Chris Schrumpf @dbqchris  Reputation - 29 Rank - Aluminum | When I lost my job as a production supervisor in 2010 due to a plant closure, I took the Advanced Master Black Belt program from Villanova because I am passionate about the concept of Lean Six Sigma. Now I am done with the program. How does one land a six sigma job or apprenticeship? Is there any mentor programs out there? Every Six Sigma job requires experience. I would just like to get a few projects under my belt. Any Suggestions out there?? |
Mike Carnell @Mike-Carnell Reputation - 2401 Rank - Silver | Does this mean you are BB with experience? |
Chris Schrumpf @dbqchris  Reputation - 29 Rank - Aluminum | I have not had an official six sigma project yet other than the two completed through the Villanova programs. I have championed 4 different lean practical process improvement projects with my former employer which is what influenced me to learn six sigma. I am just looking for a path to gain entry to some real life projects. |
MBBinWI @MBBinWI Reputation - 1829 Rank - Silver | @dbqchris – Chris: Check out the non-profit organizations in your local community (and if I understand your alias, that would be Dubuque). Non-profits are always open to donated assistance, and if you can help them be more efficient, then it’s an even more powerful donation. Good luck. |
Chris Schrumpf @dbqchris  Reputation - 29 Rank - Aluminum | Thanks for the suggestion, I really appreciate it! |
Ravi Prakash B @brprakash Reputation - 65 Rank - Aluminum | In addition to the Non Profit Organizations, look for your contacts who own small enterprises/businesses. I am sure you will get some opportunities. These may not earn you money. I had a friend who tried this way and got some success. Even if your friends do not own business, they may be helping you with reference. |
Steve Clapp @clapper1 Reputation - 733 Rank - Copper | Chris, you have lots of company. I’d been laid off and was looking to reinvent myself as a quality improvement practitioner. I joined the local Chamber of Commerce, networked like crazy, and landed a few pro bono projects to get experience under my (new) belt. Finally, I did get a paid gig from a Chamber member. The key is to get yourself physically out there and meet people, with the objective of looking for ways you can help them (as opposed to “what can they do for me?”). Hitting the pavement is daunting and can be depressing at times, but there’s still nothing like a face-to-face meeting and a handshake to open doors. A bit of unsolicited advice: be careful about calling yourself a Master Black Belt. You took a course and completed some simulated projects, but business leaders – especially those who have been exposed to Six Sigma – are more interested in real success stories than certificates. Veteran MBB’s have lots of projects, mentoring, strategy, and deployment experience (and scars and war stories) that prove they have “been there, done that.” Good luck and let us know how you fare. |
Chris Schrumpf @dbqchris Reputation - 29 Rank - Aluminum | Thanks so much for the great advice, Guys and I will keep you guys posted. You all have a great day! |
February 17, 2012Comments Off
