If you would like to work in emergency management as the executive who prepares response plans that will be followed in the event of a natural disaster, you may want to consider becoming an emergency management director. Emergency management is a growing field with a long list of career opportunities for candidates who are skilled and trained. To get formal training in this area of study, you will need to enroll in the right degree program and attain the right type of professional field experience. If you cannot navigate through all of the pathways you can travel down while working in emergency management, here is a guide that will help you attain your career goals in the shortest amount of time possible.
Emergency Management Director Qualifications
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree From An Accredited School
The very first step to becoming a director in emergency management is enrolling in a relevant Bachelor’s degree program at a respected school. While it might be possible to find a position in the field with a private or non-profit agency with just your high school diploma, government agencies prefer candidates with no less than a 4-year degree. There is a long list of different majors that you can choose that will be classified as relevant.
While most schools do not have undergraduate emergency management programs, you can major in fire science, homeland security, disaster management or even public administration and still qualify for entry-level roles. Be sure that any elective courses that you have the choice to take emphasize skills or cover subject areas that are relevant. Make sure whatever program that you take has regional accreditation and is recognized by the US Department of Education so that you can advance your degree at a graduate school.
Step 2: Get Professional Experience in the Field
The classroom is where you will listen to lectures, learn theories, and be introduced some of the many strategies that directors will use to construct response plans, but gaining knowledge is not the same as getting practical experience. You need to get professional experience in a lower-level position so that you will be able to demonstrate your abilities. You may want to look for jobs in public or private settings as a security officer, fire safety specialist, law enforcement officer, disaster planner and more. You should review your options for entry-level positions and then begin applying to those that only require a Bachelor’s degree.
Step 3: Get a Professional Certification
Preparing response plans and minimizing the risk of damage to people and property is a big responsibility. This is why there are certification programs that will provide candidates and specialists in the field with credentials that they can use to become directors. If you want to be seriously considered for a director role, review the requirements to become a Certified Emergency Manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers. Once you are a CEM, you will have edge against others who are competing for director positions.
Emergency managers are preparedness team leaders who plan for and then deal with all types of hazards. If you want to work in management and are ready to get your degree, you are one step closer to attaining your goals. Once you earn your Bachelor’s, prove yourself in the field, and get certified, you can land upper-level titles that will lead to emergency management director.