Quality control officer

As a quality control officer, you could:

• inspect and test products and production processes
•  check that required standards and regulations are being met
•  identify gaps in quality control
•  record and report findings to managers
•  design, review and update quality control policies
•  assess the effectiveness of changes to processes or production
•  use quality assurance equipment and software to analyse and improve standards

• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

With experience and training you could become a quality manager, freelance consultant or move into research jobs.

Other options include careers in health and safety, project management and business analysis.