Among the many questions a student may have when considering emergency management as a future career, one might be if FEMA is looking for students with an emergency management degree. Students who major in emergency management learn how to plan well to lead the call to action when disaster strikes. Managing a team of volunteers or professionals who wish to provide relief to affected areas is no easy task. Earning a bachelor’s degree in emergency management is the way to prepare for such an exciting career.
What is Emergency Management?
Put simply, emergency management is looking ahead to identify potential dangers and creating a plan to avoid endangering the lives of people and property. It includes meeting with local government, the public, law enforcement and even the media to develop a plan and enforce it. When disaster strikes, stress is increased as the job now includes recruiting relief personnel and volunteers to alleviate those affected. This career requires excellent time management skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills and the ability to multitask and delegate responsibilities. Emergency management is an excellent field for individuals who enjoy planning and have an acute eye for detail.
Does FEMA Accept Degrees in Emergency Management?
The short answer is a resounding yes! FEMA feels so strongly in hiring talented individuals with emergency management degrees that they have helped to create and establish emergency management degree programs in several colleges and universities. They are also working very hard to have more schools offer emergency management degrees and develop the curriculum currently in place. Their yearly conference currently reaches more than 400 institutions of higher education. It is also important to realize that once hired with FEMA, education will continue through their training institute because of their dedication to providing assistance in the most effective and efficient methods.
What is the Career Outlook?
Jobs in emergency management are expected to grow at an average rate over the next ten years. Most jobs are found in government agencies like FEMA though there are jobs available in the private sector as well. The average annual pay for emergency management directors in 2012 was $59,770. While a bachelor’s degree is all that is required for an entry level position, it is highly recommended that students pursue internships or volunteer with relief agencies to gain experience before entering the field. Many positions will require some level of experience, but those that do not will see prior experience as a plus when it comes to making your application stand out from the crowd. FEMA provides links to opportunities for students and recent graduates via USAJobs and the Pathways Program.
As long as there are people living on the planet, there will be a need for the emergency management field. There will always be risks that threaten the livelihood of people and communities whether from other humans or from mother nature. It is not easy to plan and execute a plan to provide relief when disaster strikes, but graduates with an emergency management degree are well prepared to work for planning and relief agencies such as FEMA.