Aspiring Emergency Managers Online

The Role of Community Networks in Disaster Preparedness

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:59:32 -0700

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, and it is the perfect time to highlight one of the most important, and sometimes overlooked, parts of preparedness: community networks.

When a disaster happens, we often picture FEMA trucks, first responders, and state or local emergency teams rushing in. And yes, they are critical. But in those first hours or days, it is often the people right around you who make the biggest difference.

Your neighbors. Your local church. The volunteer group down the street. These community connections are often the real first line of defense and the heart of long-term recovery.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Strong social connections can be just as important as sandbags or bottled water.
Research shows that neighborhoods with strong community ties, even low‑income ones, are more likely to feel prepared and recover faster than areas where people do not know each other. On the other hand, some wealthier communities have struggled because they lacked those personal connections (NSFRead More

Carving Your Path in Emergency Management

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:50:07 -0700

When you're just starting out in Emergency Management, finding your niche can feel overwhelming. I remember being in the Homeland Security Emergency Management program at Pierce College, trying to figure out exactly where I fit in. At the time, I was interested in becoming a Public Information Officer—but I wasn’t entirely confident in that path.

One day, I had a conversation with a state emergency manager that changed everything. She emphasized the importance of finding a niche—something that aligns with your strengths and interests. One idea she mentioned was writing about emergency preparedness. Since I was already doing work study for the college newspaper, I thought it would be a great opportunity to write an article about disaster readiness and what to include in a Go-Kit.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit shortly after, and the campus shut down. That article never got published. But the idea of helping others prepare stayed with me—and so did the question:

That’s when I decided to create a LinkedIn group for students and early-career professionals navigating their path in Emergency Management. A space to share our challenges, celebrate small wins, and support each other—especially as everything shifted online. I called it Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO).

To my surprise, the group grew quickly. Both aspiring and seasoned emergency managers joined, offering advice, encouragement, and resources. I realized then that this could be more than just a group. People needed connection and community—so I started organizing virtual networking events, partnering with EM professionals and organizations to facilitate conversations, share insights, and support people entering the field.

Eventually, I took a leap and applied to speak at the Regional Healthcare Leadership Coalition Symposium in Galveston, Texas. My topic was “Taking and Giving Chances: I have had the good fortune of being mentored by a variety of people for as long as I can remember.

Equally rewarding have been the memories of mentoring others. These formal and informal arrangements have allowed me to move in professional circles that might otherwise have been closed to me. Now that the “sun is over the yardarm” on my career — with more years behind me than ahead — I ask your permission to reflect on these experiences and offer some suggestions for you, wherever you are in your career.

Whenever I lead a workshop, I make a point to ask during the introductions: “How many years do you have ‘in the business’ — however you choose to count that?” If your 20 years as an Army nurse set you up for success in your current role in public health, count them. No one audits these numbers.

I ask someone to tally them up as we go along, and after the introductions are complete, I ask for the total. In the most recent workshop, the total was 241 years among the 15 people in the room. I make a point to face the person with the most seniority (last week, it was 45 years) and say, “As much experience as you have, there are 196 years of other people’s experience available to you right in this room.” Then I turn to the most junior participant, who in this case measured her experience in months, not years, and say, “Look at all the experience you can tap among the people you now know.”

I may have more experience than you in some areas… but I don’t have your experience. And your experience — no matter how limited — adds...Read More

How to Write a Resume That Gets You Into Emergency Management

Wed, 21 May 2025 13:46:52 -0700

What I learned is that your resume doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to tell your story in a way that shows you’re serious about this work and ready to grow. If you’re trying to figure out how to build a strong resume without years of EM experience, here’s what’s worked for me and what I wish someone had told me earlier.

Start With What You

Do Have

I didn’t come from a long line of emergency managers. But I did have experience leading teams, managing logistics, training people, and responding in high pressure situations. If you’ve worked in healthcare, education, public safety, the military, or even community organizing, you have relevant skills.

Ask yourself:

Have I ever had to think fast under pressure?
Have I supported people in a crisis?
Have I helped plan events, manage teams, or communicate important information?

If the answer is yes, you’re already working in the spirit of emergency management. Your resume should reflect that.

Format Matters

Before anyone reads your resume, they see it. A clean, clear format goes a long way in making a strong first impression. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

Use a professional font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia, size 10 to 12
Stick to a one to two page resume if you have less than 10 years of relevant experience
Use bold for section headers and job titles to create hierarchy
Keep margins consistent and use bullet points to break up text
Save and send your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting

Also, unless you’re applying internationally or the job explicitly asks for one, do not include a photo on your resume. In the U.S., it’s actually discouraged, and for good reason — it helps reduce bias and keeps the...Read More

Breaking Into Emergency Management with No Experience: Yes, It’s Possible

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:34:46 -0700

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...Read More

The Reality of Job Hunting: What Happens When You’re Ghosted

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 19:15:56 -0700

Searching for a job can feel like a full-time job in itself. You spend hours updating your resume, writing tailored cover letters, and scouring job boards for opportunities that align with your skills. On top of that, you might take extra courses or certifications to further qualify yourself.
Then comes the interview process. You invest time researching the company, practicing your answers, and choosing the right outfit. You might even spend additional time figuring out the logistics of getting to the interview, and after all that effort, you’re left hoping for good news.
But, what happens if you don’t get that news? What if the company you interviewed with ghosts you? The emails you sent go unanswered. The calls go unreturned. You’re left in limbo, without any explanation. Unfortunately, this is a reality many of us face.
Sarah’s Story:
Sarah, an aspiring emergency manager fresh out of college, had been excited about landing her first job in the field. She’d dedicated hours refining her resume and cover letter, applying for a position at a local emergency management firm. After she secured the interview, she spent even more time preparing, researching the company, and practicing her responses.
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean
Embarking on a job search can sometimes feel like setting sail without a compass. However, by adopting a strategic approach through goal-setting and clear objectives, you not only chart a course but also increase your chances of reaching the shores of career success.
Let’s explore the transformative impact of setting goals and objectives in your job search.
1. Define Your Destination: Set Clear Career Goals
Just as a ship needs a destination, your job search requires a clear goal. Define your career aspirations, considering both short-term and long-term objectives. Whether it’s securing a specific role, entering a new industry, or advancing in your current field, a well-defined destination provides direction and purpose.
2. Break It Down: Create Measurable Objectives
Breaking down your overarching goal into measurable objectives is like creating a navigational map. Identify specific actions and milestones that lead to your desired destination. Whether it’s updating your resume, expanding your professional network, or acquiring a new skill,...Read More

Nailing the Interview: Best Practices for Preparation, Execution, and Follow-Up

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 14:02:27 -0700

"I believe that people make their own luck by great preparation and good strategy." - Jack Canfield
The job interview is your moment to shine, a chance to showcase your skills and personality to potential employers. In our ever-evolving professional landscape, interviews come in two primary formats: in-person and virtual. Mastering the art of preparation, execution, and follow-up is essential for success. In this blog post, we'll delve into the best practices for acing both in-person and virtual interviews and share tips on what to do after the interview to leave a lasting impression.
Before the Interview:
1. Research Thoroughly:
In-Person: Familiarize yourself with the company's culture, values, and the role you're applying for. Tailor your responses to align with the organization's mission and vision.
Virtual: Understand the virtual platform you'll be using and ensure your technology is reliable. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
2In the unpredictable landscape of emergency management, where crisis response and strategic planning can be as dynamic as the disasters they address, the value of a guiding hand cannot be overstated. For those venturing into the field, the journey can be both rewarding and challenging. This is where the significance of having a mentor becomes clear. A mentor, with their wealth of experience and seasoned insights, serves as a compass for navigating the complexities of emergency management careers. In this brief exploration, we delve into the compelling reasons why aspiring emergency manager professionals in this field should actively seek the guidance and mentorship that can shape not only their careers but also their ability to make a meaningful impact in times of crisis. We will discuss how to find mentors within Emergency Management.
The Importance of Mentorship in Emergency Management:
1. Learning from Experience:
In a field as complex as Emergency Management, learning from the experiences of those who have weathered various crises is invaluable. Mentors can share real-world insights, practical strategies, and lessons learned from their own careers.
2. Building a Network:
Emergency Management often involves collaboration across various agencies and sectors. A mentor can introduce you to their professional network, providing opportunities to connect with...Read More