Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Wine Steward/Sommelier
• Apparel and Textile Marketing Management
• Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General
• Merchandising and Buying Operations
• General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other
• Fashion Merchandising
• Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Educational requirements for buyers and purchasing agents usually vary with the size of the organization. Although a high school diploma may be enough at some organizations, many businesses require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. For many positions, a degree in business, finance, or supply management is sufficient.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Get familiar with fashion in general, or with a specific area that interests you. Visit stores to keep up on what's hot and what's not.

Fashion buyers need at least a high school diploma. However, most jobs require a community college diploma in merchandising, retail or fashion merchandising. Often, fashion buyers also have a university degree in arts, marketing or business management. "I have a university degree in marketing with a clothing and textile emphasis," says Erin Meagher, a fashion buyer for a chain store.

American firms prefer to hire applicants who are familiar with merchandise and with wholesale and retail practices. Some employers promote workers into buying positions, while others prefer to hire college graduates and others who have completed post-secondary education in marketing or business administration.

Some firms have buyer-trainee programs and will accept applicants with a wide variety of college degrees. Through job experience and classroom study, a student will learn about the retail and wholesale business.

Extra Requirements

There are several certifications available for buyers. Although some employers may require certification, many do not. The American Purchasing Society offers the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) certification. The Association for Supply Chain Management offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential. The Next Level Purchasing Association offers the Senior Professional in Supply Management (SPSM) certification. The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) offers two certifications for government workers.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.american-purchasing.com
• http://www.ascm.org/learning-development/certifications-credentials/
• http://www.ismworld.org/certification-and-training/certification/
• http://www.certitrek.com/nlpa
• http://www.uppcc.org