Having experience in quality control provides one with first-hand experience and knowledge surrounding ISO and GMP standards in a manufacturing setting. In a regulatory affairs role, this prior experience provides one with a different, more in-depth understanding of the product development process, which can be useful when fulfilling regulatory tasks, such as submitting substantial, detailed documentation to be granted approval throughout all processes. Personally, I see a career in quality control as more desirable, as most day-to-day tasks are hands-on and less documentation oriented, as regulatory is. Both career paths are secure choices and are in demand. Both quality and regulatory compliance are similar in that they are centered around adhering to guidelines to ensure product quality and the safety of the customer.
Having Quality Control experience can significantly enhance an individual’s marketability for a career in Regulatory Affairs because they both require similar sets of skill. To start, quality control professionals are required to ensure that the product meets quality standards and customer expectations, which directly links to the regulations that regulatory affair professionals monitor. This advanced insight into maintaining compliance with standards tremendously benefits in regulatory affairs when they are tasked with navigating complex regulations. Furthermore, having quality control experience also allows individuals to gain hands-on experience with the manufacturing process of a product. Being able to gain a deep understanding of a product's design, production processes, and testing methods is critical in regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with guidelines set by bodies like the FDA, CE, or ISO.
As for desirability between the two careers, it truly depends on an individuals interests. Quality control professionals are often seen working on the technical side of things, ensuring that the product is consistent with the quality standards that have been set. For instance, a quality control professional in a food sector would be in charge of monitoring ingredient standards, verifying supplier lists, and making sure the manufacturing facility is hygienic. On the other hand, regulatory affairs professionals focus on navigating regulations and submitting compliance documents. In my opinion both fields offer potential growth, but I would most likely lean more towards regulatory affairs due to the wider range of applications it applies to.
