How to Become a Government Purchasing Agent
A purchasing agent is an employee that purchases items to be used or sold by an agency, such as a retail store. The purchasing agent looks at and reviews products to be used by an agency and decides which specific products to purchase. A purchasing agent may also negotiate deals with companies regarding prices, shipping and delivery times. The purchasing agent will also monitor shipments and use of products and decide when to discontinue the purchase of a specific product. The government employs purchasing agents across all governmental agencies.
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Instructions
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Build retail and purchasing experience. It's best to begin working in a retail setting. You may have to start at the bottom of the working chain in a retail store, but try to get a feel for stocking the store and how decisions on what products to stock are made. Ask the buyer for your store if you can volunteer or work for him during the stocking and buying season; usually right before the holidays is a great time to do this. Gain experience in stocking, sales and negotiations with vendors.
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Get a college degree in a business-related field. Most government jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. To be a purchasing agent for the government, not only will you need extensive retail experience, you'll also need a degree in a business area such as supply-chain management. Focus your studies in marketing, buying, finance and economics (specifically supply and demand).
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Create your resume. Most career services offices at universities will help you create a resume, even after you've graduated. Highlight your workplace retail and purchasing experience. It's helpful if you've had internships in retail or the government while you were working on your degree.
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Search your state's government careers website for job listings. Start at your state's Department of Labor website (http://www.dol.gov/dol/location.htm). Search for any job listings for the area of government you're interested in working in. Purchasing agents are employed for every major governmental branch, including the military. If you have limited experience, you may have to apply to a lesser job and work your way up to a government purchasing-agent position.
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