We live in a time when professional pathways are the norm rather than the exception. In any profession, there are times when the day-to-day can become mundane. That’s often when you search for new challenges and greater intrinsic rewards. The ideal is to use your current qualifications as a springboard into a new role. Consider migrating your current skill set into the booming global growth sector of total quality management, where your existing qualifications and experience could provide you with the background you need to have a successful career in quality auditing.
What is total quality management?
A management system based on the principle that every employee must be committed to maintaining high standards of work in every aspect of a company’s operations.
What does a quality auditor do?
Much of what you’ll be doing is winning the hearts and minds of every person at every level of an organisation. You’ll be challenged every day because you’ll meet with many people, finding out what they do and how they do it. Seeing each team member become empowered to speak up and contribute to developing processes that lead to zero errors and customer satisfaction will be enormously fulfilling.
You’ll participate in regular, often daily, audits of processes and compliance with ISO. You’ll be involved in process mapping, improvement methodologies and writing complex audit reports.
Quality Auditing is a team process and no two days will ever be the same.
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Qualities you’ll need to succeed in quality auditing
Based on quality auditor job postings, employers are on the lookout for candidates with these core skills:
- Problem-solving
- Negotiation
- Constructive communication
- Eye for detail
- Analytical
- Self-motivation
- Emotional intelligence
- Effective in articulating and fostering change
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships at all levels
Six industries that need quality auditors
1. Accounting
With an increased need for greater transparency in both the banking and finance industries and the Australian Taxation Office, there has been a significant rise in the demand for qualified internal quality auditors specialising in accountanting.
2. Healthcare
Many opportunities are available in the healthcare and aged care sectors with the increase in community scrutiny of the levels of care. Both internal and external auditors are required. Hospitals, medical centres, pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment suppliers are all areas to explore.
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3. Defence
Defence-related industries are required to meet ISO 9000 standards to gain tenders. Defence contracting and aerospace are both growth sectors and multinational companies are expected to employ a large quota of local talent. If you are currently a defence member, you will know that standards, systems and procedures are fundamental to all operations, meaning you are well-placed to move seamlessly into a quality auditor role.
4. Work health and safety
Let’s say you are already skilled at performing audits, writing reports, and modifying environments and procedures. Where else could you go with your career if you were to take these skills into quality auditing? Industries like work health and safety and risk assessment may be fulfilling, allowing you to help shape corporate cultures where every team member matters.
5. Education
Education in Australia is governed by strict standards, particularly higher education. This helps ensure low attrition rates and graduates who are well-prepared for jobs. Robust internal assessments are required, and there is increasing demand for quality auditors in this sector.
6. Project management
Quality auditors with project management qualifications are highly sought. There is a growing call for projects to be subject to:
- Quality assurance – to ensure the project is conforming to the expectations of stakeholders
- Quality testing – to inspect systems, find errors and implement corrections.
Tips for becoming a quality auditor
- Earn an online Diploma in Quality Auditing (BSB50920) from a well-respected provider
- Volunteer in a company audit process as an observer
- Attend company meetings where quality discussions and decisions are key
- Become involved with team processes across all aspects of the company
- Where possible, ask clients and suppliers about their quality processes
Once you have gained enough experience as a quality auditor, you’ll find that applying your skills will allow you to transition to multiple local and global business sectors. Emerging economies report a large quality talent gap and favour recruiting talent from Australia. Consider using your current profession to your advantage and take the logical career path into quality auditing.
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