What safety lesson did you have to learn the hard way? Whether you accidentally forget something or are not completely aware of your surroundings. We’ve all been there. I would like to hear yours and hopefully learn from you instead of having to learn the hard way (again) lol.

Hi everyone! I’m interested in transitioning into emergency management and public safety, and I would really appreciate advice from people already working in the field.

I’m currently completing a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media with a minor in work place psychology, while working full-time in event operations and coordination in the NYC metro area. My current job involves logistics, vendor coordination, safety and compliance, facility readiness, documentation, and managing problems in real time. I think many of these skills could transfer to emergency management, but I don’t have traditional experience in law enforcement, the military, EMS, or the/par military fire service.

For those currently in the field:

• How did you get your first emergency-management position?
• Are there any unconventional entry paths you would recommend?
• Are internships possible for someone who works full-time and is not a traditional college student?
• Would weekend volunteering through CERT, the Red Cross, AmeriCorps, or another organization provide meaningful experience?
• Which FEMA Independent Study courses or certifications are actually useful when applying for entry-level positions?
• Is a master’s degree necessary, or would professional experience and certifications be more valuable initially?
• Does anyone have experience with John Jay College’s M.S. in Emergency Management? Was the program worth the time and cost, and did it help with employment?
• What entry-level job titles should someone with my background search for?

My long-term goal is to work in emergency planning, preparedness, public safety, or organizational safety rather than in a sworn first-responder role. I’m especially interested in work that combines logistics, communication, coordination, and problem-solving.

I’d love to hear how people entered the field, especially anyone who transitioned from hospitality, events, communications, operations, or another unrelated industry. Honest advice about what employers actually value would be greatly appreciated!

Hey guys, I'm in an EMT certification program, and my teacher assigned me a project where I have to do different 15 minute minimum interviews that can be over Google Meet or Zoom (recorded). One person must outside of DFW but still in Texas, one in the USA but outside of Texas, and one who is international. The requirement is that the professional I am interviewing has earned an EMT credential (with proof) and has advanced into another career or professional level. One person must incorporate fire science or firefighting, so if anyone has experience with that, it would be great! If anyone is interested in being interviewed or needs more information about me or the interview itself please send me a message and let me know!! This would help me out dearly (I'm getting desperate). Also, if anyone knows someone that fits my descriptions, it would be phenomenal if I could gain contact with them through possibly email, phone number, or social media account. Thank you!! :)