MD.Richardson
Registered
Good morning,
I am unsure if this is the appropriate section to ask my question, so I apologize if it belongs someplace else.
Some background first:
I have been in my QAE position for one year and some change. Our company is a medium to high volume automotive manufacturer with multiple quality systems in place and strong ties to our mother plant in Japan and multiple sister plants that all operate pretty much the same. I was chosen not based on a quality background, but more on my work ethic, experience in leadership through the military, attitude, drive, etc. Factors that the QM admired and felt would work well in the environment and work well for his team moving forward.
I work fast and efficiently and as such, I believe I have a firm grasp on most quality systems and how to perform job. I maintain PCRs through multiple OEMs, PPAPs for annual reevaluation / new launch, leading new program launch projects, as well as, maintaining internal non conformance issues with parts and systems - I also respond and evaluate customer complaints / concerns while issuing 8Ds and completing 8Ds, Ishikawa diagrams, evaluating SPC data, etc. A lot of irons in the fire, if you will. It's a lot and I've gathered a ton of experience as the " go to" for most issues in our quality department and by working side-by-side with our manager and other manager teams. I work diligently with our Japan teams and the Japan representatives station here for work. If it matters, I just turned 35 and have been with the company since September 2020. I started as a production line operator, moved to utility where I handled pH levels, fluids, ordering of fluids, and provided maintenance for dry and wet sump tanks. After that, I was picked up by the then acting QM around September-ish of 2021. My background is in Paramedic / Emergency medicine, Army Combat Medic / acting NCOIC of triage teams / aid station battlefield leapfrogging, aid station duties / everything under the sun, and leadership courses provided by the military.
My question is this - what types of continued education are available and what should I primarily be focusing on? Should I first start with the Lean Six Sigma certifications?
My goal is to learn as much as possible to be more effective in the quality field. I also want to have a goal / plan to strive for to increase my future potential as a hiring candidate. For example, I think it would be really awesome to work for Tesla one day or the other OEMs. I'm just curious as to the type of education I should be pursuing. Would it be beneficial to use my time to get a BS degree in something?
I would appreciate any feedback / advice on effective and useful education systems.
Thank you in advance.
I am unsure if this is the appropriate section to ask my question, so I apologize if it belongs someplace else.
Some background first:
I have been in my QAE position for one year and some change. Our company is a medium to high volume automotive manufacturer with multiple quality systems in place and strong ties to our mother plant in Japan and multiple sister plants that all operate pretty much the same. I was chosen not based on a quality background, but more on my work ethic, experience in leadership through the military, attitude, drive, etc. Factors that the QM admired and felt would work well in the environment and work well for his team moving forward.
I work fast and efficiently and as such, I believe I have a firm grasp on most quality systems and how to perform job. I maintain PCRs through multiple OEMs, PPAPs for annual reevaluation / new launch, leading new program launch projects, as well as, maintaining internal non conformance issues with parts and systems - I also respond and evaluate customer complaints / concerns while issuing 8Ds and completing 8Ds, Ishikawa diagrams, evaluating SPC data, etc. A lot of irons in the fire, if you will. It's a lot and I've gathered a ton of experience as the " go to" for most issues in our quality department and by working side-by-side with our manager and other manager teams. I work diligently with our Japan teams and the Japan representatives station here for work. If it matters, I just turned 35 and have been with the company since September 2020. I started as a production line operator, moved to utility where I handled pH levels, fluids, ordering of fluids, and provided maintenance for dry and wet sump tanks. After that, I was picked up by the then acting QM around September-ish of 2021. My background is in Paramedic / Emergency medicine, Army Combat Medic / acting NCOIC of triage teams / aid station battlefield leapfrogging, aid station duties / everything under the sun, and leadership courses provided by the military.
My question is this - what types of continued education are available and what should I primarily be focusing on? Should I first start with the Lean Six Sigma certifications?
My goal is to learn as much as possible to be more effective in the quality field. I also want to have a goal / plan to strive for to increase my future potential as a hiring candidate. For example, I think it would be really awesome to work for Tesla one day or the other OEMs. I'm just curious as to the type of education I should be pursuing. Would it be beneficial to use my time to get a BS degree in something?
I would appreciate any feedback / advice on effective and useful education systems.
Thank you in advance.