A Safety Professional's Pursuit of Premier
Over four years, Sean Schuyler strategically and thoughtfully took steps toward Georgia Tech's Premier Occupational Safety and Health Certificate to better support the people who depend on him as a safety professional.
"Being suspended hundreds of feet in the air operating equipment on the side of a skyscraper made me aware that safety was a practice engrained into every aspect of my job," Sean Schuyler, Premier Certificate holder, says when describing the start of his Health and Safety career.
Thirty years later, Schuyler's dedication to his craft put his passion for safety and health to the test in pursuit of Georgia Tech's Premier Occupational Safety and Health Certificate. The Premier Certificate is the pinnacle achievement in safety and health training designed for directors, supervisors, and workers involved in the construction, industrial, or occupational safety and health fields. It allows learners to tailor their educational experience to meet their personal and professional needs.
From Construction to Safety
Schuyler began his career in construction by dedicating himself to a three-year architectural glazer apprenticeship, a position that specializes in installing glass, after which he was entrusted with leading and supporting teams working in some of the most extreme environments. Thanks to his range of skills in welding, fabrication, assembly, leadership, and more, he quickly moved into the role of journeyman, then foreman, and finally superintendent. As superintendent, Schuyler didn't see himself as a safety and health professional, he says, but it was a part of every decision he made. "This experience promoted my ambition to make processes more productive and safe."
After 15 years in construction, Schuyler moved into the manufacturing sector at his company. Efficiency was one of his top priorities as a manufacturing manager, and after earning his green belt certification from Villanova University, he began to view manufacturing efficiency through the eyes of a safety manager. "I was often delegated the responsibility to start up new facilities or plants, to expand existing operations, and to implement new processes and technologies — all with safety at the forefront," he says.
After officially stepping into safety, Schuyler worked for several companies across the Southeast, gaining experience in project management and financial estimation. By 2009, Schuyler was working for Danimer Scientific, a bioplastics plant in southwest Georgia and by the end of 2015, his focus was on the safety and compliance side of the business.
"My passion for safety and health within the industry stems from my pursuit of process improvement and caring about the people I work alongside. Safety is more than regulation; it’s an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life and to make a difference in the culture of a company."
Pursuit of Premier
"I would love to say, ‘getting the Premier Certificate was my plan all along,’ but honestly, it wasn’t," he explains. Lacking formal training in safety and health, Schuyler originally set out to complete the OSHA 511 and OSHA 501 courses with the financial support of his employer, and was pleased by the quality of Georgia Tech's Safety and Health programs.
"The Georgia Tech team truly invests in the students that take health and safety classes — they want you to succeed. Once I received my first certificate and I witnessed the value of applying that knowledge, it motivated me to further my education."
Since Schuyler lives and works several hours from campus he had to manage his time wisely. In-person classes often required he stay at the Georgia Tech hotel and work late from his room to balance class with supporting his job and family. Schuyler went on to complete the Advanced Industrial Safety and Health certificate. From that point, the Construction Safety & Health Certificate and a few required classes were all that stood between him and the Premier Certificate. Reaching that milestone became his focus.
Branching Out
Schuyler now holds five safety and health certificates from Georgia Tech, including the Premier Certificate. "I can confidently say I have received a return on my investment," he shares. The connections built with his classmates are ones Schuyler still leans on when networking. Since completing the certificate he has started his own safety consulting firm, SixS Solutions LLC, where he develops safety programs, performs audits, and offers trainings, project support, and more. In addition to running SixS Solutions, he continues to operate as director of corporate compliance for Danimer.
Advice for Certificate Seekers
When asked what advice he had for others looking into Georgia Tech's safety and health offerings Schuyler says, "First, don’t let yourself become overwhelmed; a career is a process — my premier journey took four years." Some courses are offered on a rotating schedule and he tells other learners seeking the certification to, "forget the 8-hour day mentality — you have to plan and execute. If you don’t take classes when they are offered, you can run out of time."
Schuyler also recommends celebrating your achievements along the way — something he made sure to do. "The Premier certification is the sum of many achievements, and you should celebrate each one." In addition to this, he notes the importance of your support system, saying, "My wife and the leadership from my company attended the premier ceremony. I was blown away by the length Georgia Tech went to in recognizing my achievement."
For others seeking a similar path, Schuyler encourages they take advantage of the Georgia Tech community. "If you have questions, reach out to the GT leadership and supporting staff; they are always responsive and helpful," he notes.
Taking the next step in your career or education can be one of uncertainty, but as a Georgia Tech learner, Schuyler encourages all safety and health professions believe in their own potential.
"Don’t think you have to be a college graduate or early in your career to take these classes," he says. "If you are working in an environment that could benefit from improvements in safety or if your current job requires some awareness of safety and compliance, then I highly recommend that you consider taking classes to provide the necessary insight. You have the potential to drive improvements in your respective industry. You never know the difference you can make."
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