Does the idea of helping protect the public interest you? If so, the emergency management field might be right up your alley. Emergency managers work behind the scenes to train and prepare other workers in disaster preparedness and emergency response. Jobs are available within the government and the private sector. If you choose to work with the government, you could end up with homeland security, the military or law enforcement. Private emergency management specialist jobs can be found at certain hospitals, universities or disaster relief organizations.
There are a few things to keep in mind when applying to a degree program in emergency management.
Resource: 50 Most Affordable Schools for an Emergency Management Degree 2015
Know There will be Stress
The ability to stay focused under pressure is key for those in the emergency management field. There’s a lot of bureaucracy involved, especially if you work with the government. Things might get frustrating at times, and it’s very important to know how to keep your cool and communicate effectively with a team.
Have an Idea of What You Might Like to Do
Emergency management is a broad field with a variety of jobs, so before you begin your schooling, it’s a good idea to figure out what type of work you might like to do. As a result of rising fears of terrorism, job demand is expected to continue to increase in the future, which will mean even more opportunities to choose from. If you know you want to work in emergency management but aren’t sure about a specific niche, your best bet is to read, research and discuss the topic with others in the field. You can do this by searching online or seeking out emergency management workers within your community. Most people are more than happy to discuss what they do, and some might even be willing to let you shadow them for a day or two.
Continue to Connect
After you talk with other emergency management workers and get familiar with the field, you’ll want to continue to network as you do your schooling. The earlier you can get involved, the better, because having a strong network could help you find a job after you graduate. Your first step should be finding out if there are any emergency management associations in your area. There are also a number of conferences and seminars that relate to emergency management, and if you can afford to make an appearance, it will surely benefit you.
Consider Volunteer Work
If you’re still in school, doing some volunteer work or taking on an internship could give you a boost along your path to success. A lot of people are hands-on learners, and getting directly involved is the best way to gain experience that could help you later on. If you aren’t sure where to begin, consider volunteering with the American Red Cross. They always need help, and on top of feeling great about yourself, you’ll also be left with a great mark on your resume.
Find Out Specifics
Along with getting your degree, you might need to complete additional training designed for your niche in the field. For example, some opportunities require certification from the National Incident Management System, which will teach you important aspects of disaster response.
It’s safe to say that a career in emergency management will be exciting, challenging and very rewarding. It’s considered to have a very bright outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow at least 22 percent by 2018.