This guide provides detailed information on the quality control coordinator career.
It highlights the educational requirements you need to meet to become a quality control coordinator, the various career opportunities you can access, how to advance and be successful in your quality control coordinator career, etc.
Who is a Quality Control Coordinator?
A quality control coordinator is someone that is responsible for the day-to-day activities of a quality control laboratory.
The following list describes the duties of a quality control coordinator:
- Conduct inspections
- Analyze data
- Determine cause and effect relationships
- Identify defects
- Recommend solutions
- Assess risk
- Develop procedures
- Provide technical support
- Maintain records.
Why Choose Quality Control Coordinator Career?
The role of the quality control coordinator (QCC) has been in existence since the early 1900’s to ensure that products are manufactured according to specification, and that they meet customer requirements.
Here are good reasons you might want to choose the quality control coordinator career:
- The QCC can work with many different types of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, rubber, leather, textiles, paper, wood, composites, etc.
- The QCC works closely with people from other departments within an organization, such as engineering, marketing, sales, manufacturing, purchasing, finance, etc.
- The QCC is often involved in projects from concept through to production.
- The QCC salary is competitive when compared to other professions.
- The QCC job outlook is good at present time.
- There are many opportunities available for advancement within the industry.
- The QCC may be able to transfer his or her skills into another profession if desired.
Quality Control Coordinator Education Requirements
There are three basic educational steps that you can take to become a quality control coordinator. They are:
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor Degree
- Master Degree
Quality Control Coordinator Continuing Education
Taking some continuing education courses is important to stay abreast of new developments in the field.
Some organizations offer continuing education classes to their employees. Other organizations provide seminars to keep their workers up to date on current trends.
Quality Control Coordinator Certification/License
Obtaining certification is also very important to show one’s ability to perform certain tasks.
Many companies require certification before they hire someone for the quality control coordinator position. Some of the certifications you might take include:
- Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)
- Certified Quality Auditor (CQUA)
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
Also, some states require quality control coordinators to have a license to work in the state. Quality control coordinators are also expected to obtain federal license to work.
Quality Control Coordinator Career Opportunities
There are different career opportunities a quality control coordinator can access: They include:
- Quality Control Manager
The quality control manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the quality control laboratory.
He or she is responsible for ensuring that the lab operates efficiently, effectively, safely, and economically.
He or she must have excellent communication skills and be able to manage people.
Learn more about the quality control manager duties and responsibilities.
2. Quality Control Specialist
This position requires extensive knowledge of the product being tested. It is similar to the quality control manager but does not involve supervision.
Learn more about the quality control specialist duties and responsibilities.
3. Quality Control Technician
The quality control technician is responsible for carrying out most of the testing procedures in the department. He or she should be knowledgeable about the product being tested.
To be effective in their job, quality control technicians need to have strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Learn more about the quality control technician duties and responsibilities.
4. Quality Control Analyst
The quality control analyst is responsible for analyzing data collected by the quality control technician. He or she must have strong proficiency in mathematics and statistics to be effective in their job.
Learn more about the quality control analyst duties and responsibilities.
5. Quality Control Supervisor
The quality control supervisor is responsible for supervising quality control analysts and quality control technicians.
His or her primary responsibility is to ensure that the quality control laboratory runs smoothly.
Learn more about the quality control supervisor duties and responsibilities.
How to Advance your Quality Control Coordinator Career
There are several ways you can advance your career as a quality control coordinator. Here are some suggestions:
- Attend conferences and workshops
Attending conferences and workshops will help you learn more about the field. You will meet other professionals who share your interest in this area.
2. Take courses
Taking courses will increase your knowledge base. If you want to specialize in a particular area of the industry, you can take courses related to that topic.
3. Network with others
Networking is an effective way to get ahead in any profession. Asking questions and making yourself available to others will make it easier to find a job.
4. Keep learning
Taking continuing education is critical to staying competitive in today’s business world.
Taking courses at local community colleges or online through distance learning programs will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge base.
5. Be flexible
If you don’t like working in a specific type of environment, consider changing careers. There are many opportunities out there for those willing to work hard and explore new options.
How to find a Good Quality Control Coordinator School
Finding a good school for training as a quality control coordinator may seem daunting, but it isn’t difficult if you know what to look for.
These pointers will assist you in selecting the best program for quality control coordinator training:
- Look for accredited schools
Accreditation is important because it shows that the program meets certain standards set by professional organizations, such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Accrediting Council on Occupational Education (ACOE).
2. Choose a program that offers hands-on experience
Hands-on experience means students actually perform tasks under the guidance of instructors.
Students gain practical experience while they study. They also develop their own problem solving skills.
3. Consider whether the program has a reputation
A reputable program will have a solid track record of success. Ask around to see which programs are well known and respected.
4. Check out student reviews
Student reviews can provide valuable information about a program.
Review websites, such as RateMyProfessors and MyStudentRatings allow students to post comments about their professors.
Read these reviews carefully before deciding where to enroll.
5. Research the faculty members
Look up each instructor’s background and qualifications. Does he or she have relevant experience?
What kind of project did they work on? Do they have publications? Are they active in professional associations?
The answers you get for these questions will well guide your decision of the school to go for.
How to be Successful in your Quality Control Coordinator Career
Once you decide to pursue a career as a quality control coordinator, here are some things you can do to ensure success:
- Learn how to communicate effectively
Communication is essential for success in every work, including in the work of a quality control coordinator. It is important for QCCs to be able to express their ideas clearly and concisely.
They must also have good listen skills, to be able to listen to other people and understand them.
2. Know when to ask questions
When you encounter something new or unexpected, asking questions helps you learn more quickly. It also demonstrates your interest in the subject matter.
3. Take initiative
Initiative comes from taking charge of your situation. If you noticed a problem, then take action to solve it. Don’t wait for someone or a supervisor to tell you to do it before you act, or they doing it themselves.
4. Stay organized
Being organized makes life easier. Keep all paperwork in one place so you can find them easily when you need them. Make sure everything is filed properly.
5. Be proactive
Be proactive instead of being reactive. When faced with a challenge, think ahead. Anticipate problems and plan ways to prevent them.
Qualities of a Good Quality Control Coordinator
Here are qualities that make a good quality control coordinator that you can develop to stay top of your career:
- Knowledgeable
You need to know what you are doing. You must keep abreast of current trends and changes in industry practices. You also need to know how to apply this knowledge to your specific field.
2. Detail oriented
You must pay attention to details in performing your duties. This includes paying close attention to the smallest aspects of your work. You must also be thorough and accurate.
3. Organized
You must maintain orderliness and be able to organize materials and equipment effectively.
4. Flexible
You must be adaptable and be willing to change your mind if necessary. You must also be open-minded and willing to consider new approaches.
5. Self-motivated
You must be self-disciplined and have the ability to set goals and meet deadlines. You must also be persistent.
Quality Control Coordinator Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, quality control coordinator jobs are expected to expand at a “little or no change”, at a level of 1 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Furthermore, 1,200 new jobs for quality control coordinators are expected to become accessible by 2028.
Conclusion
The quality control coordinator career offers competitive salary, opportunity to access lots of related careers, and job satisfaction when you think that you are helping to ensure only products that are of good quality leave the factory to be used by people.
If you are interested in the quality control coordinator career, this guide has helped in boosting your knowledge of not only how to become one, but also how you can advance your quality control coordinator career and be successful in it.
