What are the most effective ways to use your Lean Six Sigma certification to advance your career?

2 Update your resume

Your resume is your first impression to potential employers, so you need to make sure it showcases your Lean Six Sigma certification and the benefits it brings. Highlight your achievements and projects that demonstrate your ability to apply Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques to solve problems, improve processes, and deliver value. Use quantifiable metrics and results to show the impact of your work. Include relevant keywords and phrases that match the job description and the industry standards. Also, mention any additional skills or qualifications that complement your Lean Six Sigma certification, such as project management, communication, or leadership.

3 Network with peers

Networking is a powerful way to expand your professional connections and discover new opportunities. You can network with other Lean Six Sigma practitioners and experts through online platforms, such as LinkedIn, forums, blogs, or podcasts. You can also join local or national associations, groups, or events that focus on Lean Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing. Networking can help you learn from others' experiences, gain insights into the latest trends and best practices, and find mentors or sponsors who can support your career growth. Networking can also help you showcase your skills and knowledge, and build your reputation as a Lean Six Sigma professional.

4 Seek feedback and improvement

One of the core principles of Lean Six Sigma is continuous improvement, which means you should always seek feedback and look for ways to enhance your performance and skills. You can ask for feedback from your managers, colleagues, customers, or mentors on your strengths and areas of improvement. You can also use self-assessment tools or surveys to evaluate your own progress and gaps. Based on the feedback, you can set specific and measurable goals for your improvement, and identify the resources and actions you need to achieve them. You can also look for opportunities to learn new skills or update your knowledge, such as online courses, webinars, books, or podcasts.

5 Showcase your value

The ultimate way to use your Lean Six Sigma certification to advance your career is to showcase your value to your current or potential employers. You can do this by delivering high-quality results, exceeding expectations, and adding value to your organization or customers. You can also do this by sharing your insights, ideas, or suggestions on how to improve processes, reduce costs, increase efficiency, or enhance customer satisfaction. You can also do this by volunteering for new projects, challenges, or initiatives that require your Lean Six Sigma skills and knowledge. By showcasing your value, you can demonstrate your competence, confidence, and commitment, and increase your chances of getting recognized, rewarded, or promoted.