How do you find emergency management opportunities?

1 Assess your skills and interests

Before you start looking for emergency management opportunities, it is important to assess your own skills and interests. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your passions and motivations? What are your educational and professional backgrounds? What are your short-term and long-term career objectives? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your focus and target the opportunities that suit your profile and aspirations.

2 Research the emergency management sector

The emergency management sector is diverse and dynamic, with various roles and responsibilities across different levels and sectors. For example, you can work at the local, state, or federal level, or for a non-governmental organization, a private company, or a community group. You can also specialize in a specific type of emergency, such as natural disasters, public health crises, or terrorism. To find emergency management opportunities, you need to research the sector and understand its structure, functions, trends, and challenges. You can use online sources, such as websites, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and social media, to learn more about the sector and its stakeholders.

3 Network with emergency management professionals

One of the most effective ways to find emergency management opportunities is to network with emergency management professionals. Networking can help you gain insights, advice, referrals, and support from people who work or have worked in the field. You can network with emergency management professionals through various channels, such as online platforms, events, associations, and mentors. For example, you can join online communities, such as LinkedIn groups, forums, and chats, where you can connect and interact with other emergency management enthusiasts and experts. You can also attend events, such as webinars, workshops, conferences, and trainings, where you can meet and exchange ideas with emergency management practitioners and leaders. You can also join associations, such as the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) or the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), where you can access resources, opportunities, and networks related to emergency management. Finally, you can seek mentors, who are experienced and trusted emergency management professionals, who can guide and coach you in your career development.

4 Update your resume and portfolio

Another tip to find emergency management opportunities is to update your resume and portfolio. Your resume and portfolio are essential tools to showcase your skills, achievements, and potential to potential employers or collaborators. You should tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific emergency management opportunity you are applying for or pursuing. You should highlight your relevant education, training, certification, experience, and projects related to emergency management. You should also use keywords, action verbs, and quantifiable results to demonstrate your value and impact. Moreover, you should include a cover letter or a personal statement that explains your interest and suitability for the emergency management opportunity.

5 Search for emergency management opportunities

The final step to find emergency management opportunities is to search for them. You can use various sources and strategies to search for emergency management opportunities, depending on your preferences and availability. For example, you can use online job boards, such as Indeed, Monster, or Glassdoor, to find paid emergency management positions. You can also use online volunteer platforms, such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or UN Volunteers, to find unpaid emergency management roles. You can also use online databases, such as FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) or the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), to find emergency management courses and programs. Additionally, you can use your network, such as your contacts, referrals, or mentors, to find emergency management opportunities that may not be advertised or widely known.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?