Emergency management programs (EMPs) are staffed by hands-on specialists like police and other law enforcement personnel. Emergency management specialists (EMSs) can include military personnel, emergency medical technicians and firefighters in local, state and federal governments. Many EMSs oversee and direct those who work in the field or train coworkers to become EMSs, while other EMSs work behind the scenes to coordinate with emergency management teams and emergency management personnel at all levels. EMPs can be created by private companies and by nonprofit organizations where EMSs develop emergency preparedness plans and disaster response programs. If your career goal is a position in an EMP, here are five tips that will help you get an edge.

1. Get Educated

A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for a job in an EMP. Certification by the National Incident Management System (NIMS), a disaster response framework developed by the Federal Emergency Management System (FEMA) may be required as well. NIMS certification courses are available online.

Resource: 20 Top Emergency Management Bachelor’s Degree Programs under $23,000 Average Net

2. Get Trained

There are many different types of EMS training programs, and many of them are free. Not only can you upgrade your skill set and broaden your area of expertise, you’ll also have an opportunity to network with teachers and classmates. Ask others if they can suggest ways for you to expand your perspective and learn new skills. There’s no such thing as too much training or too many skills.

3. Get Connected

Find out if there are any EMP professional associations in your area, and if there are, become a member. You might find a few of these organizations on Linkedin or by Googling organizations related to emergency management. These organizations can be a good place to network, get job leads and connect with others who know about open positions. Another great way to network and explore career opportunities is to attend professional conferences and EMP informational seminars.

4. Get An Internship Or Become A Volunteer

There is no better way to learn new things and get hands-on experience than as an intern or a volunteer in your area of interest. If you want to find a job straight out of college, that hands-on experience can be the next best thing to paid employment. Becoming a volunteer for the American Red Cross is an excellent way to jump start your EMP career and beef up your resume in the bargain.

5. Be Clear About What You Want

Within the field of EMPs there are many different positions and just as many ways to get there. One EMS might be involved in a local grass-roots EMP for a small nonprofit organization. Another EMS might hold a high-ranking position in a federal EMP that involves heavy responsibilities. The more EMSs you can talk to, the more you’ll learn about where you can go, what you can do and how much you’ll earn for doing it.

As a result of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, EMS jobs in the public and private sectors are expected to increase by almost 25 percent between now and 2018. Emergency management is considered a “bright outlook occupation” and was voted one of the 50 Best Jobs of 2011. The median salary range in 2009 was between $55,000 and $79,000. The top ten percent of EMSs earned more than $90,000 per year in 2009 while those at the other end of the spectrum earned just under $30,000. Although the emergency management field is projected to have strong growth over the next ten years, it’s still a challenging environment for job seekers. Positions do exist, but the competition is fierce.