Career in Disaster Management

The emergence of disaster management as a full-fledged discipline coincides with the global efforts of reducing the quantum of loss during disasters, natural or man-made. These developments have not just been limited to practical relief operation bust also in the spheres of better information dissemination, prevention efforts, disaster research, logistic operations, personnel training, public policy and much more. Further, in recent decades, it has also called on discussion dealing with tragic disease outbreaks, especially in areas of South Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

What can I do with a Degree in Disaster Management?

Due to various distinguished roles in the industry, the courses, as well as the career prospects of the sector, have increased. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the important work profiles and the universities pertaining to establishing a career in this field. 

Disaster & Emergency Management Experts/Managers

The responsibility of overall specifics of disaster/emergency management rests on the shoulders of Disaster Management Experts and Managers. While the experts work in carrying out plans of evacuation, relief management, aid design and reach, relaying information to and fro, manpower management, amongst others, disaster management managers lead planning efforts. They remain in constant touch with those on the ground and evaluate situations with respect to reinforcements, international media reports and rehabilitation strategy, etc. Owing to its demanding nature, an advanced degree in this field, as well as significant experience working in humanitarian relief operations, is a major prerequisite.  

Investigators

Tasked with the charge of getting to the core of the disasters, investigators play a major role in finding out the whys and hows of disasters. Investigation efforts also aid in integrating the results, better design and implementation of prevention efforts, policy regulations, avoiding mistakes as well as how to be both effective and efficient. Typical responsibilities may include flaw recognition, evidence examination and management, amongst others, A prior background in disaster management or law is preferred.

Disaster Researcher

Similar to the job of any other research professional, a disaster researcher specializes in understanding the nature, various types, and impacts of disasters across continents. Issues researchers tackle include occurrences of specific calamities in particular areas, contrasting management philosophies, history and proactiveness of governmental and international aid efforts along with cases on the emergence of new kinds of mishaps of the 21st century, etc. Academic organizations like research agencies and universities are the foremost hubs of researchers.

Policy Analyst

[optin-monster-shortcode id=”xf2mlnjiouddzrshykdb”]

Disaster management is as much a function of policy methods and guidelines as it is of relief efforts and humanitarian assistance. Recognizing specific mishaps as disasters, issuing alerts, collaborating with transnational organizations, fund management, designing of prevention mechanisms and all in all, better policymaking can lower the magnitude of disasters. A master’s degree in disaster management or in general, the public policy comes in especially handy.

Also Read: Master in Public Health

Logistics Expert

Effective disaster management and humanitarian aid efforts rest on the fundamental efficiency of logistic preparedness as well as during operations. From transportation and emergency communication to resource planning and its distribution, logistics experts ensure that both human and economic losses are to a minimum. Further, this may also include storing and inventory management of food and storage supplies, tracing, facilitating search and rescue and operations, repair and replacement of essential equipment and so forth. 

In addition to the above, you can also explore opportunities as:

• Fire Inspectors
• Public Safety Officer
• Operations and Training Coordinator
• Command and Control Specialist
• Fundraiser

How to Prepare for a Career in Disaster/Relief/Mitigation Management?

Typical organization recruiting for disaster management professionals include governments, aid organizations UN Peacebuilding Commission, think tanks, local resilience forums, independent NGOs, etc. A disaster mitigation or management degree is a common requirement for entry to senior-level jobs across such industries along with quick decision-making, time management, organization, supervision, delegation, critical thinking and communication skills.

Name of University	Location	THE World University Rankings 2021	Courses in Disaster Management [DM]
University College London	UK	16th	MSc Earthquake Engg. with DM MPhil Risk & Disaster Reduction MSc Risk & Disaster Science etc
University of Manchester	UK	=51st	MSc International DM
Lund University	Sweden	=103rd	Masters in Disaster Risk Management & Climate Change Adaptation
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	Hong Kong	129th	MSc in DM [Resilience, Response & Relief]
University of Auckland	New Zealand	=147th	Master of DM
The University of Newcastle	Australia	251-300th	Master of Disaster Resilience & Sustainable DEvelopment MPhil [DM]

Also Read: Study in New Zealand

A career in disaster management requires dedication, resilience and above all, the trait of being on toes. If you feel you have it in yourself but are unsure about the university or the course then take the assistance of Leverage Edu’s AI tool which will curate a list of most suitable educational institutes the courses of which align with your professional goals.