How Education, Mentorship and Experience led to a rewarding Career in Quality!
I spend some of my time helping people develop their career in quality. Often, they want certification as a Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Six Sigma Black or Green Belt. In all cases, they’re trying to better their current status or improve their chances at future employment. Often, they ask me the same question, “How did you develop such a great and rewarding career in quality?”
The answer is simple. I got the right education, found a great mentor and had a work environment that let me practice what I learned.
Have you ever watched the movie – Karate Kid? It’s about a kid that’s bullied who later meets up with a Karate Master that agrees to teach him the art of Karate. In the end, the kid goes from knowing nothing, to winning a tournament, gaining the respect of his peers and getting the girl. While this is a Hollywood movie – it does illustrate the fact that a great mentor can make a big difference.
Mentors bring three things to the table; knowledge, experience and passion. Finding a mentor with deep subject matter knowledge, job experience and a passion to share is a fabulous way to build your career.
In my case, I got the right education at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I attended the Center for Quality and Applied Statistics. My mentor was Thomas B. Barker. I met Tom during my time at RIT. Tom was not only a professor he was a seasoned industrial statistician with Xerox. He has more than 25 years of experience and several patents. He also established himself as an authority in applied statistical experimental design.
During my graduate studies at RIT I was working full-time. My employer endorsed my education and let me practice what I learned. The result was an enjoyable and prosperous career that continues today. Having the right education, right work environment and right mentor is a receipt that leads to a rewarding career.
If you have a job in quality and want a career in quality then find your passion, learn more about it, seek a mentor and find the right employer.
Who knows – you may find yourself running your own business and being a mentor to others.
I am interested in getting help to achieve CQE certification.
The Knowledge Management Group has a web-based e-learning solution. It is a free and available to all candidates that want to become an ASQ – Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
This web-based e-learning portal helps candidates simulate the CQE exam. It does so by presenting questions and answers to eight previous CQE Exams. As you take the first practice exam, you will be able to grade your efforts and review those questions where you had difficulty. This way you can identify those areas where you are having difficulty and address them. By doing several practice exams, you can measure your improvement as you learn from your previous efforts.
The CQE e-learning Practice Exams are useful for those people who want to get a “feel” for what they might expect on the actual CQE exam. It can give you an enhanced level of confidence. It is also useful as a supplement to a refresher course. Instructors in CQE refresher courses will also find this online tool helpful as a supplement to their courses.
To view a short tutorial please click on the following link www.tkmg.org/CQE.html.
Registration:
To register, click on the Sign-Up button located under the User Login section located at www.tkmg.org. Once you register, go to the User Login section and click on the Login button. Enter your Use Name and Password emailed to you during registration. Once logged in, you will gain access to our Member Site where you can take advantage of the CQE e-Learning Exams. If you encounter problems registering for this service please direct your inquires to members@tkmg.org.
Registration is open to any candidate wishing to become a Certified Quality Engineer. The Knowledge Management Group is not responsible for material content. It does not guarantee that registered users will pass the CQE exam using this e-learning tool. It covers most topics set out in the body of knowledge but it is NOT intended to prepare students for a certification examination.
Wishing you success on your efforts to become a Certified Quality Engineer.
Andrew
Great article Andrew – and I agree. It took me some time, at the beginning some 20 years ago, but the ASQ network helped me to interface with quality professionals. In the early days they helped me tremendously. People like yourself, MO, Brenda, John, and Frank to name a few. I am now giving back and helping others now!
Hello Desmond!
First of all – it is nice to hear from you!
I am also glad to hear you are helping others as others have helped you!
You have a lot of wisdom, and others coming into this field can learn a lot from you.
All the best,
Andrew