The Six Sigma Black Belt program looks at all aspects of a business problem or process and comes up with ways to improve efficiency. Many companies, large and small, have jumped on the Six Sigma wagon and are hiring employees with a Six Sigma Black Belt certification or other experience with Six Sigma.

You can add Six Sigma Black Belt training to your resume for a better job. You need to be proficient in mathematics and computers. Some college level courses in mathematics and statistics are a great start toward Six Sigma Black Belt training.

To begin the process to secure a Six Sigma Black Belt certificate, consider:

1. Do you have what it takes to be a Six Sigma Black Belt--are you good at seeing the big picture and solving problems?
2. The cost--certificate courses can cost from $1,000 upwards to several thousand and take hundreds of hours.
3. The potential benefits--you can save money for your company and reap rewards for yourself.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sell your employer on the idea of having a Six Sigma Black Belt on the payroll

If you already have a job that you think Six Sigma Black Belt training could benefit, talk to your supervisor about your company sponsoring you for the training. Give examples of how Six Sigma has helped other businesses, such as Motorola and General Electric. Lead your manager to specific information about the program and how it works.

I recommend: Have your manager go to iSixSigma for a great overview. Motorola University has excellent online mini-modules for learning about Six Sigma. Be prepared to answer questions about Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC).

Get Six Sigma Black Belt training

Choose online Black Belt Training or in-person courses. You'll need some sort of Six Sigma Black Belt certificate to put with your resume.

I recommend: For an on-site Six Sigma Black Belt course, try Six Sigma Experts or travel to Austin, TX, for training with Smarter Solutions. For certified Six Sigma Black Belt training online, go to Oriel Incorporated. Try Aveta Business Solutions for a low-cost Six Sigma Black Belt online certification.

Land a job as a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt

You can hire on as a consultant with a Black Belt business, or go the traditional route and look for Six Sigma Black Belt jobs within companies. Get your Six Sigma Black Belt certification, make a resume and then begin your job search.

I recommend: Go to Simply Hired and iSixSigma Job Shop for certified Six Sigma Black Belt jobs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In order to be a successful Six Sigma Black Belt, you will initiate change and lead people, who usually are resistant to change.
• •  Most companies require you have experience in their industry, preferably 5 years or more, so look for a job in a field you have already worked in to apply for Six Sigma Black Belt jobs.
• •  Management experience along with a 6 Sigma Black Belt certification goes a long way toward getting you the job you want.
• •  Some Six Sigma Black Belt jobs are listed as 'Functional Excellence Lead' or 'Lead Projects Manager.' Leave no rock unturned in your job search.