Health and Safety Career Choices - Degree, Certifications, or Both? | By Ally Safety

[@AllySafety]

Hey everyone, thanks for those who responded to the poll asking for what you'd like to see for upcoming videos! This one is designed to help those in health and safety careers to make decisions about what is the next best step in their career. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[@AnthonyMartinez-mb6uc]

Its 4yrs experience for the CSP not 5. I did my Bachelors in Environmental Science, 1st year out everyone wanted experience, nobody wanted to give experience. So I became a supervisor for WM initially, then became a consultant for a waste-water firm, before finally become an Environmental Specialist for a public school. Today I am also doing the leg work for the ASP/CSP, I have over 5yrs experience.

[@AllySafety]

True. I checked this morning and it is 4 years, my bad.

[@lolalunchbox9295]

This was really helpful! I think I'll go for certifications but when you consider traveling for a prep course and the cost to apply and take the test, they're a big investment.

[@voceaprendeingles]

Hi Rachel, I'm Alexsandro from Brazil and here I work as Safety technician for almost 10 years... It's so interesting find a channel like your's.. It's good get more knowledge about our job in another country!

[@AllySafety]

Hi Alexandro, nice to connect over KZbin!

[@KwenaMadimabe]

Am a firefighter a shift leader and currently studying OHS

[@SafetySpiel]

Loved the video! To help add to it, the BCSP will waive the Bachelors requirement if you have the NEBOSH International Dip for H&S.

[@AllySafety]

I didn’t know that! Good info!

[@rabbi6225]

I have plenty of certs and an unrelated bachelors. Working on my OHS bachelors, because it’s paid for and it’s about another $35k annually.

[@jasonusaf6326]

I have 10 years in safety, and my CSP. My bachelor’s degree is in human resource management, and I chose that degree because I wanted to be more flexible and safety is a function of HR. But I want to go back to school for my M.S. in Occupational Safety Management. Should I? Would it actually help?

[@enari09]

Starts getting to the point around @2:00

[@WaseemAkram-fr5rb]

Spectacular work. Thanks alot. But, Still waiting for your video about CSP preparation.

[@AllySafety]

Good reminder! I have this on the list and even have a potential guest lined up!

[@WaseemAkram-fr5rb]

@@AllySafety thanks. It would be a great help.

[@JamesLamont-ko9gs]

Very helpful information. Thank you very much.

[@noblecollins9549]

I am 25 and I am starting my associate degree in September. A long way to go😅. Wish me luck

[@AllySafety]

Congratulations and good luck!

[@Glenn_c91]

This was really helpful! Thank you

[@AyeshaSohail-dv3wy]

I jave done bachelor in medicine and bachelor in surgery. Can i do masters in occupational safety and health ?

[@AllySafety]

Absolutely!

[@cvgllgvc]

Hi Rachel! I’m trying to get a CSP cert due to working in a university lab for almost 4 years. I would like to pursue the occupational and environmental hygiene program that Hopkins offers but I think certifications under my belt first will help with everything I’ve found researching. I read that would need a BCSP cert first and am trying to see if I qualify to even take the CIH exam after doing some course work. I have a bachelors in biochemistry and work for a chemistry lab now but I don’t see any route or know of anyone who transitioned from academic labs into industry. Watching this video I think these are the right steps since the CIH cert is more widely recognized.

[@DaddyPants]

I've been searching for a school that offers a degree in environmental health and safety. There arent really many options around me surprisingly so I've been looking at online only programs. In the meantime I've been knocking out some training most employers want me to have in my area. Fire prevention training, osha outreach training, are the main things for some reason employers around here want you to have. Clearly I'm very fortunate to live in an area that has a lot of entree level opportunities, however I would like to get a degree as soon as possible and get certified.

[@AllySafety]

Nice! Yes, it’s not the most common degree so sometimes it can be a tough one to find locally! There are several online programs in the US as well that may be worth considering. Maybe an alternative route could be to spend a month or so studying for a certification through the BCSP, then go on the job search and see if you can find a good position where they help to pay for an online degree. Just an idea.

[@karensilva8666]

What state are you?

[@jonjohanson2839]

After getting my degree in OSH and getting the ASP, CIT, and CSP, I considered getting an MBA or a Masters in Safety. I chose the MBA because I also have a degree in business. I felt that the certs I have in Safety carry some weight…and I needed to return my focus to business. At this point, I hope the alphabet soup I have will help me break into the Loss/Risk Control Consulting field with an insurance company.

[@AllySafety]

Thanks for weighing in! I like the combination of safety certs and an MBA and almost went the same route!

[@inamullah7905]

Thank you so much Ally 😊 You made my day I have also read through Your LinkedIn post as well. As it's been two years now You made that video and post what are your findings right now? I am a graduate in medical Sciences and waiting for my NEBOSH IGC result after that I am planning to become CSP. Should I put Master degree in my career growth?

[@AllySafety]

Aw, that makes my day! I think the choice still depends on your long-term goals. If your goal is to increase your income, certifications can often help you faster. If your goal is a certain role, see if most people in that role have a masters or if job posts are requesting those with master's degrees.

[@CarlitoSteel]

Hello, I would like to ask about some doubts that I have, for the certifications that you showed, a minimum of 1 year of experience is needed, in my case I do not have any experience in the labor field, how could I start from scratch with a certification that you recommend? I am an electronic engineer and at this moment I am studying a master's degree in occupational safety and health, I thank you and good video.

[@AllySafety]

I’d check out the BCSP website. I think they have the GSP for Graduate Safety Practitioner that would be a great fit for you.

[@vanessaaguilera4579]

Hi ally, I’ve done quality assurance for 2 years for a slaughter house & safety coordinator for an ag company for 2 years also. About to start my associates at southern university of Columbia & hope to earn my bachelors in environmental health and safety. My goal is to be a food safety auditor, would this experience help even if it won’t be current when I apply?

[@AllySafety]

Yes! Experience can speak volumes on a resume. I had experience operating heavy machinery and doing a lot of manual labor before going into safety and it helped me start out and the experience has continued to be helpful. QA and safety can have some overlapping skills as well so you'll probably find it to be a useful background.

[@karensilva8666]

Hello Rachael I’m just having a hard time I would like to start my career in safety and I don’t know how to start, here some of my background I have a bachelor degree in Environmental engineering in Mexico and 4 years experience as a safety, health and environmental technician in Mexico as well I came to USA 6 years ago and I feel like is time to me to do what I like to do that is Safety so what advice could you give me to start again here my career and thank you !

[@AllySafety]

Sounds like you have a great background to start! I’m guessing you are also bi-lingual? That’s a great advantage in job hunting in many areas of the US! I think you could probably start your search and begin applying. If you want to set yourself apart, make sure to emphasize your experience, language capabilities, and look into getting a certification from the BCSP.

[@ashleysherertz615]

I would like to get my CIH, but not sure if it's worth it?

[@AllySafety]

I think it really depends on your career goals. If you want to focus on IH work, become a consultant or contractor, or lead other IH's, it's great to have. I'm actually so proud to have a CIH because it took so much work to achieve and I feel like it gives me a lot of credibility when I do work in the IH field. That being said, it's a ton of work so only do it if you want to specialize in IH.

[@trekster9269]

"Why don't we have both?" -Old El Paso girl

[@AllySafety]

Most people eventually go for both but you usually have to start by prioritizing one over another.

[@abdalmohsenabdalrahman5812]

Hey, are NEBOSH & IOSH recognised in the US?

[@AllySafety]

In my experience, not by most employers. I’d recommend checking job postings for roles you’d be interested in though and seeing if those roles are required to have the certification.

[@gelvismartinez5228]

Hey, Ally my name is Gelvis martinez, I am construction superintendent looking to be better as a professional in the construction industry, I got the CHST and osha 30. I am looking to transfer for safety engineer. With certification do you recommend?

[@AllySafety]

Sounds like you've got a really good start. You could also look into the ASP (Associate Safety Professional). That will have a lot of information on the exam about safety management so it can be really helpful.

[@randysmith9311]

thanks for the video! I'm 34 yrs old and just enrolled in the BS Occupational Health and Safety degree program. I'm pro-safety, regulations, and compliance and my goal is to become a Safety Director/Manager, Compliance Officer or etc and make more money. I'm currently at a dead-end job, 15 years of Public Safety experience in Logistics with the local government. What do you recommend my next steps should be? Should I intern while working full-time and taking classes online or should I work on a cert while enrolled in college?

[@AllySafety]

Hey Randy, thanks for the background and congrats on enrolling! It sounds like your job experience will help support your future job searches, so getting a certification could help to give you more credibility in the meantime and build your resume. Just my two cents!

[@fiddlefolk]

I am currently a commercial construction field superintendent with a background as a retired firefighter/paramedic with 20 yrs experience. I have the Hazwoper 40 certification along with field experience with a hazmat company. I am about to take my OSHA 30 course and have thought of getting my Instructor 1. I am 54 yrs old and was wanting to know with my background, should I pursue the health and safety side or stay with the construction side? Was curious what positions could be available for someone like me and the pay structure. Thanks!

[@AllySafety]

Hey, sounds like you have a great background for safety! It would probably be best to look for a position where you report to a safety manager in a larger organization so you can learn from the manager and others on the team to make the transition easier. For salary information, I'd check out the BCSP Salary and on the Job Title section, enter 'professional' and enter your area and certifications. That should give you a really good starting point.

[@muzaffarali3889]

Hi ! I got my Bachelors Mechanical Engg in 2015 and i dont have any experience in HSE. Now i want to take this as a career path. Do u think taking a NEBOSH IGC can help me in getting into this career path with 8 years of time lapse ?

[@AllySafety]

I think it would but with your degree, letting employers know that’s your interest may be enough as well.

[@MrMcastro822000]

I have my OSHA 510 for the construction industryand I'll been active for the last 6 yast 6 years, should i get CSP?

[@AllySafety]

I would! The CSP really helps to add that level of professional recognition.

[@abhishekvinod1595]

Hai , I have completed my B-tech In Mechanical engineering can I jump into safety field

[@AllySafety]

I'm no familiar with the B-tech but typically an engineering background can be helpful in making a lateral move to safety.

[@sharooqueraza]

I have a bachelor’s degree in fire & safety engineering and currently I have been working as Regional EHS engineer for JSW Energy since 2020 . What certification will be beneficial for me being in India currently? I have been thinking about getting ASP certification .

[@AllySafety]

I think it depends on where you want to work. The ASP is great for the US and is recognized in other parts of the world as well but from what I've seen, NEBOSH certificates are more widely recognized outside the US.

[@TheBl4ckPe4rl]

Hello!! I have a bachelor degree in Economics and I am currently working as an accountant. I am thinking a turn in my career and I was looking on a certification on Health and safety. I haven't relevant experience. Is this enough to help me get started working?

[@AllySafety]

I think it would be helpful to check out getting a certification from the BCSP to start out your search. This will give you more of a comfort with the material and show you have a real interest in getting into safety. It would definitely be the easiest way to boost your resume!

[@TheBl4ckPe4rl]

@@AllySafetyThank you for the advice!!! I will check it!

[@tendupadala5090]

Thanks for making videos for us and i have 5 years experience in safety officer in india. I have csp certificate also how much salary i get in canada pls reply

[@AllySafety]

I don’t know for Canada but try searching Canadian safety professionals’ organizations.

[@dalen2995]

🍀 ρ尺ｏΜ𝐎ᔕᗰ

[@NeroAngelo27]

Hi Rachel I love your Channel. I am a environmental health and safety Instructor and I use your videos for my training and we love how you make it simple to understand for our students. I began my Safety experience just like Terry from Safety Speil and what really helped me a lot was my qualifications and field experience I believe my best option was having that credibility from my friends and students and commitment I had in safety thanks for the awesome videos Take Care! We see you here in California😊

[@AllySafety]

Hey Angel! Thanks so much! I appreciate it and it’s great to hear from you!

[@jasonusaf6326]

I have 10 years in safety, and my CSP. My bachelor’s degree is in human resource management, and I chose that degree because I wanted to be more flexible and safety is a function of HR. But I want to go back to school for my M.S. in Occupational Safety Management. Should I? Would it actually help?

[@AllySafety]

There are definitely benefits to a master’s but it depends on your overall goals. When I looked into it, salary was better with a CSP than a master’s but that was in 2015. I think it depends on your overall career goals.

[@shakilmomin2454]

ITCILO - Master in Occupational Safety and heath ecampus program certification is eligible to do CSP

[@TheBlueExiles]

I am currently Specialist in Safety and Health. Would like to eventually get my CSHO.

[@asdasd-rn9bg]

A big late to the video but may I ask how likely will this field be replaced by AI or robots? I am considering a career change but am worried about this, thank you!

[@AllySafety]

It’s not something I worry about at this point. It’s a very dynamic role that takes people skills, technical skills, and many others. You really have to be able to evaluate each situation differently and AI just isn’t close yet.

[@macky5636]

Hello! I’m just starting to get into school in the US. (I have a degree in another field but I was invited to take a course in being a Health and Safety Specialist and the courses are by OSHA in UCSD) so I still have a few questions, but don’t really know where to ask so I suppose I can ask them here: Can you get a job directly after getting a certification rather than a degree? Will job offers accept certificates/certifications?

[@AllySafety]

Hey! I got my first Safety job before having a degree and I know many great safety professionals who are in management in large companies without degrees in safety. A degree helps to pave the way but I wouldn’t be shy about applying for safety jobs without one.

[@angelinabonola9453]

Im currently working as a sterile processing technician with only I only have an associates degree and trade school certifications. i want to get into Cal/Osha but not sure what route is best. Im looking intothe general route and also construction route because I would mind helping safety in the refineries. I would like to just take certifications because it would say alot of time and money but not sure if a future employer would just mind just certifications or want a bachelor's or master's degree or would I be missing out on jobs. Some guidance would be great. Thank you:)

[@AllySafety]

Hey, sounds like a great path! I mostly know OSHA inspectors from Oregon and Washington since that’s where I’ve worked the most but many of them do not have degrees. Some have a lot of field experience and others don’t. CalOSHA may be different but I’d definitely encourage you to check their job postings to get a sense of what they’re looking for and go for that. I’d say go for a certification and network along the way. OSHA does a great job of training their officers so you’ll learn a lot!

[@angelinabonola9453]

Great thank you so much for your time! I appreciate your help!

[@ericcarson342]

Great point on those trade-offs of career, money, opportunities and balancing home life.

[@samciji6206]

Hi Ally, Thank you so much for such helpful information. I am still in some kind of confusion and maybe you can help me out. I have a bachelors degree in Mathematics and computer science. I felt my career is not going well in tech and decided to switch to safety. I have already completed the NEBOSH International Certificate in Health and Safety exam and waiting for results. I am from Kenya and most jobs require 3+ years and above in safety. I have no experience in safety. How do I structure my CV to land the 1st role in safety? Will my bachelors be helpful in safety career?

[@AllySafety]

Hi, this is an interesting one! Your previous experience is really valuable to larger companies looking to analyze safety data like accidents, key performance indicators, etc., and could potentially partner well with risk management. Additionally, there aren’t many safety pros who understand computer science. Have you considered looking at safety apps or safety management software companies? Lastly, you mention your career in tech, was that in manufacturing? If so, you could potentially emphasize this on your resume. Overall, when companies are hiring they put out a wishlist of qualifications and they rarely find a candidate who has them all so don’t be afraid to apply if you don’t meet every single one. You have a unique skill set and you should be able to leverage your previous degree and your NEBOSH certificate. Good luck!

[@harshadusman]

I am a csp holder and currently I am planning to do an MSc in occupational health and safety via distance learning. so could you suggest one that really worth the money and time.

[@AllySafety]

Oh cool! I’ll be honest, I’m not as familiar with the distance master’s programs out there. Are you on LinkedIn? This would be a good one to post to LinkedIn and get some feedback.