Before you study for a degree in Emergency Management degree, you need to research the field to determine whether or not there’s a lot of opportunities. Becoming an emergency manager can be extremely rewarding if you are the right fit for the position and the subset of the field that you choose. Man-made and natural disasters can both have an impact on communities and organizations in the private and public sector. Since the consequences of poor disaster planning are high, there’s a much greater focus on expanding the field and certifying professionals.
What Is The Outlook for Professionals in Emergency Management?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency was created with President Jimmy Carter signed the executive order in 1979. The entire purpose of forming the agency was to create “A Nation Prepared” by hiring a team of federal employees that prepare for disasters, prevent the possibility of disasters, respond to events, and recover from catastrophic events that have already struck.
While FEMA has played a very important role in building and sustaining disaster plans and response efforts for the last 38 years, the organizational structure itself has begun to change and the need for more and more specialized emergency managers has grown. This is why the US Department of Labor has classified Emergency Management as a bright outlook occupation.
How Much is the Field Projected to Grow By?
From 2014 to 2024, the field of Emergency Management is projected to grow by 6 percent. Based on this projection, it means that there will be a need for about 700 more qualified directors in the field by the end of 2024. These directors will be in charge of developing response plans that address the latest risks that modern technology leaves the country vulnerable to. There’s no sign that growth will slow in the near future because there will always be exposure to man-made and natural threats.
More and More Emergency Management Programs Are Being Created
You will need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management or a related area of study to land an entry-level position in the field. If you would like to start studying to change careers within the next few years, it’s best to compare accredited Emergency Management degree programs first.
Studying For a Degree to Get Certified
Currently, there around more than 180 different degree programs that you can enroll in where you’ll major in Emergency Management curriculum. The number of the programs offered at universities and other higher learning institutions has grown in the recent years as the demand for qualified graduates and certified managers has grown. While a college degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll land a position, it’s mandatory to land a job and to eventually get certified.
You must immerse yourself in current emergency management policies, in regulations that exist around the world, and in theory when you want to learn how to become an emergency manager. The very first step to starting your career in this growing field will be to study for your 4-year degree.
You can’t become a federal employee through an agency like FEMA unless you have years of experience in the field or you have completed enough college credits. While it can be challenging to focus on a new field of study, entering into an Emergency Management degree program can change your future for the better.
Related resource:
Online Emergency Management Degree Programs: A Complete Guide