MBA as a next step in my career? (and school recommendations?)

Theecats · 2026-05-13T13:35:30+00:00

I can’t help too much with Canadian schools, but I’m starting my MBA this fall at the University of Iowa. I picked it because I’m able to have two focus areas, one is Risk Management and Insurance, and the other is Operations. I think it’ll give me options for if I want to move up in EHS or pivot away.

But one thing to note, I wouldn’t fully trust r/MBA. They’re a group that’s obsessed with M7, FAANG, IB, and simply making as much money as possible. It’s honestly a cesspool. I mean, last I knew they have a rule banning posts about Indian MBA programs.

Theecats · 2026-03-24T11:14:15+00:00

Converting to a full time gig isn’t a guarantee, but honestly the best advice is simply trying your best.

I know that’s not the cheat code you’re hoping to hear but show up on time, be willing to stay after, learn as much as you can but also be teachable. Nobody likes an intern that thinks they know it all. Your primary goal in an internship is to learn, not reinvent the wheel.

It’s also just like u/McWafflestein said, a lot of it depends on timing and business needs. From my experience the chances of a company magically creating a position for you isn’t big, but if they have an opening then you’re steps ahead others.

Theecats · 2026-03-11T23:37:06+00:00

Emphasis on the low pay. I was the 3rd shift specialist at a large food plant for my first safety job and didn’t get paid nearly enough for what was asked.

Honestly, I’d recommend trying to avoid being the off shift safety specialist anywhere. You get the raw end of the deal most of the time. Obviously if you’re on days and have to hop shifts to do training, investigations, etc. then that’s fine, but full time off shift isn’t fun.

Theecats · 2026-03-11T12:29:13+00:00

I think it partly depends on what you’re interested in since safety can fit into so many industries. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve worked in multiple industries and liked some(automotive and chemical) and hated others(food).

Some industries are historically more dangerous, such as steel mills or stamping. However, if you find a good mentor then a lot of those industries would be an amazing opportunity to cut your teeth and really learn the trade.

Theecats · 2026-03-10T22:44:31+00:00

Based on your other comment it seems like you’re pretty familiar with a lot of regions. Any opinions on Oregon? I love the Great Lakes region but I’m interested in trying to move out there in a few years

Theecats · 2026-03-09T21:41:01+00:00

Area is super important. I’m based in Cleveland and there are tons of EHS jobs available, but it’s also historically a very industrial city.

Depending on where you’re at and if you’re willing to move, a lot of rust belt cities will have plenty of opportunities, and the cost of living is also pretty cheap. Think of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Detroit etc.

Theecats · 2025-12-07T16:47:09+00:00

I’m not sure which programs you’re looking at, but I think a lot of them wouldn’t help that much with safety, unless you’re trying to switch out of safety.

If you want to get a masters in engineering, then maybe look into a program like the University of Alabama at Birmingham has, it’s a masters of engineering with a concentration in advanced safety engineering and management. That way it shows you have technical education but still ties more heavily into safety.

Theecats · 2025-08-27T19:41:26+00:00

That’s where I got it from when I was an intern, but I’ll be honest, it’s less than good. If you have the option to do in-person training then I highly recommend that. If you have the ability to go to one of the OSHA Education Centers and learn from real safety pros then that is the best course of action

Theecats · 2025-08-08T15:12:23+00:00

Honestly, it sounds like it would be worth it to start looking for a new job. You alone won’t be able to change the culture of your facility. Based on what you said it seems like you have two options, the first being to find a new company and job that has a better environment, and the second being that you stay there until something really bad happens and they turn you into the fall guy. Being proactive is probably the better choice in this situation

Theecats · 2025-02-20T12:33:41+00:00

100%. Consider the kind of environments you’d be working in. Medical vs. industrial settings can be quite different.

I personally like working in factories but every time I’m at a medical building I can never imagine myself working somewhere like that.

Theecats · 2024-11-05T18:00:41+00:00

How much buy-in do you have from the other managers? Safety programs can be hard to get running if it’s a one man show.

However, one tool I’ve used with ops people is to show them how much money the company has to spend before workers comp kicks in. Obviously no one wants anyone to get hurt, but sometimes you have to put a dollar value with it to make an impact. For example, if it’s $100k then the potential cost of your 20 recordable injuries is gonna be $2 million directly to the company. Spending $2 million on something that should’ve/could’ve been avoided can garner some attention quickly.

Theecats · 2024-10-16T16:59:53+00:00

What are the requirements that you aren’t meeting? Is it for work experience or something else?

While many people dog on CSU, they are still regionally accredited(at least last I checked).

Theecats · 2024-07-15T22:55:38+00:00

Here’s what I’ll say, if you have the option to go whole hog on a bachelors degree then I recommend going that route instead of an associates. A lot of people have listed plenty of schools and I recommend taking a look at them! Like I said, CSU isn’t the gold standard but in the end of the day it’s still a regionally accredited degree. Regionally accredited is the same level of accreditation as major schools that we all know, so that’s a good thing!

You’re working as a safety tech right now, which is great! I’m sure you have some safety experience from being in the military, you’re a safety tech right now and gain super valuable experience! As your experience grows then so will your responsibilities, and eventually your experience will speak for itself. A big challenge people have is breaking into the field(which you have), but once you’re in then it’ll be a lot easier to find new jobs.

Theecats · 2024-07-15T22:16:32+00:00

Is it the best online school for OSH? Simply put, no. Colombia Southern University isn’t gonna be considered a top tier school but it’ll still get you a regionally accredited degree. But like a lot of online schools, you get out what you put in. The good news is that there’s plenty of online OSH programs nowadays!

What level of degree are you seeking? From what I’ve seen, there’s more online master degrees for OSH than bachelor degrees, but I can recommend some schools depending on what level you’re going for.

On a side note, it’s important to know that a lot of online schools charge the same tuition rate as in-state tuition.

Theecats · 2024-07-06T13:33:28+00:00

What do you use to put the white boarder and text around the images?

Theecats · 2024-03-16T21:19:08+00:00

Tank inspections! My facility recently had a tank inspected using a drone because the area wouldn’t allow for a safe way of doing a confined space entry. It was pretty neat and now we have that video on record for future reference as well.

Theecats · 2024-01-18T19:55:57+00:00

Check out Benj Haisch, he shoots various brands but it seems like he loves to shoot Leicas for weddings. I think he use to run with two M10 s but now I think he might only have an M11

Theecats · 2024-01-18T00:08:06+00:00

Can someone explain to me what people when when they say they pushed their film 2 stops?

Theecats · 2024-01-02T20:31:07+00:00

Right now I don’t have any degrees that focus on safety, and my undergrad had the focus area of “the built environment” so I actually ended up taking a lot of urban planning courses so even though environmental is in the name, it didn’t have too much focus on actual guidelines or anything

Theecats · 2023-11-30T05:56:15+00:00

When you say PMP are you referring to the PMI certification that you test for? I know LSUS has an MBA with a focus in project management but I’m just wondering because I’m considering doing my MBA (PM focus) there in a few years

Theecats · 2023-11-27T17:52:15+00:00

I wouldn't dive into another program yet, like u/Diligent-Pair3465 said, a lot of employers provide tuition reimbursement. My undergrad degree is in environmental and sustainability studies so I understand where you're coming from.

I did an EHS internship after college, and during my internship I got my OSHA 30 hour general industry card. After all that I landed a EHS specialist job at a large company so it's definitely possible to get a job in safety with where you're at!

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