Changing Positions: System Quality Assurance vs. Internal Quality Auditor

[mjflkitty]

Hi,

I need your input on this guys. I'm currently a Lead Auditor of ISO. Please help me determine what are the advantages/disadvantages of shifting to SQA?

My supervisro advised me to shift to a career path which is SQA.


Thanks

[Marc]

I'm assuming here that SQA = Supplier Quality Assurance vs. IQA = Internal Quality Auditor. Is this correct?

[mooser]

Kitty,
Being a SQA is a good move in my mind, because I personally enjoyed that job more than any I have had so far. The advantages of a SQA job can be numerous depending on what you like. If you like to do some traveling, meeting people, and learning some new skills (Evaluating things like SPC, continuous improvement projects, maybe PPAP, FEMA,etc.) then it's great. You will be looking at these things from an entirely different prospective. I also think it shows that your boss must have confidence in your abilities.
Mooser

[mjflkitty]

Originally Posted by Marc

I'm assuming here that SQA = Supplier Quality Assurance vs. IQA = Internal Quality Auditor. Is this correct?

Hi Marc,
SQA=System Quality Assurance

[Al Dyer]

mjfkitty,

I'm sure there will be a need for internal auditors but in MHO SQA with Supplier Development would be the way to go. This is a solely subjective opinion based in auditor saturation levels and proactive development activities being driven by customers.

Al...

[Marc]

Thread title changed to reflect SQA definition here.

[David Hartman]

Originally Posted by mjflkitty

Hi,

I need your input on this guys. I'm currently a Lead Auditor of ISO. Please help me determine what are the advantages/disadvantages of shifting to SQA?

My supervisro advised me to shift to a career path which is SQA.


Thanks

I have found that SQA (as defined here) takes a more global view of a company and its objectives, than that of the internal auditor (where your objectives are typically limited in scope to certian processes, systems, or products).

You will find your auditing experience valuable, but viewing the overall system can be an eye opening (and exciting) experience.

Go for it, and have fun!

[Wes Bucey]

I believe an SQA position gives greater visibility within an organization as well as a better "big picture" of operations. The combination of those two will open more opportunities for advancement within most organizations.