A bachelor's degree is generally required to become a quality engineer but the topic area that you specialize in may differ depending on your interests. This is an extremely broad field that has many subcategories therefore you will need to research numerous positions to determine which career suits your goals. Once you have chosen a field, you will want to look for an accredited college that offers a program that correlates with your intended area of expertise. Quality engineering is primarily a business management position but depending on the company, this can be a technology based profession.
After you enroll in an accredited college or university, you will want to meet with a counselor in order to schedule the required coursework to become a quality engineer. Aside from the necessary prerequisites, some of the courses you may need to take include advanced statistical approaches to quality, total quality project management, and quality methodologies in engineering. These courses on the principles of the field will help you familiarize yourself with the industry and begin to apply your knowledge to field work. Internships are excellent field experience opportunities and you should find a company that is offering work in your area of expertise.
Hands-on training and observing other industry professionals will help you to become a quality engineer because experience will be extremely important during the hiring process. You should participate in as many experience opportunities as possible and your professors may be able to guide you in the right direction. Another route that can help you enter this profession is to continue your education and work towards a master's degree in a related field. Although all companies may not require that you have a master's degree, this choice may increase your employment options and pay rate.
There are typically additional requirements to become a quality engineer including being able to remain up to date on industrial trends that pertain to your profession. This is a consumer and manufacturing based career and you will need to pay close attention to any changes due to the evolving nature of production methods. In addition to these qualities, you will need to be able to work well with a team because the manufacturing process take numerous professionals to succeed. Excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, and organization may also be required to become a quality engineer and you will need to display these skills during your experience history.
