Exploring the job placement of recent emergency management graduates

Jessica Jensen, PhD; Sarah J. Bundy Kirkpatrick, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2020.0477

Authors

Jessica Jensen, PhD
Sarah J. Bundy Kirkpatrick, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2020.0477

Keywords:

job placement, employment, emergency management, higher education, graduate, degree

Abstract

Graduate job placement is an important issue for emergency management higher education programs, practitioners, and students. Yet, despite considerable discussion about the topic, no line of empirical research has emerged. This article begins to address this gap by reporting the findings of an exploratory study that examined the actual job placement of students who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in emergency management and the extent to which their placement was consistent with their intent. This study found that the vast majority of recent graduates are indeed securing jobs they want, but, for about half, the jobs they want are not emergency management. There is significant diversity in the career-paths and sectors being pursued by graduates. This article discusses the potential implications of these findings as well as the critical need for further research in this area.

Author Biographies

Jessica Jensen, PhD

Associate Professor, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

Sarah J. Bundy Kirkpatrick, PhD

Assistant Professor, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

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