How to break into HSE/EHS?
Hey safety professionals and fellow humans! I-I-I mean, prospects!
I am (and this may be a long shot) but I’m looking for some advice from people already working in the HSE/EHS space because I’m getting a little frustrated with the catch-22 of trying to get into the field. As the common denominator in short, is experience required but the experience needed is the job.
I have a degree in Psychology, and almost a decades of experience in Fire/EMS that I feel translates pretty well to safety, including experience working in environments where safety, compliance, procedures, and risk awareness. I’ve also been intentionally building my knowledge of OSHA requirements through independent research along with hazard identification, incident prevention, workplace safety, and EHS practices. But have yet to sit for the OSHA 10/30, also I don’t believe I can apply to BSCP to take the ASP until I have some experience in this exact field..
The problem I keep running into is that I’m applying for entry-level or junior EHS/Safety positions, but even those jobs often want 1–3+ years of direct EHS experience. And so it just often feels like every position wants you to already have the experience needed to get the position in the first place.
I’m also finding that many of the jobs I’m interested in involve manufacturing/industrial environments, where I know there are hazards involving things like machinery, lockout/tagout, electrical safety, safety boards, machine guarding, ergonomics, chemicals, PPE, forklifts/material handling, and general workplace safety. But..
For those of you who successfully broke into HSE/EHS:
What was your first actual safety job, and how did you get it?
Did you have to take a job that wasn't technically an EHS position to get your foot in the door?
What certifications or training actually helped you get interviews? (OSHA 30, ASP/GSP, CHST, etc.)
How much weight do employers realistically put on a degree versus hands-on experience?
Would you recommend targeting EHS Coordinator/Safety Coordinator roles rather than EHS Specialist positions?
Is there anything you see candidates with my type of background consistently doing wrong when applying?
Thanks and have a wonderful day!
-Environmental, Health and Safety Prospect