The world is rapidly changing, and so are the careers and fields of education that can help make a difference. With the pandemic of COVID-19 spreading around the world, many people are looking at their career choices and making changes.
On a day-to-day basis, emergency management specialists are making a real difference in the fight to keep people safe. The work of someone in this career field is all about leading and helping others.
Imagine showing up to work and making life-changing decisions every day. Imagine working with a team that educates and protects your community.
If this sounds appealing to you, then a degree in Disaster and Crisis Management is just right for you.
The Importance of Emergency Management Specialists
There are constantly new and evolving emergency situations developing around the world. Each of these events has someone, or many people, in charge of directing the efforts to manage the event.
Communities depend on the people who work as Emergency Management Specialists. This profession is vital since disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity around the globe. According to the Emergency Disaster Database, or EM-DAT, the total natural disasters reported each year has been steadily increasing in recent decades, from 78 in 1970 to 348 in 2004. Some examples of natural disasters include:
- Prolonged Droughts
- Volcanic Eruptions
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
You can work in a small city, a large city, a state, the federal government, or even an international organization.
Because hazards are ever-changing, the way our communities deal with these disasters has to evolve and change too. The importance of Emergency Management Specialists will not lessen over time. In fact, an increase in need is more than likely with huge global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
What an Emergency Response Specialist Does
An Emergency Management Specialist coordinates the disaster response or crisis management. This person works to prepare communities, cities, or the country with disaster preparedness training, emergency plans, and procedures.
It is essential to be able to provide a wide variety of disaster plans, including:
- Natural Disasters – Such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.
- Wartime Disasters
- Technology Disasters – Including ransomware on government systems, hazardous spills, and nuclear power plant emergencies.
- Medical Disasters – Such as epidemics and pandemics like COVID-19
- Hostage Situations
The job of an Emergency Management Specialist is ongoing well before an emergency situation actually takes place. The preparation and planning involved can make or break an actual response situation.
Educating the key people who will be involved in a response, conducting mock disasters, and constantly updating training material is necessary to keep up with changing times. Staying on top of local, state and countrywide threats is an ongoing issue well before the actual emergency situation hits.
During an emergency, it is time to take charge. Being a good leader is an important aspect of this part of the job. Ordering evacuations, opening shelters, and distributing essential items will all be ordered by the Emergency Management Specialist.
After the emergency, the specialist conducts a thorough analysis of what went well and what did not work well. It will be necessary to take criticism well and be willing to make changes so the emergency plans can be even better for the next time.
Who is Hiring Emergency Management Specialists?
Local governments, large corporations, and federal governments are all possible employers for someone specializing in emergency management. Nonprofit organizations also hire workers in this field. Here are some of the most prominent employers looking for people with a degree in Crisis and Disaster Management:
- FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Florida Division of Emergency Management (or your state’s division)
- The American Red Cross
The Degree That Prepares You for the Crisis Management Field
To get started as an emergency management specialist, you have to get a college degree. There are many different options available to you. When searching for a program it is important to look at the full course requirements, internships, and curriculum.
At Everglades University, our Bachelor of Science Degree in Disaster and Crisis Management will provide everything you need to work as an Emergency Management Specialist. Our degree program sets a foundation for leaders in this field. With a constantly evolving curriculum, the program is designed for real-life disaster situations. Some of the courses available include:
- Crisis and Disaster Psychology
- Community Disaster Mitigation and Recovery
- Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment
- Terrorism and Homeland Security
Hands-on internships provide students with real-life situations and the knowledge they need to lead when they graduate. Advisors work closely with each student to ensure they are guided in the direction that will allow them to have the career of their dreams as an Emergency Management Specialist.
It is easier than ever to get started in this career or change careers and start something new and exciting. Take control of your life today! Enroll in the Disaster and Crisis Management program at Everglades University now and within a few short years, you will be making a difference!
