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Six Sigma Jobs
by: Peter Peterka The demand for people with Six Sigma expertise is constantly increasing.
More and more organizations are discovering the many ways that the Six Sigma
methodology can help them grow and improve. As Six Sigma spreads to many
different industries beyond its genesis in manufacturing, you can now find many
service and government organizations advertising for Six Sigma help. Plus, it is
no longer the largest corporations looking for Six Sigma help. Smaller companies
also are taking on Six Sigma projects and hiring people as consultants or
permanent staff. The need for full-time Six Sigma professionals will only
increase. Types of Six Sigma Jobs There are many Six Sigma jobs in many industries at junior and senior
levels. The positions have descriptions and requirements unique to that
organization and its requirements. It is true that many Six Sigma positions are
filled internally as organizations train their own people already familiar with
the organization’s culture in Six Sigma skills. However, organizations
frequently reach outside to add personnel with Six Sigma expertise to lead Six
Sigma projects or even the full-scale implementation of Six Sigma throughout the
organization. These positions are usually dedicated full-time to Six Sigma
projects. Six Sigma jobs are advertised under many titles, not always as obvious as
“Six Sigma Black Belt,†“Six Sigma Consultant,†or
“Six Sigma Analyst.†Other possible titles include things like
“Functional Project Lead†“Six Sigma Program Manager,â€Â
“Lead Analyst/Project Manager,†“Director of Operational
Excellence,†“Business Process Manager,†or “Senior
Projects Manager.†Whatever the exact title, the organization is looking
for someone with the skills of a Six Sigma Black Belt. A Black Belt is an
individual trained in the Six Sigma methodology and experienced leading
cross-functional process improvement teams. They will lead individual Six Sigma
projects. Very senior Six Sigma positions are sometimes advertised. These are Master
Black Belts, individuals trained in the Six Sigma methodology who acts as the
organization-wide Six Sigma program manager. They will lead Six Sigma
implementation at the organization and will oversee Black Belts and process
improvement projects and provides guidance to Black Belts as required. Master
Black Belt positions understandably demand the highest level of Six Sigma
experience and qualifications. Qualifying for Six Sigma Jobs To be considered for a Six Sigma job, you need a combination of relevant
academic and work experience. The first and foremost qualification is to be
trained in Six Sigma, ideally as a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. This means
formal training from qualified Six Sigma consultants who have extensive
experience in training and implementation of Six Sigma. Specific training in Six
Sigma DMAIC and/or DFSS methodology is often requested. The best teacher is, of
course, experience and organizations will strongly prefer, if not insist, on
people who have completed at least one Six Sigma project. In addition to possessing Six Sigma training and project experience,
organizations will ask that you have experience working in the industry of the
organization’s business. So if the company is a manufacturer, they will
usually want you to have direct experience in a manufacturing environment.
Organizations will ask that you have a certain minimum period of experience
(often five years) in that particular industry. Management experience is a huge plus and will almost certainly be a
requirement for a Six Sigma project team leader. Having on your resume proven
project management success within a structured environment and being able to
demonstrate good managerial skills will take you a long way. That’s
because leading and facilitating Black Belts, Green Belts, and business teams
through a Six Sigma project is often the role organizations are seeking to fill. There are also essential personal skills. You need to be able to
demonstrate a good understanding of processes and quality methodologies and a
willingness to take an initiative and lead change. Another crucial skill is the
ability to link strategy to execution. The aptitude to look beyond the surface
and be creative to think conceptually about strategic business issues and
develop creative but practical solutions is key.
About The Author
Peter Peterka is a Master Six Sigma Black Belt for Six Sigma us and has
implemented Six Sigma in a variety of organizations. For additional
information for Six Sigma Training and Six SIgma Jobs please contact Peter
Peterka at
http://www.6sigma.us/. joseph@sixsigma.us |
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