How do you become a document controller?

1 Get the right education

Although there is no specific degree required to become a document controller, having a relevant background in fields such as information management, business administration, or technical writing can be helpful. Some employers may also prefer candidates who have a certification or diploma in document control or related areas. You can find online or in-person courses that teach you the skills and knowledge needed to handle documents effectively, such as document management systems, quality standards, document lifecycle, or document security.

2 Gain some experience

One of the best ways to learn how to become a document controller is to gain some hands-on experience in a document-intensive environment. You can look for internships, entry-level positions, or volunteer opportunities that involve working with documents, such as data entry, administrative assistant, or records clerk. You can also use these opportunities to network with other document controllers and learn from their best practices and challenges. Additionally, you can showcase your document control skills by creating a portfolio of your work samples, such as reports, manuals, or procedures.

3 Develop your soft skills

Besides having technical skills and knowledge, document controllers also need to have strong soft skills to perform their role effectively. Some of the most important soft skills for document controllers are communication, attention to detail, organization, and teamwork. Communication skills are essential for document controllers because they have to interact with various stakeholders, such as clients, managers, or engineers, and ensure that the documents meet their needs and expectations. Attention to detail skills are crucial for document controllers because they have to check the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the documents and avoid any errors or discrepancies. Organization skills are vital for document controllers because they have to manage multiple documents and keep track of their status, location, and version. Teamwork skills are important for document controllers because they have to collaborate with other document controllers and document users and share information and feedback.

5 Stay updated

Finally, to become a successful document controller, you need to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in your industry and your field. You can follow industry news, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters to learn about the latest technologies, standards, regulations, or best practices that affect document control. You can also join professional associations, online communities, or forums to network with other document controllers, exchange ideas, ask questions, or seek advice. You can also attend webinars, workshops, or conferences to update your skills and knowledge and earn continuing education credits or certifications.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?