Hello, J.T. & Dale: I am a 15-year-old girl in high school and am interested in one day becoming a purchasing manager. I’m wondering what kind of classes I could take in college. Your advice would be a great help. — Belle

Dale: I think you may be the first teenager in history to be interested in a career in purchasing management.

J.T.: And that makes it a fantastic choice. For one thing, you will have an easy time getting advice from professionals in the field. It’s not like going to those in the typical glamour jobs — being a newscaster or a sports agent — where there are far more interested students than there are job possibilities. All you need to do, Belle, is find people in the field to contact. One way is to look at the employment ads in your local newspaper and find companies hiring people for purchasing. Contact those companies and explain who you are and what you want, and I’m sure you’ll find people who will be eager to talk about their jobs and the ideal educational background for you.

Dale: In finding people, you should know that the term “purchasing management” is falling out of favor, being replaced by “supply chain management.” As for college, you’ll not only find courses in supply chain management, but some universities offer a business degree with that specialty. Because it’s relatively unknown, your odds of getting scholarships and internships are much better than usual. And when you graduate, there will be plenty of companies eager to purchase your services.