Quality Control Technicians

Quality control technicians work with scientific instruments; therefore, you should take academic or industrial arts courses that introduce you to different kinds of scientific or technical equipment. You should also take electrical and machine shop courses, mechanical drawing courses, and chemistry courses with lab sections. Joining a radio, computer, or science club is also a good way to gain experience and to engage in team-building and problem-solving activities. Active participation in clubs is a good way to learn skills that will benefit you when working with other professionals in manufacturing and industrial settings.

Join the Technology Student Association (TSA), which provides students a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enter academic competitions, and participate in summer exploration programs. TSA administers a competition that allows high school students to use their technology skills. The Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (https://tsaweb.org/teams) is an engineering problem competition.

Keep in mind that quality control activities and quality control professionals are often directly involved with manufacturing processes. If it is at all possible, get a part-time or summer job in a manufacturing setting, even if you are not specifically in the quality control area. The work may entail doing menial tasks, but it will give you firsthand experience in the environment and demonstrate the depth of your interest to future employers.