Anyone work in the Purchasing Dept? (degree, job, career, companies)

[KMG1]

I've found this great opportunity to work in the Purchasing Dept. as a purchasing assistant and it would be great to work for them while still in school for my MBA. How can I land this job?? I do have a connection since my cousin used to be the manager in the finance dept about 3 years ago, but I don't have the exact experience. How can I land this job? Please help!

This is their job description, which I think is very feasible:

Candidates must be detail oriented, organized, and have the proven ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks with urgency and responsiveness. Candidates should also possess excellent written/verbal communication skills and have great customer service attitude. Proficiency with MS Excel and Word required.

[LoveBoating]

Ok, I have worked both as a Purchasing Assistant and as a Materials Coordinator. For these positions, I had a number of years experience working in warehouse, shipping, receiving and stockroom. I was fast and accurate on a computer; you may have to do a lot of data entry depending on what the Buyer or Purchasing Agent has you doing. You will also be doing a lot (or at least some) "follow up" on Purchase Orders that have been placed and "expediting" to get certain items on Purchase Orders delivered on time. So, from what you are posting, you are not making Purchasing a career....right? Just how much do I like Purchasing and Inventory Control? I have taken classes in Purchasing, Distribution and Logistics as well as Inventory Management. Unfortunately, I haven't had the money to get Certified yet.
Need anymore "job help", just ask me.

[KMG1]

Thanks sooo much loveboating, you help is greatly appreciated. Now is the position the same or similar to being an assistant buyer? And what is the salary range?

[LoveBoating]

An Assistant Buyer is actually known as a Junior Buyer. A Junior Buyer is a so-called "step up" from a Purchasing Assistant or Materials Coordinator in that a Junior Buyer will "buy" less expensive items and generally will not be involved with negotiations with vendors. When I worked as a Purchasing Assistant, back in 1994 I was getting an hourly salary of $10. When I worked as a Materials Coordinator, I started at $13 per hour in 2003 and left the company making $14.50 per hr in Oct. 2007. The salary is better when you are a Junior Buyer (but Buyers/Purchasing Agents generally want a Bachelors Degree in Business) or a Purchasing Agent or Buyer (w/a Degree and Certification) can make upwards of $65K plus in salary. With some companies, Purchasing is within the Logistics or Materials Department and also w/some companies, Inventory Control/ Management is also included in the Logistics or Materials Department. Where I worked at as a Materials Coordinator, I done a lot of data entry for Purchasing and Inventory Control.

Originally Posted by KMG1

Thanks sooo much loveboating, you help is greatly appreciated. Now is the position the same or similar to being an assistant buyer? And what is the salary range?