A Senior Quality Engineer from Raytheon Systems Ltd is our latest learner to achieve the prestigious Professional Certificate in Quality Management. Sarah McCormick who completed the CQI and IRCA course in July, believes she is a more confident and effective auditor. The Certificate, which consists of six courses, is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of leadership and senior management level quality topics. It also shows quality management practitioners how to apply this knowledge in their organisation and industry.
We asked Sarah to share with us, why she choose to study the accredited CQI and IRCA Professional Certificate in Quality Management, how the courses have helped her in her role, and how her newly acquired knowledge will be of value to her team.
I WANTED TO REFRESH MY KNOWLEDGE AND USE IT IN MY ROLE
As a senior Quality Assurance Engineer on software based programmes, Sarah’s role includes; attending change and product review meetings, assessing programme and product documentation and auditing processes against ISO, MoD and Company requirements.
“I decided to enrol on the Professional Certificate in Quality Management course so that I could refresh my knowledge and bring that information into my daily role.
“I get to meet people from all areas and levels of the company. I learn about what they do and how it all fits together as one big system.
“I am constantly learning new things about the way we work and giving advice about we can ensure we build quality into those processes and ultimately the product.”
I TAKE GREAT SATISIFACTION IN IMPROVING PROCESSES AND MAKING LIFE EASIER FOR OTHERS
Working with the programmes teams on the ground, allows Sarah to identify when they are facing challenges and provide relevant advice and support.
“I take great satisfaction helping the programme teams improve their processes and systems to make their jobs easier. I’m a big believer in explaining the why in what we ask – as it drives understanding and hence compliance.
“Keeping my knowledge up to date is imperative so that I can pass it on.”
I ENJOYED LEARNING NEW TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES WHICH I CAN USE ON A DAILY BASIS
Sarah particularly enjoyed studying the Leading Business Process Excellence (PR304) course.
“I enjoyed learning about systems thinking and how the tools and techniques available to us can be used to bring information together so that we can analyse and utilise it in the most effective way.
“I also enjoyed trying to see where I could use these in my everyday role.”
I AM NOW A MORE CONFIDENT AUDITOR
Studying the Professional Certificate in Quality Management has provided Sarah with many new tools and techniques to enable her to perform more effectively and confidently in her role.
“I am now a more confident auditor, and I can facilitate improvement projects with more effectiveness. It has given me the knowledge and confidence to speak up and ask the right questions – at the right time.
“Although I found courses quite intensive, I am incredibly glad I took it on. The knowledge and confidence the course has provided are invaluable in my role – and going forward in my career.”
STUDYING VIA DISTANCE LEARNING ALLOWED ME TO STUDY AT MY OWN PACE
Sarah believes studying via distance learning was much more convenient than traditional learning methods.
“Distance learning gave me the option to manage my studies at a pace that was suitable for me. This enabled me to spend longer on subjects I was not as familiar with, in order to gain a deeper level of understanding.
“The flexibility to be able to manage my own timings, around my work and personal life was much more convenient than traditional learning methods.
“Although, finding the time to do the studying was hard as I rarely had time in my working week to work on the course, I found that this was counteracted by the time I saved with what I had learnt so definitely well worth it.”
SARAH’S ADVICE TO OTHERS
We asked Sarah what advice she’d give to others considering studying CQI and IRCA quality management courses.
“My advice to others, would be; liaise with your tutor regarding timings if you need extra time and keep them informed.
“Plan out how much time you need to spend roughly each week and allow for busier times when you will have less time to spend on studying.
“Ask for help or examples from your work colleagues – to aid in understanding, where needed.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CQI AND IRCA QUALITY MANAGEMENT COURSES
For over 13 years rove has supported quality management professionals develop and progress in their careers. Since 2016, its experienced, knowledgeable and friendly team has supported over 500 learners, from over 345 companies – who have completed more than 1000 quality management courses. It is also very proud of its 100% pass rate. You can find out about the CQI and IRCA Foundation, Practitioner and Professional quality management courses here.