Case Studies

At university, you studied Mechanical Engineering. When did you decide you wanted your career to be in health and safety?
After my graduation I secured my first role as a field service engineer. I liked the work, but wondered if there were alternative ways to use the knowledge I had gained from my degree. After looking at my options I decided pursuing a career in occupational health and safety would be a good way to go. My engineering background meant I understood the mechanics of machinery, systems, and processes, which would help me identify workplace hazards and how to control them. This realisation inspired me to shift my focus towards health and safety, where my technical background could help me create safer and more efficient work environments. It is a decision I have never regretted because I enjoy the work I do so much and find it rewarding.

The year after graduating, you moved to the Middle East from India and secured a QHSE Engineer position. Shortly after, you completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate:

• Why did you choose this qualification? When I was starting out, I found the NEBOSH International General Certificate to be a highly sought after certification in the Middle East. The qualification was known to provide comprehensive insights into health and safety practices, making it an essential qualification to pass for anyone wishing to advance in the region. Many of my seniors and peers held the qualification and I could see how beneficial it had been for them. So, there were two main motivators - the standing the qualification had in the Middle East and witnessing the positive impact it had had on the careers of my peers.

• How did you find it? The NEBOSH International General Certificate proved to be an invaluable learning experience. The syllabus covers a wide range of essential topics, which helped me understand health and safety regulation and best practice.

• How did it help you? It laid a solid foundation for my safety career because it equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement and manage occupational health and safety practices.

In 2020, you progressed on to the NEBOSH International Diploma:

• Why did you choose this qualification? I first started to think about taking the NEBOSH International Diploma in 2015. I knew that this was the profession for me, which had ignited my passion to strive to deepen my occupational health and safety knowledge. Before I even enrolled on the course I began self-studying, focusing on truly understanding the material. The NEBOSH International Diploma is a prestigious Level 6 qualification, and I was eager to attain it; especially since there are relatively few holders of this diploma. When I looked around me, I observed that professionals who held the NEBOSH International Diploma were significantly more competent than those without it. This reinforced my decision to take my studies to the next level.

• How has it helped you? Achieving the NEBOSH International Diploma was pivotal to my career. My motivation for signing up was to strengthen my occupational health and safety knowledge and it delivered this and more. I found that once I had achieved the Diploma, many opportunities opened, both from a career and personal development perspective. The deep foundation I gained from taking the NEBOSH Diploma has supported further studies ever since. I have gone on to achieve many accreditations and certifications, the most recent one being CRSP certification from the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP). The strong base of knowledge and skills I gained from the NEBOSH Diploma helped build the confidence and credibility I needed to become a health and safety trainer. I have chosen for this to be the focus of my career since 2021. I love being a trainer because it allows me to support the development of others in the field of health and safety. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience and watching my students grow. I have delivered training for numerous reputable examination boards including NEBOSH courses up to Diploma level. I have also recently become a Certified Instructional Trainer for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

You have been an active member of the NEBOSH Alumni since completing your Diploma. What benefits do you get from being part of this community?
Being an active member of the NEBOSH Alumni has provided numerous benefits. I've had the opportunity to meet and network with many professionals in the field, gaining valuable insights into best practices, emerging trends, and new developments in occupational health and safety. The experiences and knowledge shared within the alumni community have enriched my understanding and contributed to my professional growth.

You have over 13 years of health and safety experience in various positions both in the Middle East and India, and have worked in manufacturing, construction, and process plants. How easy is it to switch between sectors, and do you have any tips to ensure it's successful?
Switching between sectors has been manageable, thanks to the solid foundation my NEBOSH qualifications have given me. They versatile knowledge and skills the qualifications provide are equally relevant in a range of industries and sectors.

My tip for a successful transition is to focus on understanding the specific safety requirements and risks of the new sector while leveraging the core principles, which I learnt from my NEBOSH qualifications.

When you look back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my role in training numerous professionals on the NEBOSH International Diploma. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I have successfully guided many individuals through this rigorous qualification, helping them enhance their competencies and advance their careers in occupational health and safety.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make health and safety their career?
My advice is to never stop studying. Identify the qualifications that can support your development and work hard to earn them. Avoid shortcuts, as genuine effort and dedication are crucial. In the future, you’ll find that qualifications are essential to support your progression. Competence comes from getting the right mix of formal education and experience.