You might be contemplating moving to a different industry. If so, you're not alone. In our recent survey of managers, almost all of the respondents said they were thinking about changing industries and 72% were actively pursuing opportunities outside their industry.

The good news is that safety is an expertise that can be applied in a number of industries. The bad news is that industry jumping can be a tough move. In the same survey, companies told us that one of the first qualifications they consider is, you guessed it, "industry experience."

So just what does an enterprising safety manager have to do to succeed in changing jobs, changing industries and learning a new job? I can't think of anybody better to ask than Robert Eckert. Eckert became the CEO of Mattel - the world's largest toy maker - after quitting his job at Kraft Foods. He joined Mattel, turned the company around and came up smelling like a rose - all in 18 months (though the company has since faced challenges).

Here are Eckert's Top Ten Tips for Jumping Industries:

1. Call on Customers

Without being overly direct, you can learn how the industry (and the specific company with which you're seeking employment) is viewed.

2. Watch for Consumers

Spending time in stores can pay huge dividends if you're seeking a job with manufacturers or retailers of consumer goods.

3. Find Retirees

Alumni know more about the industry and the company's culture than anyone else.

4. Read Everything

The Internet makes it easy to find obscure books and articles about the industry and specific companies.

5. Talk to a Mentor

Your mentor doesn't necessarily have to come from or even know much about the industry you're seeking to catch on with. What's important is that the mentor know you and your abilities and can offer an objective opinion about your capacity to adapt.

6. Call a Friend

Eckert says that getting feedback from friends has contributed greatly to the successes he's achieved.

7. Keep Notes from Every Conversation

Insights aren't always apparent when they're first uttered. It's only after you've had time to reflect that the pieces of the puzzle come together. But you're unlikely to remember everything a source tells you. So you need to take notes to give yourself the opportunity for later reflection.

8. Before Taking the Job, Write Down Your Goals for the First 100 Days

More than 20% of top company leaders fail to complete their first year on the job. Why? Experts often point to lack of preparation to face the crucial first 100 days.

9. Follow your Heart

You can painstakingly write down the pros and cons of the new position but let your gut feeling be your final guide.

10. Commit Fully

Once you decide to make the move, always look forward instead of being distracted by the "could haves, would haves, should haves" of the old job.

Conclusion

And, of course, I would add: Network, Network and Network. Build a support system in the new industry that you can turn to while landing the new position and immediately once you are on the job.

Until next time, wishing you career success.

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com.

SALARY SCORECARD

Industrial Engineers (including Health & Safety)

A. GENERAL

Median Annual Earnings: $62,150

• Top 10 Percent: More than $90,420
• Middle 50 Percent: $50,160-$75,440
• Bottom 10 Percent: Less than $40,380

B. BY INDUSTRY

Median Annual Earnings of Industrial Engineers in:

• Semiconductor/Electronic Component Mfg.: $67,460
• Navigational/Electromedical/Control Instruments Mfg.: $65,470
• Architectural/Engineering/Related Services: $64,020
• Aerospace Products/Parts Mfg.: $63,630
• Motor Vehicle Parts Mfg.: $62,610

Note: Figures are from 2002.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SAFETY

By Rick Anderson

Much like Robert Lee [Editor's note: Mr. Lee is the gentleman who described his passion for safety in last week's issue of the Careers newsletter], my background and passion for safety grew from emergency and clinical medicine in the Air Force. I saw so many young men and women injured from negligence and complacency.

So I began at the beginning when I retired after 29 years of service. I needed to learn what was the reason people tend to ignore that small voice in their gut that says, "Hey, you're taking a chance doing what you're doing." First I wanted to learn the names and uses of the gadgets and gizmos people used to do their work. Purchasing agent was my first step with an HVAC and Electrical Co. From there my goal was to encourage the use of manufacturers' instructions. I was surprised to learn how many people use a tool without ever reading them.

My passion grew and I was encouraged (I was very naive) to see how easy it would be to tell workers how they could be safe and never get injured. Then I was reminded (rudely I might add) about production and ROI. This mission was going to be harder than I ever thought. But, undaunted, I began in earnest. My passion must somehow be passed on to the top. That was a great breakthrough. For if top management isn't on board, well you all know the scenario.

I must say that persistence with passion is rewarding and my new career and mission in life is to see people whole, happy and productive. I love what I do. It's much better than seeing workers arrive in an emergency room mangled, deformed for life, or worse. There's no comparison to talking to a wife whose husband has just won the award for safety than telling her that he may not be coming home. Did I say I love what I do!

Rick Anderson
QC/Safety/Environmental Mgr
GMH Fort Eustis/Story

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