How to become a purchasing associate?

The qualifications that you need to become a purchasing associate vary from employer to employer. Most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree, but may accept applicants with a high school diploma who have previous experience. Some companies have entry-level job options that include on-the-job training. In these positions, you develop skills by working under the supervision of a purchasing manager. In this career, you often have to know how to work with inventory and bookkeeping software. Depending on your job duties, you may need to communicate with suppliers and conduct negotiations to reduce the cost of materials.