How Do I Become a Quality Analyst?

Many areas of work incorporate the title of quality analyst. This title covers job descriptions of people who analyze products and check data in areas such as pharmaceuticals and computers. To become a quality analyst, a person typically has to have some college education in the particular field of study.

A college-level qualification in the field of interest is generally the minimum educational qualification for a quality analyst job. Some jobs only require you to have a certificate, but to become a quality analyst, you most likely need at least a bachelor's degree. Occasionally, in fields such as scientific data analysis, years of related experience is acceptable instead of a formal qualification. Otherwise, an educational qualification is necessary, for example, a microbiology quality analyst role typically requires you to have a bachelor's degree in microbiology, and a computer quality analyst role requires a degree in a field of information technology that is relevant to the job.

Depending on the country you live in, you may have to spend about four years in college in order to earn a bachelor's degree. You will need to have gained high enough grades in high school to get into your chosen degree program. A degree from a good school will also make it easier for you to get a job and become a quality analyst. If you have experience working in a temporary quality role, such as during the summer vacation, you may have an advantage over other interviewees. Some roles are only open to applicants with advanced degrees, such as a master's degree, which takes at least an extra year to earn.

Some roles are open to recent graduates of college programs, but some require you to have some experience in the field. Often, some time spent working in a less well-paid job, but which gives you lots of experience, can benefit you when you go for an interview, especially if you have worked with similar operating systems or equipment to the new role. An up-to-date knowledge of the workings of the field is also useful during interviews. Good references can also help you to secure a good job and become a quality analyst.

Paperwork and attention to detail are integral to a quality analyst role. Your job is basically to ensure that the system, whether it is a computer system or a production system, works correctly. Problem spotting and problem solving are also typical parts of a quality analyst's job.