Did you know that there are actually many government agencies that employ emergency management grads? Contrary to popular belief, not all preparedness is rested on the shoulders of a single department here. To find out more, let’s take a look at five specific agencies employing emergency management majors and their specialized knowledge right now.
FEMA
FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is the primary entity with which the government provides the country with emergency preparedness and response efforts when called for. Many believe that because of its place on the forefront in EM services, that FEMA is the sole provider. This is not true as you’ll soon read. Quite appropriately, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March of 2003 in order to more thoroughly serve its designated purpose.
FBI
Although emergencies are not necessarily its specialty, the FBI is rigged to be able to render some emergency management services if ever called upon to do so. Contingency plans are much a part of that function. Primarily, this law enforcement agency is designed to be the head investigatory service of the land, however, much due to the singular catalyst of terrorism, the agency has become a bit more flexible in its abilities. As a result, there is plenty of demand for someone with EM experience or education here.
Secret Service
The US Secret Service is a top-notch law enforcement agency with specific goals involving investigations, protection of assets, and handling any number of possible crises. In the field or back at the office, those working here are prided for their ability to handle emergencies as well if not better than anyone else in the business. To take this a step further, according to the service, “agents assigned to protective assignments also participate in unique crisis training simulations that present agents with a variety of ‘real world’ emergency situations”.
US Department of Transportation
When we think of emergencies, we often think of necessities and resources needed in a single, centralized location of need. However, transportation and the ability to move people, goods, and services reliably during emergencies is also quite crucial. The US Department of Transportation knows that and thus regularly depends on emergency management grads and their learned expertise. In fact, according to the department, “under the National Response Framework, DOT is the primary federal agency for the Emergency Support Function – 1 – Transportation (ESF-1)”.
US Department of Agriculture
Food, water, and general consumables can become of the utmost importance in emergency situations. Some emergencies even have the potential to directly affect the nation’s entire food supplies and reserves. As a result of the importance of food within and without emergencies, the USDA has its own vast network of specialists and planning frameworks for such potential situations. The USDA is also a critical part of the nation’s entire National Response Framework, or NRF.
Emergency management is all about containing emerging situations and bringing about the best resolution for all involved. Contrary to popular belief, many government departments and agencies are involved with emergency management and preparedness functions, as opposed to just FEMA alone. In conclusion, for today’s emergency management grad, the job opportunities in government positions are extensive.
Related resource:
Online Emergency Management Degree Programs: A Complete Guide