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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Median Salary
N/A
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

73%

State and local government

10%

Federal Government

7%

Private not for profit

6%

Self-employed

4%

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    78%

  • High school

    8%

  • Post baccalaureate

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management
  • Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General
  • General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Administrative
  • Administration and Management
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.