Education · 1 of 4

The path

A business education, a junior buying job, then a designation if you want to climb.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Math, business and English. Learn to write clearly; contracts are words.

2. 2

   Diploma or degree

   2 to 4 years

   Job Bank says employers usually want a college diploma or a bachelor's degree in business, commerce or economics. Buying technical goods can call for an engineering background instead.

3. 3

   First job

   Right after school

   Purchasing clerk, junior buyer or procurement coordinator. Government internships and co-op terms are common ways in.

4. 4

   Specialist

   2 to 4 years

   After 2 to 4 years you run your own tenders and contracts.

5. 5

   Designation (optional)

   2 to 4 years, part time

   The SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) needs at least 3 years of supply chain experience, 8 modules, 6 workshops and a case exam.