What to Do if a Career in Emergency Management Interests You
A career in public safety and emergency management can be very rewarding. While some days may be harder than others, you’ll most likely feel good about what you’re doing because you’re able to reach out and help others.
If a career in emergency management interests you then there are actions you can and should take to help you secure a job in this area. The best way to understand if it’s right for you is to go through the following motions to get a better idea of what will be required of you and what a day in the life of a public safety worker looks like.
Learn More
A good place to start if you’re considering a career in emergency management is to learn more about the various roles and opportunities. Research what you can about this area and explore what career options are available. You want to make sure there’s a specific path that you find attractive and that you want to pursue before going through all the work. When you’re doing your homework, you may discover that serving others and protecting your community is exactly how you want to spend your time going forward.
Further Your Education
In addition, if this type of career interests you then you’re going to want to obtain the right kind of education and background. For instance, consider getting your emergency management degree so you can show employers that you’re serious about working in this sort of job. In this coursework you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your position. This education will give you the foundation and confidence you need to thrive in your role working in public safety.
Observe & Learn from the Best
If you’re interested in a career in emergency management, then take time to observe and learn from others. Find people who are already working in the field and ask if you can do some job shadowing. Come prepared to ask questions and get more information about what will help you do a good job when you’re ready to take on a similar role. This is a great opportunity to figure out which direction you want to go with your degree and what companies or organizations you may want to work for one day. Informational interviews are another useful way to get a better idea of what to expect and if it’s the right career path for you.
Get Involved in Your Community
Since you’ll be working for (and with) your community as someone in emergency management, then it’s a good idea to get more involved in your surrounding environment. Get to know the lay of the land, the people involved, and what challenges you may face as you get further into your role. Use this time to educate yourself about any past experiences the community has faced and what they did to get through them.
Take Independent Study & Training
There are also opportunities for you to increase your knowledge about public safety by taking independent study and training courses. Many of them are free of charge and will help prepare you for entering this type of work. Get as much training as possible so you’re prepared to be successful in your role once you do land a job. As you absorb this new information, you’ll be able to quickly tell if this type of position still interests you. You might also want to attend conferences or seminars that cover this topic and will give you more insight as to what you’d be doing on a daily basis and what obstacles you might encounter.
Understand the Skills You Need to Succeed
Not everyone is going to be a perfect fit for a job in public safety. Therefore, get to know yourself and then understand the skills you need to succeed in this type of position. For example, you’re going to need to be a quick thinker, able to stay calm in high-pressure situations, and know how to work well with others. You’ll be the one responding to disasters and helping others to get back on their feet, so it’s important that you’re able to maintain a level-head and a positive attitude in the midst of chaos. That means you’re going to need to have the confidence in yourself to diffuse and control difficult situations or any problems that arise. People will also be looking to you for answers, so you need to be able to respond to their questions and inquiries with useful information and guidance. It’s also important that you’re a good listener and are able to show compassion for others.
Work on Your Mental Toughness
Working in emergency management isn’t an easy job and there will be good and bad days. However, if you build up your mental toughness you should be able to withstand the turbulence and be in a state to help others through traumatic times. Commit to managing your stress in your free time and practice healthy habits so that you’re well-rested and mentally strong to deal with unpredictable situations. You’ll likely be exposed to circumstances that may be overwhelming and difficult to look at. Therefore, make sure you’re mentally resilient and prepared to stay composed when responding to disasters or other difficult occurrences.
Conclusion
These are a few actions you can take if you’re interested in a career with a focus in emergency management. Going through these motions will help you to determine if this is truly the professional path you want to take. Enjoy the journey and remember you can always make changes or adjustments to which direction you want to head as you go. The most important thing is that you know you want to pursue a job in public safety and help others. If you take heed of the items on this list, then you’re sure to be an attractive job candidate to any employer who’s looking to hire public safety employees.