What do you do if you want to advance your career in emergency management through continuing education?

Research the role you’re looking to advance to and review the preferred knowledge and skills to qualify for the role. - Is a masters degree or professional certification required? - Is there a technical proficiency that you are novice at? - Does your current skill set align more to the basic or strongly desired/preferred qualifications? - Can you achieve necessary skills via a formal degree program, industry-specific trainings, skill-based online courses, or a mix of all three? Once you answer these questions, goal-setting will then inform the plan you need to develop in order to achieve the knowledge and skills needed to be competitive for your desired role.

There's are many free courses through FEMA that provide basic education. Roles in emergency management may even require/prefer certification in some. It's important to have some idea of what you want to do and how additional learning will apply to your current or future jobs. Taking courses just to have letters after your name or certifications doesn't benefit anyone. In fact, it could be viewed negatively when applying for a job that requires said certification/course completion and your experience doesn't match up. Reach out to professionals you look up to, someone that may be willing to mentor you, and ask for guidance and recommendations. If you are new to the industry, find organizations that support internship and apply.

100% - find a local professional organization and get plugged in! Be more than a member. Network, ask questions, participate! Did I say Participate? Be genuine with LinkedIn groups. Join to see if being a member is beneficial to you and to the group. If so, Participate! I think I did say, Participate!?!?

I believe that an emergency manager is only as strong as their professional network. An EMC (and their team) must have the ability to adapt and overcome all challenges with their supporting cast and army of problem-solvers at the ready. Like minded champions promote strategic and tactical solutions in the darkest of hours. I believe the saying is "it takes a village". Grow your network.

Demonstrate your value. This always seems to be a challenge. Many that I've mentored and even fellow colleagues seemingly under promote their accomplishments. Heck, I'm guilty too! To combat this challenge, I created a folder in Outlook called "Attagirls". It contains emails that recognize my accomplishments (e.g., certificates, course completions/continuing education, awards, promotions, thank you notes etc.). I email a picture of paper copies so they're recorded as well. This not only creates one place to store all of your records that can be accessed easily, but also a place to re-read an email when you need a little reminder of the positive impact you have/had on others. Wherever you store records, keep them handy for easy access!

This is huge. When we look across the horizon with a learning mind, it will get filled with new information. The risk field is always changing, so it's imperative we stay current and even ahead. Attend conferences, subscribe (AND READ) relevant newsletters, network with others in the industry, and Participate to gain knowledge and grow. Then, you'll soon be giving back to those that are coming behind you.

There are several ways to stay current in your profession. Here are a few ideas: - Active in professional orgs - Attend relevant conferences - Complete certication courses - Speak at networking events - Teach others, be a presenter