Career in Purchasing?

Question

So I want to get into the field of buying/purchasing/procurement...in the food and beverage industry. does anyone have any idea on how to get started on "accumulating" experience?

what's the entry-level position called? just any advice on how to get that career started, as far as interning...being an assistant...some type of purchasing clerk...or whatever!

Answer 1

Regardless of industry, education is essential for advancement. Many purchasers participate in seminars offered by professional societies and take college courses in supply management.
Professional certification is becoming increasingly important, especially for those just entering the occupation.

In private industry, recognized marks of experience and professional competence are the Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) and Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) designations, conferred by the Institute for Supply Management, and the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) and Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) designations, conferred by the American Purchasing Society. In Federal, State, and local government, the indications of professional competence are Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), conferred by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.
Experience and education requirements are met, and written or oral exams are successfully completed.

You may begin as trainees, purchasing clerks, expediters, junior buyers, or assistant buyers. Retail and wholesale firms prefer to hire applicants who have a college degree and who are familiar with the merchandise they sell and with wholesaling and retailing practices.