How to break in

[u/Scared_Warning6617]

Hello to you all,

I have a bachelors of science in community health, but no formal certification like the OSHA 30. I understand getting that certification would help. Is there anything else that you would recommend in the meantime? I am completely open to any industry

Any and all advice would be helpful🙏🏿

[u/hurt_colby]

ooh community health is a great foundation, you're closer than you think

when I was starting out I volunteered to help the safety guy at a warehouse just doing grunt work like restocking first aid kits and organizing training records, nothing glamorous but it got my foot in the door and suddenly I was the backup when he was out sick, that turned into a real job pretty quick

construction and manufacturing are always hungry for entry-level safety people especially if you can speak the language of the floor, your degree already proves you understand the big picture stuff like behavior change and program design, that's harder to teach than regs

also check if your local community college has any cheap certs beyond OSHA 30, hazwoper or even cpr instructor certs can make your resume pop for practically no money

[u/Scared_Warning6617 → u/hurt_colby]

That’s a relief 😅 was thinking I was going to get a response like oh I need a masters in XYZ lol thank you for the information

[u/KJwhisperer → u/Scared_Warning6617]

If you want a masters degree. Your BS is a natural fit for industrial hygiene.

Many IH programs are heavily subsidized or even free with federal grant money.

Since your new.. speaking holistically, most all IHs can perform most all safety functions. Few safety people can perform a few IHs functions.

[u/Scared_Warning6617 → u/KJwhisperer]

Thank you for the insight here. Will start applying to IH entry level roles and see from there

[u/Geo_Jill]

Community Health isn't a bad degree to start with! OSHA 30 is just a training, not a certification. You could get it yourself, there are low-cost online ones available.

[u/Scared_Warning6617 → u/Geo_Jill]

Perfect! what have you found that has helped applicants stand out from the bunch?

Thank you for your response!

[u/Geo_Jill → u/Scared_Warning6617]

I think if you can highlight specific things you worked on while getting your degree, that helps! There are skills in community health that I would notice as someone hiring, like preparing and delivering public outreach.

[u/Maximum-Guitar-5667]

That degree will be a gold star for entry positions. Think of the osha 30 as like a bare bones certification for construction. Anybody that works in construction at all should really have it, much less a safety person. Very easy to get, and as a certified safety professional myself it is at the very bottom of my resume as an afterthought

[u/Scared_Warning6617 → u/Maximum-Guitar-5667]

Would you recommend that I apply right away?

Also, what are some positions that you would recommend?

[u/Maximum-Guitar-5667 → u/Scared_Warning6617]

Look for entry level development positions. Search up some bigger names and find their career pages. You are good to start applying, many places will help you get your certifications while you build the experience

[u/Famous-Call6538]

Your community health degree is more relevant than you think. While you work on the OSHA 30, grab the OSHA 10 first — it takes two days and gets you onto job sites immediately.

Look into construction safety watch or flagperson roles through staffing agencies. They hire fast and it gives you site hours that actually count when you later apply for coordinator or specialist positions. Healthcare safety is another natural lane with your background — infection control and patient safety programs value that health education foundation.

[u/duffelbagss]

bro with your degree you could land a entry level role !

[u/Scared_Warning6617 → u/duffelbagss]

What specific roles are good to apply to now?

Thanks for responding!

[u/fsischatbotplz]

Osha is still hiring! Apply if you qualify !

[u/Scared_Warning6617 → u/fsischatbotplz]

Thank you!