Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart
Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
Procurement Degree — Everything a Procurement Professional Should Know
Key takeaways
- A procurement degree is a program that equips you with the skills to source, negotiate, and manage contracts to get the best value for businesses when buying goods and services.
- A degree in procurement can lead to exciting opportunities and high compensation, especially now that there is high demand for it.
- Certifications and connections enhance your credentials, improving your industry positioning.
Having a procurement degree is one of the best milestones a professional in the field of procurement can have. A procurement degree requires you to have your utmost dedication in getting one. However, those who want to start a career in procurement do not know where to begin.
For this article, we will guide you on what course you can take to have a procurement degree. We will also introduce procurement certification courses that can help you in your journey in the field of procurement.
Once you finish this article, you will be able to decide if the course is for you. Additionally, this will allow you to take on new learnings and experiences that will help you in procurement. So without any delay, let us know the best course for procurement.
Bachelor Programsin Procurement Management
A course in procurement management is the start of your procurement journey. This course exposes you to numerous concepts that prepare you for a career in business administration.
The degree program is mainly focused on the purchase, sale, and transfer of goods and services. Having a bachelor’s degree in procurement can benefit students by learning trading skills, negotiation abilities, and business practices.
Some of the topics covered in procurement management courses include project management, procurement laws, administration of contracts, and federal acquisitions. Typically, it covers national and international issues besides tackling federal and corporate transactions.
Once you finish the course, you are expected to grasp the basic understanding of the concepts and terminology in the field of procurement management.
If you are wondering if you want to be a professional in the field of procurement, this course is ideal for those who aspire to work in business administration.
Graduates of procurement management courses can secure a job in the fields of warehouse management and supply chain management.
Many international universities are offering courses in procurement management. Additionally, they are also offering an option to enroll in an online course.
You must remember that the cost of enrolling in procurement management courses varies from institution to institution. Before you apply, you must do your research by asking your potential school about the course details.
If you want to start your journey in the field of procurement, you can start by taking any business administration courses in institutions that are offering it.
Below are the following courses that you can apply for if you want to improve your skills more in the field of procurement:
- Negotiation course for procurement professionals
- Procurement and supply chain management
- Procurement planning and bid management
- Strategic cost management for procurement and supply chain
- Understand construction procurement and contract price
If you already have a degree in procurement and you want to further your education, here are some master’s programs in procurement you can enroll in:
- MSc Project Management Online
- Online MSc Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management – University of Salford (UK)
- Master in Supply Chain Management
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity-Procurement and Government Contract Management
- Master of Project Management
Why Considera Career in Procurement?
Procurement is now getting recognition due to the onslaught of the pandemic and political conflicts that are happening around the world. The following are the reasons why you should consider a career in procurement:
1. Procurement professionals are in demand
Procurement professionals are sought by many companies to streamline the procurement process in the organization. According to a recruitment firm, Robert Walters, procurement was the fourth most in-demand executive role in 2019.
It is clear why they are in demand. There have been many organizations established throughout the years. The competition right now is so tough that even the shortest delays can impact their development severely.
Right now, as the war and the pandemic are still present in the world, the supply chain is critical for every organization to meet the demands of the customers.
2. Well-paid
Procurement professionals had an increased salary throughout the years. According to a report made by ASCM.org, 59% of supply chain professionals received a salary increase.
3. It can take you places
Globalization is always associated with procurement as many organizations source outside their country. This made procurement professionals work closely with their suppliers from the four corners of the world.
Procurement professionals travel to different countries to attend meetings, visit factories, negotiate contracts, and source new supplies.
Best Procurement Certifications
Besides finishing a course, many institutions give certification to individuals who have finished their training. A report from ASCM.org has found that the median salary of a professional who holds a certification is 16% higher than those who are not certified.
The following is the list of organizations where you can get procurement certification:
1. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Diploma (CIPS)
CIPS is based in the United Kingdom. It is the world’s largest association in procurement and supply. It has a global network of more than 200,000 professionals with members in 150 countries around the world.
The CIPS certifications are recognized by numerous industry bodies and regulatory authorities. Its certification ranges from the entry-level student to the advanced professional track.
2. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute of Supply Management (ISM)
ISM is based in the United States of America. It is renowned for its research in purchasing managers index and procurement. The ISM has trained over 60,000 professionals since 2008.
The ISM offers two certifications and the CPSM is the one that is involved in the main procurement functions.
3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
The ASCM has been existing for 63 years and is based in the United States of America. ASCM has grown to more than 45,000 members across 100 different countries in the world.
The CSCP from ASCM is a single certification that offers professionals self-paced learning. Additionally, it has an instructor-guided task to ensure the learning of professionals who took the certification.
4. Negotiation Course For Procurement Professionals
Of course, we will not end without introducing our certification program to you. Professionals who have enrolled in our course are working for giant companies like Walmart, IBM, Shell, and SCIEX.
Our negotiation course for procurement professionals covers all that you need to know in negotiation, sourcing, and procurement.
With our program, you are in good hands. Your instructor, Marijn Overvest, has been in the industry for decades. His extensive experience and expertise will surely help you find your own negotiation, sourcing, and procurement strategy. That is why you can never go wrong in choosing our certification.
Conclusion
To sum it up, having a procurement degree is indeed one of the best milestones a professional in the field of procurement can have. It’s not for the faint of heart and much like every other degree, it takes a lot of sweat, tears, and sometimes blood too.
To jumpstart your procurement journey, you have to enroll in numerous courses, especially focusing on the purchase, sale, and transfer of goods and services, trade, negotiation, and basically other business practices.
Moreso, it’s also important to study management which includes project management, procurement laws, administration of contracts, and other federal acquisitions.
If you’re looking for reasons why to apply for a procurement degree, just know that it will take you places, you are in demand, and therefore, well-paid. However, it doesn’t just stop there. The world is thriving with businesses here and there and not all of them are 100% guaranteed to succeed, and that’s where your skills, talent, and experience come in.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is a procurement degree?
What course can I take in college to pursue a procurement career?
You can take any business administration degree in college to pursue a career in procurement.
Do I need certifications?
Yes! Having a certificate pays higher than those who do not have one. Additionally, it is also proof that you have extensive expertise in procurement.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.