Anyone interested in pursuing a career in disaster management should prepare to enter the field well in advance to ensure they have the experience and education they need to apply for a position. When pursuing a position in any type of emergency management role, it’s critical for all applicants to be able to demonstrate that they are qualified for job openings whether they be for specialist roles or manager-level positions.
Emergency management professionals are in charge of the many aspects of managing resources and various government programs that are used to help mitigate loss and protect US citizens following a catastrophic event. Emergency management includes man-made disasters, but the disaster field only includes damages caused by natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. Here’s what all applicants need to do to get a job in the field:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step that management professionals need to take to get qualified for disaster and emergency management careers is to earn a Bachelor’s degree. There are a number of different types of degrees that may be relevant to the field, but it’s best for students who know exactly what they’d like to do after college to earn a degree majoring specifically in Emergency Management.
Before prospective students apply to a 2-year or 4-year college, they should always compare the schools offering Emergency Management coursework. Being that the field is fairly new, it is a bit shocking that, according to Emergency Management Magazine, there are more than 180 different emergency management programs in the United States alone in 100 different schools. In order to gain the skills and knowledge that professionals need to compete in the job market, earning a degree from an accredited program is critical.
Finding an Accredited Program
The easiest way to find a quality program would be to reference the college list that is available through a respected program that is acknowledged by the Emergency Management Institute. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, offers a long list of degree programs that are offered in-class and also online. Students can look for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that all cover theory and practice in the field.
Ranking: Top 10 MPH Programs with No Out-of-State Tuition Fees
Get Certified
Once a student completes their undergraduate degree, they may be interested in demonstrating that they are knowledgeable in the field by earning their certification. Getting certified by the International Association of Emergency Managers is a huge step for people who want to take their careers to the next level. While it is voluntary, getting certified as a Certified Emergency Manager does help applicants compete for positions.
Join a Professional Organization
Another option is for disaster managers and specialists to join the National Emergency Management Association, where they have access to all of the best job openings and recruitment resources. While it does cost for the annual membership fee, it is a great investment for professionals who like to network and keep up with the latest advancements in the field.
It is possible to earn a job in the field with less than a Bachelor’s but it’s advised to complete a 4-year degree at a minimum. After earning a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management, entry-level professionals can enter NEMA and find the best local disaster management jobs listed.
