How do you become an assistant buyer if you have previously worked in another field?

Question

I have worked in PR for some time. I have amarketing degree and I am 24 yrs old. I am looking for a career change and would like to know how to become an assistant buyer.

Answer 1

Hi.

I worked in Procurement for a large book retailer in the UK for 3 years without a degree and loved every minute of it. You have definitely chosen the right career path. There is good and bad news though...

Good news

There is no real academic qualification for buying so employers are mainly interested in your character. Key areas are being self motivated, results driven, having negotiation skills, planning and organisational skills. Your experience in PR and the Marketing degree sound perfect and will help a great deal.

Bad news

Companies are generally pursuing cost cutting strategies in their buying departments. This means the fun areas such as expenses and freedom to go where you please when you want are becoming harder to find.

I would recommend trying to avoid the HR department as much as possible for this position. Try writing directly to the buyers themselves with your CV and asking for advice, or if possible, contacting senior managers. This may also mean skipping the selection centre.

I wish you the best of luck, and if there is anything I can do to help don't hesitate to ask. Have fun!

Answer 2

The KEY is understanding what a buyer actually does. Buyers are in charge of things such as finding suppliers, negotiating with them to get the best deal, and deciding what products to buy and in what quantities.

While many companies would obviously prefer someone with direct experience in this, there are others out there that would consider someone from another field that's "related."

Definitely retailing experience or training would be helpful because it shows a basic knowledge of the industry. Personally, I don't think you'll be taken on as an Assistant Buyer, but you might be hired as an assistant working for the buyers. This would give you the training and intro the business so you can eventually rise up the ladder.

Answer 3

Apply for the job