Exploring Careers in Emergency and Disaster Management

There are many career paths to explore within the EDM field! The following options are only a sampling of the varying directions you can consider. Keep in mind the path you choose may require additional education, certifications, experiences, and/or other qualifications beyond obtaining a degree in emergency and disaster management.

Sample job titles:

Your ideal career path may or may not appear in the list above; continue exploring career options until you find a path that aligns with your individual interests and professional goals. In addition, make it a priority to learn as much as possible about your desired career path. The more you know about your target job, the better you can plan and prepare yourself for success.

The following career resources can help you continue your research:

Curious about what it’s like to work in EDM? Here’s a great chance to listen and learn! In the following Candid Career videos, EDM professionals describe their day-to-day job duties:

You can watch the full recorded interviews (or learn how to conduct your own informational interview) by accessing Candid Career through our unique university link.

Getting involved in voluntary safety and emergency response organizations can help you gain new experiences, sharpen your skills, build your professional network, and make a positive impact in people’s lives! Joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is just one of many opportunities to volunteer and gain relevant experience in the EDM field. CERT programs exist to provide basic disaster response training and preparedness education to hundreds of communities across the country. Contact your local emergency management agency about upcoming CERT training opportunities in your area.

Other volunteer opportunities within your state or local area might include:

For more information about ways to volunteer in your state and local communities, visit ready.gov.

Employers gravitate toward hiring candidates who possess relevant, real-world experiences that complement their education. If you have limited experience in your target functional area, there are several ways you can gain relevant new skills and experiences. To brainstorm additional ideas, contact your career coach at [email protected].

Internships

Internship opportunities can be found at a variety of agencies and organizations across the country. While many opportunities are posted online, others can only be discovered by reaching out to an organization directly.

Below are a few ideas on where you can start your search:

*Please note that while Career Services can help you prepare for the internship application process, the university does not coordinate internships or provide placement services.

Volunteering

Explore volunteer opportunities with your local Office of Emergency Management, CERT team, disaster relief and intervention groups, fire departments, government agencies, neighborhood watch programs, shelters, schools, and hospitals.

If you are currently employed, also consider asking your employer about opportunities to volunteer on safety or emergency response committees at work.

National & Community Service Programs

Consider looking into service-based programs and opportunities through the Corporation for National & Community Service, such as:

Fellowships

Fellowships can provide invaluable opportunities to gain relevant professional experience. An example of a fellowship program would include the federal Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program.

Building meaningful connections with employers, recruiters, mentors, and industry professionals can help you learn more about a position or field as well as aid you during a future job search. Below are a few ideas on how you can begin establishing new professional relationships.

APUS Virtual Career Fairs

Career Services offers industry-specific virtual career fairs throughout the year, providing students and alumni with opportunities to connect with employers and recruiters. View our Virtual Career Fairs on our events page.

Past participating VCF employers have included*:

*Please note that past employer participation does not guarantee future employer VCF participation. 

APUS Mentoring Program

Receive coaching, motivation, and guidance from a university mentor. Visit the university's mentoring page to learn more.

Classroom Interactions

Building your professional network can occur right in your classroom! Our Emergency and Disaster Management degree programs are IFSAC accredited and taught by highly credentialed and experienced instructors, many of whom are board-certified emergency managers (CEM) or hold key positions in government agencies or national safety and security organizations. Throughout your degree program, start building a positive rapport with your EDM instructors, and don’t be afraid to ask them about their job roles, career experiences, and any career advice they are willing to share!

Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization offers a variety of career and professional development benefits, including the opportunity to network at conferences and other events. There are several professional organizations within the EDM field, so be sure to explore all your options to find the best fit for you. Examples of relevant organizations include:

LinkedIn

Build your network, connect with employers, and join LinkedIn groups to engage in professional discussions. Examples of LinkedIn groups include:

Interested in learning more about a specific area of emergency and disaster response? FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute offers free online training courses through their Independent Study Program (ISP). Independent Study courses can help you learn more about the emergency management field and can also be referenced on your resume when applying to relevant job or internship opportunities!

Visit FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute website for more information on upcoming ISP courses and additional training opportunities.