To become a purchasing assistant, a high school diploma or associate’s degree, computer skills, and related experience are required. Continuing education and related experience can help advance in the field. Communication and organizational skills are also important.
A purchasing assistant provides a variety of support to a purchasing department or manager. Your job may involve tasks related to inventory, documentation, and planning, as well as some tasks related to customer service. To land this job, you’ll likely need a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, as well as computer, software, and communications skills and related experience. For example, if you’ve worked in a retail or wholesale environment, your experience could help you land that job. Additionally, organizational skills and a track record of meeting deadlines can help you get hired as a purchasing assistant.
Generally, a basic education level is required when you want to become a purchasing assistant. Most companies look to hire purchasing assistants with high school diplomas or equivalent credentials accepted in their jurisdiction. You can find some jobs, however, reserved for individuals who have at least a little more education. For example, you may find some job advertisements looking for applicants who have at least an associate’s degree. Generally, a degree in a field such as business, manufacturing, accounting or finance is considered appropriate for a person who wants to become a purchasing assistant.
If you’ve chosen to become a purchasing assistant as a step in your career, you might do well to continue your education. A combination of higher education and purchasing experience can help you advance in the purchasing field. For example, if your goal is to become a purchasing manager, you might need a bachelor’s degree. As such, continuing your education part-time while working full-time can help you advance your career.
Related experience can also help you get a job when you want to become a purchasing assistant. For example, if you have experience in a retail or wholesale business, it might be helpful for you to land this type of job. Positions related to merchandising and equities can also provide you with experience that you can use when you become a purchasing agent.
Computer skills are often critical for anyone wanting to become a purchasing assistant. Generally, you will need experience using word processing and spreadsheet programs, for example. These jobs often also require experience with inventory database programs and the Internet. If you’re not familiar with a program that a company uses when purchasing, the ability to learn quickly is likely to be important as well.
Generally, communication skills are very important when you want to become a purchasing assistant. If you’ve previously worked in customer service or sales, these jobs can help prepare you for purchasing work. The ability to stay organized, follow instructions and meet deadlines is also important in this line of work.
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