Dear SafetyXChange Members,

An ExecuNet member recently sent me a note that I'd like to share with you. Although the member is in IT, the problem he raises is common in other fields, including the safety profession. Here's the note:?

"Dear Lauryn:

"I am an IT professional who was able to rise to leadership positions within multiple companies despite the absence of a degree. I am in the process of returning to school to continue the degree, but I am having a very difficult time getting into interviews and past the gatekeepers without the degree. I have been given advice from 'don't put education info in at all' (don't draw attention to a negative) and add the line 'in pursuit of degree' to my resume with school name. How do I approach this from a positive perspective?

Mark"

I showed this note to two of ExecuNet's career coaches. Here were their recommendations.

Coach 1: Don't Hide It and Network to Overcome It

Linda R. Dominguez is the Principal of Executive Coaching and Resource Network and author of the book, How to Shine at Work (McGraw Hill). Coach Dominguez's advice: "Work with [the absence of your degree], don't try to hide it." The drawback is that this will disqualify you from positions where the job posting requires a specific degree. But Linda says you can overcome this by networking. ?

What does she mean? Consider targeting companies that offer tuition reimbursement, and then work your contacts, online resources, industry associates and even trade association staff to meet potential hiring managers at that company and ask for their advice.

Example: A senior manager who didn't have a degree but did have many years of bank operations experience networked his way into Wells Fargo Bank. WFB values continuous learning, and hired him in an Exec VP level - with the agreement that he'd get his degree while he was with the company. After two years, the senior manager had completed an accelerated bachelor's program (for working adults), and is now in a master's program in business and finance.

Coach 2: Don't Hide It and Accentuate the Positive

Walter Kuchinski is Executive Vice President and Managing Director of DHR Executive Search in the firm's Charlotte, NC office. Coach Kuchinski's advice: Stress the positives. For example, since Mark is in IT, he might have one or more professional or technical designations he could highlight. Mark should also consider stating in his applications the status of his applications for designations he has not yet received but expects to achieve.? "That could help add weight if it's not already on the resume," Walt advises.

At some point in our lives, educational background takes a back seat to practical, relevant experience and the track record of achievements which go with that, Walt explains. Companies want results and hire people who possess the greatest likelihood of delivering those results. Focus on what you have achieved, highly leverage your references and be confident in what you can deliver.

Conclusion

So Mark - and all of you SafetyXChange members out there who are in a similar position - my advice to you is as follows: Don't let a missing degree keep you from doing what you want to do where you want to do it. Target, network, stress the qualifications you do possess and negotiate. Good Luck!

Wishing you career success,

Lauryn Franzoni
www.ExecuNet.com

SAFETY SALARIES

A Matter of Degree

By Glenn Demby

Does having a degree or professional designation really help you earn more money? The answer: Yes, to some degree. Here's what we found.

Salary by Level of Education

Among safety professionals earning more than $90,000 per year in 2004:

• 61 percent held an advanced degree;
• 21 percent held a college degree;
• 12 percent had some college education but hadn't earned their degree; and
• 2 percent had a high school diploma but no higher education.

(Source: National Safety Council Salary Survey, 2004)

Salary by Professional Designation

• Industrial Hygienists with a CIH designation earned an average of $5,400 more per year in 2004 than hygienists without a CIH. The average salary for the entire profession was $82,000.
• Safety Professionals with a CSP designation earned an average of 15 to 20 percent more per year. Average salary for the profession: $85,000.

(Source: University of Southern Utah study)

THIS DATE IN HISTORY

April 6,1886

Happy 120th Birthday, Vancouver

On this date in 1886, a new city of 1,000 people is incorporated on the Pacific Coast of Canada where the Fraser Valley meets the Georgia Strait. It's named Vancouver after the British captain who first charted its waters.

The city gets off to an inauspicious start. Just two months after its founding, a fire driven by strong ocean winds wipes out the downtown area in just 20 minutes. But city residents are rebuilding before the day is done. Many of the buildings they will erect still stand today. The fire also leads to the creation of Stanley Park, one of Vancouver's best known landmarks.

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