Career Path Options for Quality Assurance Engineer in Roads & Infrastructure Field

[AD1983]

Hello All,

I'd been working as a Site Quality Assurance Engineer for a Roads & Infrastructure Contractor for almost 1 year in UAE. I hold a bachelor of Industrial Engineering and certificates in Lean Manufacturing, Green Belt Six Sigma and Integrated Management System Internal Auditor.

I am just not sure if I want to stay in my current position in this industry for the Long term (Quality Assurance in Roads & Infrastructure), as the work environment, hours, culture and ethics are extremely harsh, in addition to the fact that Quality not being a major concept that everyone abides by in this field. Besides, it's not quite clear for me as to what my career path would be like? In other words, what's the destination I am heading to?

Does anyone here have a background in Roads & Infrastructure Engineering in general and in Quality Assurance in that industry in Particular? What are the different options available to me as Site Quality Assurance Engineer in Roads & Infrastructure? Is it just either staying with this position for many years (more than 7 years) with a contractor or moving to a Consultant to work as a Civil Inspector? or are there other and better options I can look forward and work hard to get to?

I appreciate your time, help and consideration.

 

[Stijloor]

Re: Career Path Options for Quality Assurance Engineer in Roads & Infrastructure Fiel

A Quick Bump!

Can someone help??

Thank you very much!!

 

[John Broomfield]

Re: Career Path Options for Quality Assurance Engineer in Roads & Infrastructure Fiel

AD,

Over 40 years I worked and learned from construction QA to management systems consultant.

Construction project quality management work is great experience for building your skills and knowledge especially when your colleagues need your help to change the way they think, plan and act to deliver quality as a natural part of their work.

But you'll first need to ensure you have the necessary attributes (talents) and behaviors so your colleagues and their leaders will listen to you. It starts with respect for them and what they are trying to do.

You seem technically well qualified but you'll not become fully competent in quality management unless you have these talents and behaviors. Your desire for a less "harsh" work environment is understandable but it may indicate that you lack commitment or these talents and behaviors.

Learning some business psychology may help especially when combined with the teachings of Dr Deming. But you must have a passion for helping others to deliver quality to succeed.

You may want to discuss your career plans with members of the ASQ's Design and Construction Division via their website.

Good luck,

John