who wants to acquire valid work experience to become a purchasing analyst should start by trying to obtain an internship in the purchasing department of a company. Many companies in need of purchasing analysts offer training programs for students interested in pursuing a career in purchasing. These internships can often become a full-time job with the hiring company and, at the very least, can provide a candidate with the additional work experience needed to gain a full-time position with another company that needs purchasing analysts.
If participation in an internship program is not a viable option, those wishing to become a procurement analyst can look for analyst positions on the Internet as well as in local classified ads. Competition for jobs can be fierce, and a candidate with little or no experience may find it difficult to acquire a procurement analyst position this way. In that case, it might be beneficial to acquire a position as an entry-level accountant to gain related experience and try to get an analyst position later.
Regardless of experience, anyone wanting to become a procurement analyst must join a number of trade organizations in order to network with other professionals in the industry. In the United States, the National Association of Purchasing and Accounts Payable (NAPP) is one of many organizations that offer career training to members and provides a place where you can network with other professionals to get leads on new job opportunities. There are also numerous industry conferences that are held regularly and serve as a platform for aspiring procurement analysts to gain an edge in the procurement industry.
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