About one-half of all buyers and purchasers worked in wholesale and retail trade establishments such as grocery or department stores. One-fourth worked in manufacturing. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement. Qualified persons usually begin as trainees, purchasing clerks, expediters, junior buyers, or assistant buyers. Retail and wholesale firms prefer to hire applicants who are familiar with the merchandise they sell as well as with wholesaling and retailing practices.
Most employers use a combination of methods.
Educational requirements tend to vary with the size of the organization. Large stores and distributors accept applicants who have completed associate or bachelor's degree programs from any field of study, but prefer individuals with a business background. Manufacturing firms tend to put a greater emphasis on formal training and many desire applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in business, economics, or technical training such as engineering or one of the applied sciences. Regardless of academic preparation, new employees must learn the specifics of the employers' business. Although training periods vary in length, most last several years.