HSE Community Insights - Jennifer Ringor

How do you identify, and address development needs to accelerate your career?

“It’s really important to keep up with industry trends - if you find trends, emerging issues or initiatives that you are not familiar with, then that becomes a gap in your expertise and an opportunity to learn. Be curious, investigate and upskill yourself through following key safety organisations and associations and by reading evidenced based papers and articles. It’s also important to keep your networks up to date too as people move around, so make it part of your routine”.

In building your career, how do you build your brand in the market?

“In the first instance, it’s about building your credibility within the organisation, especially if you’re entering into a new industry sector. Be generous with your time, give people the opportunity to tell you what’s important to them, be honest and patient and gain the respect of others through showing integrity”.

Same externally, be humble, it’s not easy putting yourself out there and it can be daunting when you don’t know people, however with practice and vulnerability you will show people who you really are, therefore being your best self! Have confidence and remember, people do genuinely want to hear what you have to say. Online, work on getting people to endorse you on LinkedIn and don’t forget to acknowledge them for their endorsement.”

What 3 things are the most important for you when choosing an organisation to work for?

“Personally, organisational structure is up there for me, where does my position fit within the organisation and what influence will I have with my peers? Who am I reporting to and what does my team look like?”

“What is the purpose of the organisation? To be honest, if there’s no purpose, then there’s no point! I think it’s important to know why they are putting you into the role. I need to understand that it’s not about filling a position because the business must. I’ll join an organisation because they want to be better and are willing to invest in the resources for someone to genuinely add value. It’s about being given the tools and support to potentially make a difference, though the remuneration is important, I think it’s more important to be fulfilled by adding value and doing your best work”.

Why have you chosen a career in the HSE Space and what would be your advice to others looking to get into the sector?

“I fell into HSE while working as registered nurse. I was working in intensive care and was burnt out – didn’t like it. I found myself on the HSE committee after myself and another RN were involved in an incident with a patient who began stalking us. I was sitting outside the Nurse Managers office when I overheard a conversation about needing a manual handling coordinator and that really resonated with me. So I put my hand up and that was the start of my journey into safety! Subsequently, I did my master’s degree to secure my vocation, however at the end of the day, it boils down to a desire to help others”