I came via a circuitous route. I worked in scientific research for over 30 years (right out of high school, that was the norm in those days), and worked my way up to a senior technician position, with my name on some scientific research papers.
I went to work as a senior technician for a contract research organization (CRO), where I learned about FDA cGLP requirements. I became the assistant safety officer, then the only safety officer.
I got an associates degree in paralegal studies, was a teaching assistant for the college, and worked part time as a paralegal while working at the CRO. I became a contract manager and advanced to manage the main screening lab. I took on more regulatory responsibilities, eventually handling controlled substances, radiation, and hazardous waste.
I moved to this job to initially be the safety officer, and was handed food safety at the same time when that person left. I took a HACCP course online to get that training.
Having that diverse background that included science, law, teaching, and management made it easier for the transition. I use the paralegal training every day. I highly recommend getting some. Learning from this group has been a godsend. The Food Safety Fridays are excellent and Tony's Blog is great.
I'm at a small company in an out of the way location, so they were willing to take a chance on me. For those who can't move higher in their present company, that could be a viable option. You may have to move, but it may be worth it.
Bottom line, gobble up all the information and training you can wherever you can.
Martha
"...everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Viktor E. Frankl
"Life's like a movie, write your own ending." The Muppets