How Do I Become a Sourcing Agent?

In order to become a sourcing agent, you will need to receive some type of formal secondary education from a college, university, or some other type of formal training. Some common degrees or areas of focus include business and engineering. Also, you should demonstrate solid communication and negotiation skills in order to be part of a company's sourcing team to obtain the best prices. To become a sourcing agent, which is about managing global commerce, travel is part of the job responsibilities, although you may be assigned to a particular region of the world.

A sourcing agent is used to help businesses uncover international opportunities in supply management, such as product manufacturing and other tasks. This professional is essentially the middleman between the domestic company and the overseas producer. The more experience that you have as a sourcing agent provider, the greater the chances for success and obtaining new clients and employment.

Pursue an education in business or chemical engineering. Earning a bachelor's degree is often a requirement to become a sourcing agent. Select a major that is related to finance or engineering because these are the skills that are most helpful to become a sourcing agent. Many employers look for professionals with sourcing experience, and getting that first job may be the most difficult. Attend job fairs, and do as much networking as possible in order to begin building relationships that can lead to employment.

In order to qualify, you should demonstrate a proven ability to uncover business opportunities around the world. There should be a solid understanding of supply chain management because this is the process you will be overseeing. The employer will look to you for the most cost-efficient yet reliable supplier for a product and expect you to be the company's eyes and ears on containing expenses. You should have solid troubleshooting skills so that potential problems are uncovered before any product is expected to be delivered. Price negotiation is also a component of sourcing.

To become a sourcing agent, you may work in one of many different industries. Potential opportunities could arise in retail, aviation, technology, or other industries. As long as you have the fundamental skills of a sourcing professional, you may be able transfer that knowledge to a number of different sectors of the economy. Gain experience wherever you can, and become familiar with major software that is used to complete the tasks associated with being a sourcing agent.