Guys, I'm considering getting six sigma certified and was curious to know anyone's thoughts. I am considering this as a resume booster. I am not in manufacturing at the moment, but have considered it. Also, I would not be paying for the cert or the class, so that is not relevant. It's simply a matter of whether or not it is worth my time to explore the option. I have an MBA, as well. Thanks!
OT - Considering Six Sigma
- Thread starter vocaldawg
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I have it (black belt) and I can tell you that it's a solid resume builder, but you shouldn't just pursue it for that purpose. There's a lot of fluff in there, but the methodology is certainly something that can help you in your career - continuous improvement, minimized defects per opportunity, repeatable process. That's not necessarily limited to the manufacturing industry.
I'll echo this. I'm 6S certified, and it's definitely something that will positively change how you approach improvement in virtually any area wherever quality and efficiency is concerned. As a resume booster, it will signify you're serious about methodical analysis, waste reduction and overall process optimization.
And that's a big big plus.
And that's a big big plus.
Do it if for the minitab knowledge (if possible)
I know a lot of higher level Ops/Quality guys that have it and seem to dismiss it as not that important even though they have it.
It is desirable on a resume though because you had the ability to do it and because a company thought you were important enough to put on a big project/invest in you
I know a lot of higher level Ops/Quality guys that have it and seem to dismiss it as not that important even though they have it.
It is desirable on a resume though because you had the ability to do it and because a company thought you were important enough to put on a big project/invest in you
Just tell me you're not one of those 6S tools that touts your belt colors in your email signature. Anytime I see that, I just have to roll my eyes.
I think I got yellow or green-belt certified a couple years ago, and I remember nothing about it. For what I do, it's not terribly applicable.
I'm self-employed and previously in manufacturing. If you can get the Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt), I would recommend it. My degree is in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Mississippi State. It is essentially a rehash of this program. One of my employers invested in the Six Sigma Black Belt certification for me. Great resume builder. More than anything, it is just another notch or selling point whether it be future employer or future customer. The Minitab experience is valuable. Go for it.
Edited to add - Practical experience should be a high priority. Employers realize there are lots of book smart (not me) people out there.
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I work in healthcare in our corporate office and we got several people 6S certified (not me, I’m a computer geek and don’t need that kind of thing). Honestly, I don’t think we really use the program as we thought we would but I know my boss would definitely hire someone with a black belt over someone without one, all things being equal. Even though we don’t use the methodology perfectly you can see peices and parts of it everywhere. I think the knowledge is worthwhile and it definitely is a resume builder. It it widely recognized in a lot of different types of industries, not just manufacturing.
You're right....nothing says douche more than an email signature full of worthless titles. I've always said that people who do that are either young and immature, or they are incredibly insecure in their abilities. I don't put anything but my name in my sig.
I haven't worked on a six sigma project in years, but the methodology is so ingrained that it still impacts almost everything I do.
If you want the credential, do it. If you want to improve something, there are better ways.
A funny thing about the place where I work (which will remain anonymous) is that about 90% of the black belt projects shuffle around the work stations in our manufacturing area. If you wait long enough, every work station will rotate through the cycle and end up right back where it is right now after about 4 black belt projects get finished with it. Your belt may be blacker but that doesn't always mean that the grass is greener and something needs to be changed. But, what do I know. I'm just a lowly yellow belt.