How Can I Obtain Experience in the Emergency Management Field?

1. Volunteer

One of the best ways to obtain experience in the field of emergency management is to volunteer with a business, company, or non-profit organization that offers such services. In addition to obtaining experience in your chosen vocational field this way, volunteering affords you an opportunity to network with potential employers and business partners who operate within the emergency management sector. To get started, simply do an internet search for local organizations and/or businesses that allow citizens to volunteer. Be sure to document your volunteer hours so that you can include them in your resumes.

2. Internships

Completing an internship is another wonderful way to obtain experience in the emergency management field. There are a plethora of wonderful internships you can participate in, such as those offered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. This internship offers individuals the opportunity to work with them during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Additionally, the internship affords students the opportunity to:

•Work under the tutelage of a national emergency management leader
•Contribute to the development of innovative projects
•Gain resume-building experience
•Develop interview skills
•Gain an understanding of career possibilities within the field
•Become a more marketable job candidate following graduation

There are a variety of other emergency management internships that an individual can apply to, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Pathway Program.

3. Externships

Externships are another wonderful way to gain experience in the field of emergency management. Externships afford individuals the opportunity to job shadow a respected professional within the industry. Unlike internships that tend to be at least eight weeks long, externships can last anywhere from a mere day to eight weeks and are often completed during the student’s spring or winter break. Another significant difference between internships and externships is that the latter are generally unpaid and the participant typically does not earn school credit for the experience. As opposed to completing work such as projects, the participant generally shadows a single professional or a group of professionals. Externships are a wonderful way for people interested in the field of emergency management to determine if it is the vocational path they should pursue.

4. Entry-level Positions.

Yet another effective way to gain experience in emergency management is to attain an entry-level position within the field. An example of such a position would be that of an office clerk or administrative assistant. Individuals who hold these job titles are typically responsible for completing tasks such as typing and word processing, making copies, maintaining records, and answering the phone. Working in these types of entry-level positions gives individuals an opportunity to be in an environment where they will continually be exposed to the theories and praxis that give the field of emergency management shape and substance.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in the field of emergency management, you should know that doing so can be personally and professionally rewarding. Now that you are aware of several mechanisms that can be used for the purpose of obtaining experience in the emergency management field, you can make an informed decision regarding which path would be most appropriate for you.

For more information on Emergency Management Degrees, Please see “Top 10 Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs 2014“.