EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

Outcomes & Performance

The Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website for the most up-to-date employment outlook information in this field.

Lakeland's emergency management degree can also be used as a stepping stone for future advancement in other degree programs. Your degree can be transferred to other colleges leading to degrees such as bachelor of Science in Emergency Management, Public Administration or Criminal Justice, or a Master of Public Administration degree. These degrees could qualify one for a position as safety director, city manager or other government administrative positions. Learn more about pursuing a bachelor's degree at Lakeland's Holden University Center.

As of the latest available data, employment in the field of emergency management has continued to grow and evolve, with a wide range of opportunities available. The field has expanded significantly to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. Below is an updated overview of the employment outlook in Emergency Management:

Diverse Opportunities: The field of emergency management offers diverse opportunities for individuals with varying backgrounds and skill sets. Professionals in this field are sought after for their expertise in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

• What they do: Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
• Work environment: Although most emergency management directors work in an office, they also typically travel to meet with various government agencies, community groups, and private companies. During disasters and emergencies, directors often work in stressful situations.
• Job outlook: Employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations.
• Despite limited employment growth, about 900 openings for emergency management directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retiring.

Broad Spectrum of Organizations: Employment opportunities are found across various types of organizations, including:

• Government agencies: Local, county, state, and federal emergency management agencies continue to play a crucial role in hiring professionals to develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate resources, and lead disaster recovery efforts.
• Private sector: Businesses and industries recognize the importance of emergency preparedness and risk management. Private companies, particularly in sectors vulnerable to disruptions, hire experts to ensure continuity of operations and develop robust disaster response plans.
• Nonprofit and community-based organizations: Organizations like the American Red Cross, as well as local community-based groups, hire individuals to facilitate disaster relief efforts, offer support services, and provide education to communities.
• Insurance companies: The insurance industry increasingly values professionals who can assess and manage risks, contributing to their ability to respond effectively to disaster-related claims.
• Consulting firms: Consulting firms specialize in providing guidance to a range of clients, offering services such as risk assessment, planning, and training.

Evolving technology and practices: The field has embraced technological advancements, including the     use of data analytics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and social media for enhanced communication during emergencies.

Global perspective: With the interconnectedness of the modern world, there are opportunities for emergency management professionals to work internationally, assisting with disaster response, preparedness training, and coordination efforts.

Specializations: Emergency management has developed specialized niches, such as public health emergency planning, cyber emergency management, and climate-related disaster resilience planning.

Collaboration and communication: Soft skills like effective communication, collaboration, crisis leadership, and adaptability are increasingly emphasized due to the nature of the field.

Job growth: While specific statistics might vary, the demand for emergency management professionals is projected to continue growing, driven by the increasing frequency and complexity of disasters and emergencies.

Continuous learning: Professionals in this field benefit from ongoing education, certifications, and professional development to stay current with best practices and evolving trends.