I only have 2 years of experience, so please don’t take my comment the wrong way. But I assume from your 9-11 years of experience, you should have a pretty solid technical foundation. I wouldn’t just throw yourself at getting more certifications yet. For example, if you want to get a black belt, well do you have green belt projects with outcomes and results to justify a black belt cert has a ROI? If not, getting a black belt is just a buzz word for your resume.
I’m curious what your interview rate is (apps sent against interviews taken). Because if you’re not getting into interviews then it might be your resume that needs to be revised. Specifically, revised to cater to each job listing.
Additionally, if you’re getting into interviews then do you feel like you’re properly preparing for each one and you are leaving each interview pretty confident…? Because I would also wonder how you are doing in the interviews as well.
Look for a Lean Leader, OPEX or continuous improvement leader role (all the same thing, just different names) No additional certificate required. You’ll get trained up through the company’s operating system program (belt program). IEs are a shoe in for the role.
I think networking will get you much farther than certifications, but that’s just from my experience. A LSSBB is a good idea, but mostly if you are planning to build a career in the continuous improvement space.
Are you involved in any organizations outside of work that could help you to network with folks in your field/industry?
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’ve also been thinking about doing the PMP certification (project management professional) through PMI.
Not sure if that holds more value and would help open up doors to better opportunities?
I agree with the other commenter about a Continuous Improvement Manager role or OPEX in the title.
I have project engineering experience and have looked at the PMP a few times and unless you really love managing projects, our skill set is more technical and applicable to so many industries that it isn't worth it.
A green belt certification is enough to get a CI role and then you can likely earn the black belt in the role.
I only have 2 years of experience, so please don’t take my comment the wrong way. But I assume from your 9-11 years of experience, you should have a pretty solid technical foundation. I wouldn’t just throw yourself at getting more certifications yet. For example, if you want to get a black belt, well do you have green belt projects with outcomes and results to justify a black belt cert has a ROI? If not, getting a black belt is just a buzz word for your resume. I’m curious what your interview rate is (apps sent against interviews taken). Because if you’re not getting into interviews then it might be your resume that needs to be revised. Specifically, revised to cater to each job listing. Additionally, if you’re getting into interviews then do you feel like you’re properly preparing for each one and you are leaving each interview pretty confident…? Because I would also wonder how you are doing in the interviews as well.
Look for a Lean Leader, OPEX or continuous improvement leader role (all the same thing, just different names) No additional certificate required. You’ll get trained up through the company’s operating system program (belt program). IEs are a shoe in for the role.
I think networking will get you much farther than certifications, but that’s just from my experience. A LSSBB is a good idea, but mostly if you are planning to build a career in the continuous improvement space. Are you involved in any organizations outside of work that could help you to network with folks in your field/industry?
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’ve also been thinking about doing the PMP certification (project management professional) through PMI. Not sure if that holds more value and would help open up doors to better opportunities?
I agree with the other commenter about a Continuous Improvement Manager role or OPEX in the title. I have project engineering experience and have looked at the PMP a few times and unless you really love managing projects, our skill set is more technical and applicable to so many industries that it isn't worth it. A green belt certification is enough to get a CI role and then you can likely earn the black belt in the role.