The Path to a Career

Student Profile: Shama Ehsan

by Nicole Laidler

Like many recent university graduates, Shama Ehsan wasn’t sure what he wanted to do next. With a BA in Kinesiology from Western University and previous experience working as a summer ergonomics intern, he though health and safety might be a good fit. “Ergonomics is a small part of health and safety,” he explains. “I was interested in it and thought it might be the career for me.”

"Ergonomics is a small part of health and safety. I was interested in it and thought it might be the career for me."

Ehsan started looking at different post-degree programs. He quickly realised that Western Continuing Studies was the perfect fit. “Western offers a one-year diploma with a practicum,” he says. “I knew it could get me job-ready pretty quickly.”

The Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management at Western Continuing Studies is offered online with real-time learning, or in class. The ten-course program is recognized as an approved academic program for the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP®) designation.

"Western Continuing Studies offers a one-year diploma with a practicum. I knew it could get me job-ready pretty quickly"

Taught by industry professionals, the curriculum is designed to give students an understanding of a broad range of areas, including legislation, workplace hazards, occupational illnesses, evaluation and control techniques, as well as managing and promoting workplace safety and wellness.

Ehsan says being taught by people who work in the industry made all the difference. “You’re learning from the experts,” he notes. And small class sizes made it easy to reach out for extra help when needed.

"Two people I worked with are graduates of the OHSM program. It was nice to see that you can graduate from the program and be successful in the field."

Ehsan accepted an eight-month paid work integrated learning placement at Cargill, a global provider of food, agriculture, financial and industrial products. “At first it was more of an ergonomics internship, but I asked to do more in health and safety,” he says. The company restructured his role so Ehsan could apply his knowledge and get hands-on experience with health and safety in a large corporation.

“Two of the people I worked with are former graduates of the Health and Safety program [at Western Continuing Studies],” he notes. “It was nice to see that you can graduate from the program and be successful in the field.”

"You're learning from the experts."

This November, Ehsan began a full-time position as Health and Safety Co-ordinator at Tiger Drylac, a powder coating manufacturer in Guelph, Ontario. With many potential employers asking for three to five years of experience, he says that the practicum at Cargill helped move his resume to the top of the pile.

So, what advice does Ehsan have for other university graduates who may be considering a post degree diploma at Western Continuing Studies? “Even if your classes are online, try to make some friends,” he says. “And get to know your professors, because they are a very good resource to have.”

Explore Our Post-Degree Diploma Programs 

Post-Degree Diploma Programs are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge, skills and experience to differentiate themselves in the job search process. Diploma programs are designed to complement an undergraduate degree.

Shama Ehsan is a graduate of our Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management program.