Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 8 Consumer Services 209 For fi nancial services, a bachelor’s degree in either fi nance or accounting is preferred. Employers, and many states, may require fi nancial counselors to earn the Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) certification, usually offered by their home state. Many fi nancial services workers choose to earn a graduate degree, such as a master’s of business administration (MBA). This helps them to further prepare for advancement and build their knowledge base or perceived expertise and credibility. Customer service representatives, fi rst and foremost, must be well-versed in their product and the company culture they represent. Some companies hire customer service representatives with minimal post–high school education, preferring to provide on-the-job training. Others, especially those in the technical fi elds, prefer or even require a college education. This may be a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Majors in business, as well as many other interdisciplinary majors, can provide good preparation for this career because customer service requires good communication skills. In buying careers, educational requirements vary greatly, depending on the industry and size of the organization. For some, a high school diploma with some training and experience is sufficient to enter the fi eld. For most, however, a bachelor’s degree is preferred or required. Business and accounting courses are desired, along with product knowledge. For example, in fashion retail buying, knowledge about apparel construction, sizing, textiles, and fashion trends is needed (Figure 8.7). In manufacturing fi rms, a four-year college degree is preferred or often required, especially in the technical fi eld. Engineering, applied sciences, and business degrees are common. On-the-job training is a critical part of learning the expectations of buying in a chosen fi eld. Overall, most careers in consumer services require at least a college education. Many consumer services careers also require certifications, based on specialization of expertise. Professionals who earn these certifications show they have the knowledge and skill to manage their clients’ fi nancial resources or give good advice. Diego Cervo/Shutterstock.com Figure 8.7 A formal education in fashion merchandising or fashion design can help aspiring fashion retail buyers gain knowledge about the fashion industry. Why is it important for buyers to be knowledgeable about the products they are purchasing?