Standards Developer

Many students and learners have expressed interest in the Standards Developer role and this guide will help you better understand the Standards Developer role, how to get started, and what skills and background knowledge can help you succeed in this field.

What is a Standards Developer?

A Standards Developer creates, maintains, and reviews technical standards or guidelines that ensure the quality, interoperability, and safety of products, services, or processes. They work with experts in various fields to develop and improve standards that meet specific needs and requirements.

How to Become a Standards Developer

There are several paths to becoming a Standards Developer. Some common ways include:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field is often the minimum educational requirement.
• Experience: Relevant work experience in technical fields, such as software development, testing, or quality assurance, can provide valuable knowledge and skills.
• Certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Skills and Knowledge

To succeed as a Standards Developer, you should have:

• Technical Expertise: A deep understanding of relevant technologies, standards, and best practices in your field of specialization.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex technical information to a diverse audience.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in your work, with a keen eye for accuracy and consistency.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Able to identify and resolve technical issues and develop effective solutions.
• Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Career Growth

With experience and additional certifications, Standards Developers can advance to leadership roles, such as:

• Lead Standards Developer: Responsible for managing a team of Standards Developers and overseeing the development and implementation of standards.
• Standards Manager: Responsible for the overall management of an organization's standards program, including strategic planning and compliance.
• Chief Standards Officer: The highest-level position in an organization's standards function, responsible for setting the strategic direction and ensuring the organization's adherence to standards.

Transferable Skills

The skills developed as a Standards Developer are highly transferable to other careers, such as:

• Quality Assurance Analyst: Ensuring the quality and compliance of products or services
• Technical Writer: Creating technical documentation and manuals
• Project Manager: Managing projects and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations
• Consultant: Providing expert advice on standards and best practices
• Compliance Officer: Ensuring an organization's adherence to laws, regulations, and standards

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

As a Standards Developer, your daily tasks may include:

• Conducting research on existing standards and technologies
• Developing and drafting new standards or updating existing ones
• Testing and validating standards to ensure their effectiveness
• Collaborating with industry experts and stakeholders to gather feedback and input
• Participating in standards committees and working groups
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of standards
• Providing training and support on standards implementation

Challenges

As a Standards Developer, you may face some unique challenges:

• Complexity of Standards: Standards are often complex and require a deep understanding of the relevant technology.
• Stakeholder Management: Working with various stakeholders with different interests and perspectives can be challenging.
• Balancing Innovation with Compatibility: Standards must balance innovation with the need for backward compatibility and interoperability.
• Evolving Technologies: Standards must keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies.
• Global Considerations: Standards must consider global perspectives and requirements.

Projects

As a Standards Developer, you may be involved in projects such as:

• Developing new standards for emerging technologies
• Updating existing standards to reflect industry best practices
• Creating guidelines for the implementation and testing of standards
• Conducting research on the impact of standards
• Providing training and support on standards

Personal Growth

As a Standards Developer, you can experience significant personal growth through:

• Technical Expertise: Continuously expand your technical knowledge and skills in your field of specialization.
• Leadership Skills: Develop leadership skills through managing projects and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Improve your communication skills by effectively conveying complex technical information.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Enhance your problem-solving abilities by addressing technical challenges and developing innovative solutions.
• Global Perspective: Gain a global perspective on standards and best practices.

Personality Traits and Interests

Successful Standards Developers typically possess:

• Analytical Mindset: A strong analytical mindset to understand complex technical concepts
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in their work
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively with others
• Passion for Quality: Driven by a desire to create and improve standards

Self-Guided Projects

To prepare for a career as a Standards Developer, you can undertake self-guided projects such as:

• Develop a new standard: Identify an area in your field where a standard is lacking and develop a proposal for a new one.
• Critique an existing standard: Analyze an existing standard and identify areas for improvement, outlining your suggestions in a well-structured document.
• Conduct a research project: Research a specific aspect of standards development and present your findings in a report or article.
• Participate in a standards committee: Join a relevant standards committee and actively participate in the development of standards
• Create a training module: Develop a training module on a specific standard or best practice

Online Courses

Online courses can provide a valuable way to learn the skills and knowledge required for a career as a Standards Developer. These courses cover topics such as:

• Standardisation & Technology: Overview of standardization principles, processes, and technologies, including those specific to your field of interest
• Quality Assurance: Best practices for ensuring the quality of products and services
• Technical Writing: Techniques for effectively communicating technical information
• Project Management: Principles and practices of project management, including Agile methodologies
• Communication Skills: Strategies for effective written and verbal communication

Through lectures, assignments, quizzes, and discussions, online courses can help you develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in this field. However, it's important to note that online courses alone may not be sufficient for entering this career. They can serve as a valuable complement to other learning methods, such as higher education, industry certifications, and hands-on experience.