Shankar Arumugam

My Graduate Story

My name is Shankar Arumugam, and I completed an MSc in Health, Safety, and Environment Management at the University of Birmingham. I currently work as a Senior Health and Safety Advisor at Coventry City Council, a local government authority.

My role involves providing professional, technical, and practical health and safety advice to ensure compliance with legislation and best practices across various council services. I support managers in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures to create a safe working environment for employees, service users, and the public. Additionally, I contribute to policy development, deliver training, conduct audits and inspections, investigate incidents, and collaborate with key stakeholders, including trade unions and external regulatory bodies, to promote a strong health and safety culture across the organisation.

A Day in my Life

My role involves providing expert advice, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation. A typical day includes reviewing incident reports, carrying out risk assessments, advising managers on safety measures, and delivering training. I also attend meetings with senior leaders and trade unions, contribute to policy development, and analyse incident data to improve workplace safety. My work balances advisory, compliance, and strategic health and safety management to ensure a safe environment for employees and the public.

My Journey to Coventry City Council

While studying at the University of Birmingham, I worked part-time as a Health and Safety Compliance Coordinator at Linnaeus Veterinary Limited. This experience helped me secure a full-time Health and Safety Advisor role at Sainsbury’s PLC.

The job application process was lengthy, and as an international student, securing employment was challenging. Despite facing multiple rejections, I remained persistent and learned how to effectively showcase my skills to hiring managers. After a year of gaining experience with UK legislation and guidance, I secured my current role at Coventry City Council.

My Birmingham Experience

My course provided a strong foundation in health and safety legislation, risk management, and compliance, all of which directly apply to my role. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies helped me develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for assessing risks and implementing safety measures.

Additionally, the course improved my communication and leadership skills—both essential for advising managers, delivering training, and influencing health and safety culture within an organization. The ability to interpret regulations and apply them in real-world scenarios has been invaluable in preparing me for my career in local government health and safety management.

Birmingham's Impact

Workshops and networking events allowed me to connect with industry professionals, providing insights into career pathways in health and safety. I built connections with guest lecturers through LinkedIn and received significant support from networking opportunities. Overall, the university’s support services gave me the confidence and resources to transition successfully into my career.

My Achievements

My biggest achievement during my course was successfully securing a distinction in my dissertation research.

The research improved my problem-solving and analytical skills, boosting my confidence in applying health and safety principles in real-world settings. This achievement played a key role in helping me transition smoothly into my professional career.

Advice for Students

• Gain Practical Experience – Look for internships, placements, or voluntary roles to build real-world skills and make yourself stand out.
• Network Actively – Connect with professionals through LinkedIn, industry events, and university alumni networks to explore opportunities and gain insights.
• Keep Learning – Stay updated with industry trends, legislation, and best practices through further training, certifications, and professional memberships.
• Tailor Your Applications – Customize your CV and cover letter for each job, highlighting relevant skills and experience to match the role.
• Be Proactive and Resilient – Job searching takes time; stay persistent, seek feedback, and continuously develop your skills to enhance your employability.