An emergency management student has many requirements to fulfill during their time in an undergraduate program, including the university’s core, the emergency management program core, numerous electives, and even a disaster simulation. Like all learning experiences, the simulation focuses students on the skills they’ve learned and teaches them how to practically apply them in a way that best fits the unique situation, the type of community where the disaster occurs, and the type of person most affected by each type of emergency. There are a few things to keep in mind about this simulation, however.
Simulations Typically Are Not a Program Requirement
Some universities simply do not offer a simulation program to emergency management students. In many cases, this is because the school is very small or offers only an online program, both of which can make it hard to effectively create and afford a simulation that would be meaningful to students in this academic program. If a simulated response environment is something that a student values, they should make sure to select a school that has the means to conduct a simulation effectively. When a simulation experience is available, it is a key part of the program that students should take part in. After all, it can serve as great context for job interviews and may even be worthy of placement on a student’s professional resume as they seek their first job in the world of disaster response and emergency management.
Simulations Often Represent the Program Capstone
At many colleges and universities in the United States, a simulation of a major emergency is offered as the student’s capstone experience. This capstone experience is typically held at the end of a corresponding capstone course, which will teach students the most advanced skills necessary to handle situations ranging from hurricanes and earthquakes to outright warfare and terrorist attacks. Students will be evaluated not only on their participation in the simulation itself, but also on their performance within the simulation. The goal of this capstone experience is to make sure that graduates will be effective in their role as disaster response professionals. A student who can’t put their skills to work in a simulated environment may not be able to receive their degree until they can redo the simulation with proficiency.
Beyond Simulations: Students Should Pursue a Relevant Internship
An emergency management simulation represents only one part of the process when it comes to graduating. Students who wish to have the best shot at landing a full-time position in the field after graduation should make sure to complete at least one professional internship in the emergency management industry. These internships provide a few key experiences and tools to students who complete them. In addition to on-the-job experience in a practical emergency management role, students will gain insight into the management of emergencies, coordination with authorities and the military, budgeting and finance considerations, and much more. They will also build a professional network. These experiences are invaluable and are simply not part of a capstone simulation. Both experiences, however, go hand-in-hand in creating the next generation of emergency managers.
A Great Tool for Putting Classroom Skills to Work
Emergency management is a key part of minimizing fatalities when disaster strikes. In order to be properly prepared, students should absolutely find a school that offers a dual commitment to simulations and internships. When an emergency management student has a strong performance in both an internship and a disaster simulation, they are better prepared for a successful career in the industry.