Are you thinking of getting a Six Sigma Green Belt certification? If so, did you know there are multiple career paths you can pursue once you acquire it? Here are 10 career options you should look into.
The Japanese call it ‘kaizen‘, or continuous improvement. In business, kaizen is the responsibility of every employee.
Six Sigma is a method of pursuing continuous improvement. A Six Sigma Green Belt is proficient in the data-driven improvement cycle of Six Sigma projects.
Six Sigma Basics
Six Sigma was created by Motorola to improve quality control and operating efficiency. The focus is on reducing manufacturing errors and improving cycle time.
Added benefits are increased customer satisfaction, improved employee engagement, and a streamlined workflow.
The method behind this improvement cycle is the acronym DMAIC.
- Defining goals – which processes are examined?
- Measuring problems – track efficiency with data and metrics
- Analyzing causes – study data critically and define goals
- Improving processes – reach goals through process change
- Controlling improvements- planned check-ins for continuous improvement
When executed properly, Six Sigma produces the greatest value with the fewest resources.
Today these industries, among others, use Six Sigma principles…
- Manufacturing
- Banking
- Telecommunications
- Healthcare
- Software Development
Many career opportunities exist for certified Six Sigma Green Belts.
Take a look at some rewarding and lucrative careers available to Certified Green Belts.
10 Careers to Pursue with a Six Sigma Green Belt
Put your certification to use in an entry to mid-level position and work your way up. With a Green Belt and experience, you can take the next step and pursue a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
The following ten career paths all use the skills of a Six Sigma Green Belt. They’re in a variety of fields like manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare.
1. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design products, tools, and devices. Some of the products they design are:
- Medical devices
- batteries
- electric generators
- internal combustion engines
- turbines
- HVAC systems
- conveyors
- elevators
Mechanical engineers begin by performing initial and ongoing design reviews. Their Six Sigma training helps them identify process issues and develop corrective solutions.
Mechanical engineers prepare work scope statements for projects, including goals and budget numbers. A key responsibility is also working with project managers to accurately account for all engineering hours on a project.
Additional duties are designing and redesigning, development and testing of prototypes, and overseeing manufacturing processes.
2. Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers focus on processes used in the design, building, and shipping of products.
Six Sigma green belts, in this discipline, use lean methods to troubleshoot problems and improve manufacturing processes. Some of their specific duties are:
- Design and enact programs to evaluate manufacturing processes like fabrication, assembly, and tooling.
- Develop manufacturing processes through study, research, design, and modification. Test methods and equipment. Confer with equipment vendors.
- Analyze and plan workflow, space needs, and equipment layout to improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Product and process quality control. Includes testing method design, test implementation, and creating standards.
Manufacturing engineering roles include Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Technology Specialist and Continuous Improvement Specialist.
3. Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers test production rates, product flow, and quality control processes. The goal is improving operational efficiency using human capital, equipment, and other resources.
Some of their specific duties include:
- Reviewing production schedules, process flows, and engineering specs to understand product manufacturing
- Develop methods to produce parts, products or services at peak efficiency
- Create management control systems to streamline cost analysis and financial planning
- Put quality control procedures in place
- Collaborate with management and customers to develop design and production standards
- Work with clients, vendors, management, and staff to understand the product life cycle
Assistant Industrial Engineer and Industrial Controls Technician are other jobs within this discipline.
4. Operations Manager
Operations managers effectively manage labor, productivity, quality control and safety to produce goods and services. Responsibilities of Six Sigma Certified operations managers include:
- Enhancing operational systems and procedures
- Improving business processes, information flow, and management reporting
- Representing the company on regulatory matters
Operations managers also carry out personnel-related duties including:
- Selection, interviewing and hiring
- Onboarding and ongoing training
- Assigning and directing work
- Performance management
Succeed at applying Lean Six Sigma principles and you may qualify for the role of Operational Excellence Manager. This role uses Lean Six Sigma problem solving to continuously improve manufacturing processes. They also work with employees at all levels to carry out a company’s Six Sigma initiatives.
5. Process Engineer
Process engineers design, install and optimize industrial processes. Their skills are vital in the petrochemical, agricultural, food and pharmaceutical sectors. These industries all use continuous processes, the process engineer’s specialty.
Process engineers set specifications then develop, implement and monitor equipment or processes.
Process engineering is part of all stages of the manufacturing process. Here are some examples of what process engineers do in various industries.
- Test new processes
- Collect data for use in modifications and improvements
- Overseeing new plant construction
- Develop and use process simulation software to identify the best production methods
- Investigate and troubleshoot plant issues
- Ensure equipment works as specified and at the appropriate capacity
- Assess safety and environmental issues
- Collaborate with installation engineers and specialists
Process engineers work with all departments including R&D, production, and upper management.
6. Quality Engineer
Quality engineers work in the automobile, food and electronics industries – among others.
Their primary duty is identifying product defects and their root causes. This is done through monitoring and auditing the quality of goods as they’re produced.
Quality engineers also develop systems to assess product quality on an ongoing basis. They often work with production teams putting in place the test criteria and solutions they’ve developed.
Quality engineers work in a laboratory, running tests to duplicate production conditions. They use specialized tools like micrometers, calipers, and coordinate measuring machines extensively.
Other careers in Quality Engineering include Quality Control Technician, Quality Assurance Manager and Reliability Engineer.
7. Project Manager
Project managers prioritize and lead projects of various size, scope, and complexity. Industries utilizing project managers include software development, government agencies, engineering, and construction.
Project managers use Six Sigma skills throughout the project life cycle. The backbone of Six Sigma, DMAIC, is an excellent framework for all project phases.
Specific project manager job duties are:
- Project planning, including scope definition
- Budget development, including accurate cost estimating
- Project team organization and motivation
- Timeline management, including resource allocation
- Ensuring customer satisfaction
- Risk analysis and management
- Initial, ongoing and completion documentation
Entry-level roles within this job family are Project Analyst and Associate Project Manager.
Are you thinking of getting a Six Sigma Green Belt certification? If so, did you know there are multiple career paths you can pursue once you acquire it? Here are 10 career options you should look into.
Keyword(s): six sigma green belt
The Japanese call it ‘kaizen‘, or continuous improvement. In business, kaizen is the responsibility of every employee.
Six Sigma is a method of pursuing continuous improvement. A Six Sigma Green Belt is proficient in the data-driven improvement cycle of Six Sigma projects.
Six Sigma Basics
Six Sigma was created by Motorola to improve quality control and operating efficiency. The focus is on reducing manufacturing errors and improving cycle time.
Added benefits are increased customer satisfaction, improved employee engagement, and a streamlined workflow.
The method behind this improvement cycle is the acronym DMAIC.
- Defining goals – which processes are examined?
- Measuring problems – track efficiency with data and metrics
- Analyzing causes – study data critically and define goals
- Improving processes – reach goals through process change
- Controlling improvements- planned check-ins for continuous improvement
When executed properly, Six Sigma produces the greatest value with the fewest resources.
Today these industries, among others, use Six Sigma principles…
- Manufacturing
- Banking
- Telecommunications
- Healthcare
- Software Development
Many career opportunities exist for certified Six Sigma Green Belts.
Take a look at some rewarding and lucrative careers available to Certified Green Belts.
10 Careers to Pursue with a Six Sigma Green Belt
Put your certification to use in an entry to mid-level position and work your way up. With a Green Belt and experience, you can take the next step and pursue a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
The following ten career paths all use the skills of a Six Sigma Green Belt. They’re in a variety of fields like manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare.
1. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design products, tools, and devices. Some of the products they design are:
- Medical devices
- batteries
- electric generators
- internal combustion engines
- turbines
- HVAC systems
- conveyors
- elevators
Mechanical engineers begin by performing initial and ongoing design reviews. Their Six Sigma training helps them identify process issues and develop corrective solutions.
Mechanical engineers prepare work scope statements for projects, including goals and budget numbers. A key responsibility is also working with project managers to accurately account for all engineering hours on a project.
Additional duties are designing and redesigning, development and testing of prototypes, and overseeing manufacturing processes.
2. Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers focus on processes used in the design, building, and shipping of products.
Six Sigma green belts, in this discipline, use lean methods to troubleshoot problems and improve manufacturing processes. Some of their specific duties are:
- Design and enact programs to evaluate manufacturing processes like fabrication, assembly, and tooling.
- Develop manufacturing processes through study, research, design, and modification. Test methods and equipment. Confer with equipment vendors.
- Analyze and plan workflow, space needs, and equipment layout to improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Product and process quality control. Includes testing method design, test implementation, and creating standards.
Manufacturing engineering roles include Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Technology Specialist and Continuous Improvement Specialist.
3. Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers test production rates, product flow, and quality control processes. The goal is improving operational efficiency using human capital, equipment, and other resources.
Some of their specific duties include:
- Reviewing production schedules, process flows, and engineering specs to understand product manufacturing
- Develop methods to produce parts, products or services at peak efficiency
- Create management control systems to streamline cost analysis and financial planning
- Put quality control procedures in place
- Collaborate with management and customers to develop design and production standards
- Work with clients, vendors, management, and staff to understand the product life cycle
Assistant Industrial Engineer and Industrial Controls Technician are other jobs within this discipline.
4. Operations Manager
Operations managers effectively manage labor, productivity, quality control and safety to produce goods and services. Responsibilities of Six Sigma Certified operations managers include:
- Enhancing operational systems and procedures
- Improving business processes, information flow, and management reporting
- Representing the company on regulatory matters
Operations managers also carry out personnel-related duties including:
- Selection, interviewing and hiring
- Onboarding and ongoing training
- Assigning and directing work
- Performance management
Succeed at applying Lean Six Sigma principles and you may qualify for the role of Operational Excellence Manager. This role uses Lean Six Sigma problem solving to continuously improve manufacturing processes. They also work with employees at all levels to carry out a company’s Six Sigma initiatives.
5. Process Engineer
Process engineers design, install and optimize industrial processes. Their skills are vital in the petrochemical, agricultural, food and pharmaceutical sectors. These industries all use continuous processes, the process engineer’s specialty.
Process engineers set specifications then develop, implement and monitor equipment or processes.
Process engineering is part of all stages of the manufacturing process. Here are some examples of what process engineers do in various industries.
- Test new processes
- Collect data for use in modifications and improvements
- Overseeing new plant construction
- Develop and use process simulation software to identify the best production methods
- Investigate and troubleshoot plant issues
- Ensure equipment works as specified and at the appropriate capacity
- Assess safety and environmental issues
- Collaborate with installation engineers and specialists
Process engineers work with all departments including R&D, production, and upper management.
6. Quality Engineer
Quality engineers work in the automobile, food and electronics industries – among others.
Their primary duty is identifying product defects and their root causes. This is done through monitoring and auditing the quality of goods as they’re produced.
Quality engineers also develop systems to assess product quality on an ongoing basis. They often work with production teams putting in place the test criteria and solutions they’ve developed.
Quality engineers work in a laboratory, running tests to duplicate production conditions. They use specialized tools like micrometers, calipers, and coordinate measuring machines extensively.
Other careers in Quality Engineering include Quality Control Technician, Quality Assurance Manager and Reliability Engineer.
7. Project Manager
Project managers prioritize and lead projects of various size, scope, and complexity. Industries utilizing project managers include software development, government agencies, engineering, and construction.
Project managers use Six Sigma skills throughout the project life cycle. The backbone of Six Sigma, DMAIC, is an excellent framework for all project phases.
Specific project manager job duties are:
- Project planning, including scope definition
- Budget development, including accurate cost estimating
- Project team organization and motivation
- Timeline management, including resource allocation
- Ensuring customer satisfaction
- Risk analysis and management
- Initial, ongoing and completion documentation
Entry-level roles within this job family are Project Analyst and Associate Project Manager.
8. Six Sigma Consultant
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification opens doors to several different consulting roles. Among them are Business Process Improvement Consultant, R&D Process Improvement Consultant, and IT Business Management Consultant.
Six Sigma certified consultants analyze processes, identify gaps and propose organizational effectiveness improvements. Specific duties are:
- Gathering and analyzing financial and non-financial data
- Evaluating the cost-benefit of proposals
- Working with teams to understand business processes, root causes, and outcomes
- Preparing recommendations to improve productivity, reduce waste and eliminate duplication of work
- Maintaining ongoing communication with leadership on improvement opportunities
Successful consultants can pursue opportunities in quality management, process management or project management.
9. Systems Engineer
Systems engineers design and build complex systems using an interdisciplinary approach.
On complex design projects, systems engineers handle project planning and technical specification fulfillment. They also coordinate and oversee a team of professionals responsible for project delivery.
Systems engineers take part in all phases of the process. These include research, design, development and evaluation.
Systems engineers work in the following fields:
- Software development
- Electronics
- Aerospace
- Civil engineering
- Robotics
System engineers design smartphones, build transportation networks and develop fighter jets.
10. Healthcare Risk Manager
Healthcare Risk Managers develop, implement and maintain a medical facility’s risk management initiatives. The goal of their work is to protect hospital assets and improve patient safety.
Healthcare risk manager responsibilities include:
- Investigating medical malpractice claims
- Investigating patient complaints
- Reviewing medical records to identify potential liability issues
- Administering risk-management training
- Auditing financial records for occurrences of fraud or theft
- Managing legal actions against the facility
- Act as a liason regarding liability issues
Patient care management falls under healthcare risk management, focusing on patient safety practices. Patient Safety Specialists and Patient Safety Managers are experts in keeping patients safe. They use Six Sigma to identify improvement opportunities and lead performance improvement initiatives.
It Starts with Certification
A Six Sigma Green Belt Certification prepares you to…
- Support project improvements
- Complete statistical analysis
- Lead projects part-time
In layman’s terms, you’ll save the company money by increasing efficiency. You’ll also increase revenues because you’re driving out system errors.
Next, you’ll improve your company’s compliance. Regulatory errors are costly and nobody wants to be on a government agency’s radar.
Finally, you’ll become a leader. Leaders influence their peers and others. And leaders are paid well for their skills.
Want to become a greater asset to your employer?
Increase your earning potential?
Create opportunities for your future?
Follow this link to learn more about ExpertRating’s Online Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.
8. Six Sigma Consultant
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification opens doors to several different consulting roles. Among them are Business Process Improvement Consultant, R&D Process Improvement Consultant, and IT Business Management Consultant.
Six Sigma certified consultants analyze processes, identify gaps and propose organizational effectiveness improvements. Specific duties are:
- Gathering and analyzing financial and non-financial data
- Evaluating the cost-benefit of proposals
- Working with teams to understand business processes, root causes, and outcomes
- Preparing recommendations to improve productivity, reduce waste and eliminate duplication of work
- Maintaining ongoing communication with leadership on improvement opportunities
Successful consultants can pursue opportunities in quality management, process management or project management.
9. Systems Engineer
Systems engineers design and build complex systems using an interdisciplinary approach.
On complex design projects, systems engineers handle project planning and technical specification fulfillment. They also coordinate and oversee a team of professionals responsible for project delivery.
Systems engineers take part in all phases of the process. These include research, design, development and evaluation.
Systems engineers work in the following fields:
- Software development
- Electronics
- Aerospace
- Civil engineering
- Robotics
System engineers design smartphones, build transportation networks and develop fighter jets.
10. Healthcare Risk Manager
Healthcare Risk Managers develop, implement and maintain a medical facility’s risk management initiatives. The goal of their work is to protect hospital assets and improve patient safety.
Healthcare risk manager responsibilities include:
- Investigating medical malpractice claims
- Investigating patient complaints
- Reviewing medical records to identify potential liability issues
- Administering risk-management training
- Auditing financial records for occurrences of fraud or theft
- Managing legal actions against the facility
- Act as a liason regarding liability issues
Patient care management falls under healthcare risk management, focusing on patient safety practices. Patient Safety Specialists and Patient Safety Managers are experts in keeping patients safe. They use Six Sigma to identify improvement opportunities and lead performance improvement initiatives.
It Starts with Certification
A Six Sigma Green Belt Certification prepares you to…
- Support project improvements
- Complete statistical analysis
- Lead projects part-time
In layman’s terms, you’ll save the company money by increasing efficiency. You’ll also increase revenues because you’re driving out system errors.
Next, you’ll improve your company’s compliance. Regulatory errors are costly and nobody wants to be on a government agency’s radar.
Finally, you’ll become a leader. Leaders influence their peers and others. And leaders are paid well for their skills.
Want to become a greater asset to your employer?
Increase your earning potential?
Create opportunities for your future?
Follow this link to learn more about ExpertRating’s Online Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.