Trying to break into emergency management without formal experience can feel like standing at the edge of a fast-moving stream—unsure of how to cross or even where to start. You might be thinking: “Every job says I need experience… but how do I get experience if no one hires me?”
It’s a common frustration, and if you’re feeling stuck, you're not alone. The good news? There are real, practical ways to start building your path into the field—even if your resume doesn’t yet scream “emergency manager.”
Let’s talk about the challenges and how to start making real progress toward your goal.
The Reality: You’re Not Behind—You’re Just at the Starting Line
Emergency management is a wide field that pulls from all kinds of backgrounds: military, healthcare, public policy, law enforcement, nonprofits, even hospitality and education. That means there’s no “one right path” in—and that’s actually a good thing.
But it can also be tough to navigate, especially when job postings ask for 3–5 years of experience in a field you’re trying to enter.
So how do you stand out when you’re just getting started?
1. Translate What You Already Bring to the Table
You might not have emergency management on your resume yet—but you likely have relevant experience.
- Have you managed logistics, people, or events?
- Worked in a high-stress or fast-paced environment?
- Volunteered during disasters or supported communities in crisis?
- All of these are transferable. Emergency management is about coordination, problem-solving, and helping people in high-stakes situations—skills that show up in more jobs than you might think.
2. Build a Foundation Through Free or Low-Cost Training
One of the quickest ways to stand out (and feel more confident) is to take advantage of free, high-quality training programs. They help you speak the language of the field and show that you’re serious about learning.
Start with these:
FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) – These core courses are industry standards:
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200: Basic Incident Command System
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- IS-800: National Response Framework (NRF)
TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service) – Offers both online and hands-on courses in emergency management, homeland security, and disaster preparedness—many of which are FEMA-funded and completely free.
NDPTC (National Disaster Preparedness Training Center) – Focuses on community resilience, climate-related hazards, and supporting underserved populations. Courses are free and often available virtually.
Local and State Emergency Management Offices – Check if your city or state offers regional trainings, workshops, or exercises you can participate in.
These trainings add credibility to your resume and help you feel more grounded when you walk into interviews or networking spaces.
3. Get Involved—Even Without a Job Title
You don’t need a job in emergency management to start doing emergency management.
Volunteer: Look for opportunities with organizations like the Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), or Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Volunteering gives you experience, exposure, and relationships.
Network with intention: Join online groups like Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), attend virtual conferences or local events, and reach out to professionals for informational interviews.
Engage on LinkedIn: Follow emergency managers, share your learning journey, and comment on relevant posts. You’d be surprised how often someone notices—and remembers—your name.
4. Be Patient, Persistent, and Open to Starting Small
Entry-level roles in EM can be rare, but don’t overlook:
Internships and fellowships (even unpaid ones, if feasible)
- Part-time or contract roles
- Jobs in adjacent fields like public health, logistics, or crisis communications
- Sometimes, your first EM job might not have “emergency” in the title—but it can be a valuable stepping stone.
- Keep tailoring your resume, keep learning, and keep applying. The first "yes" can take time—but it will come.
Final Thoughts: You Belong in This Work
Emergency management needs people who care. People who are adaptable, collaborative, and willing to show up in difficult moments. If that’s you—then yes, you belong here.
You might not have experience yet. But you’re building it. And you don’t have to do it alone.
At Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), we’re here to support your journey with community, mentorship, and real resources that help emerging professionals find their way.