In order to get a job in disaster management, you must start with a basic skill set, get the proper education to boost your resume, develop real world experiences, and look for jobs. While you may not have to check off all of these items in order to get a job in disaster management, they will all help you have a leg up on the competition.
Basic Skills
Because disaster management professionals work directly with law enforcement and often handle sensitive information, one of the most important requirements for a position in disaster management is the ability to pass a background check. Every company or government agency you apply with will perform a background check. Additionally, since they will be required to communicate life saving information to individuals and groups of people in presentations or writing, individuals looking to pursue a career in this field must have excellent written and oral English communication skills. Proficiency in other languages is always a plus. However, English is essential.
Education
Although most positions accept a high school diploma as sufficient education, you may want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree to put you ahead of the crowd and be competitive. All applicants for these positions should be familiar with the Incident Command System (ICS). This system coordinates disaster relief efforts across the United States. FEMA offers the four basic courses to become familiar with the ICS online. Two additional intermediate courses are required. These courses are only available in a classroom setting. FEMA also offers other self-study courses online. The more courses you complete, the more competitive you will be.
Real World Experience
The best way to get real world experience to assist you in finding a job in disaster management is to volunteer with local emergency management groups. Your local fire department, the Red Cross, or state emergency management team are excellent places to start. Or maybe your current job has a disaster management team. While volunteering, you should also read up on current issues by reading disaster management publications. One example of such a publication is Disaster Recovery Journal. On their website, you can see current news, read articles by disaster management professionals, and take advantage of webinars and training opportunities.
Finding Employment
Networking is key to finding career opportunities in the field of disaster management. Take advantage of professional associations by joining and attending meetings. As you participate in their luncheons and classes, you will meet many people involved in disaster management at different levels. One of these relationships may very well end in a job opening. While you are looking for employment opportunities, do not forget to look at less obvious organizations. Almost every type of institution will require some form of disaster management professional. Check with hospitals, schools, and the private industry for openings.
The demand for disaster management professionals is rising for all types of organizations. In order to position yourself as a contender for job openings, use every opportunity to further your understanding of and experience with disaster situations.