Long before 2020 and its unforgettable series of events unfolded, the world needed professionals who understood how to help society prepare, respond and recover when things go awry. These workers are essential to infrastructure, healthcare, and organization of volunteer efforts until routines can return to normal.
Most people thinking about going back to school are concerned about earning potential after graduation, the pace of the degree program, and financial aid. But many are also looking for a degree program that will help them make a direct impact on the world. In disaster or crisis scenarios, they ask, what can I do? How can I help? Maybe you have always thought about a career that puts you in direct contact with those facing disaster and hardship.
If you find yourself in this “helper” category, how can you turn your passion for people into a career? Most people think of doctors, nurses, law enforcement and emergency response teams, but relief efforts involve all kinds of occupations and skills. Below is a list of these occupations from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Emergency management directors
- General and operations managers
- Social and community service managers
- Fundraisers
- Business operations specialists
- Child, family and school social workers
- Mental health counselors
- Community health workers
- Social and human service assistants
- Delivery service drivers
Communication specialists also play integral roles in relief, along with information technology specialists, software developers, and essential infrastructure workers.
Disaster relief jobs aren’t for everyone. They may require long hours, involve tough decisions, or put you in difficult situations that are both mentally and emotionally taxing. So, what degree programs can help prepare you for this work? Here are a few you can find online at IWU:
- Management (BS, MS)
- Communication (BS)
- Human Services (AS, BS)
- Psychology (BS, MA)
- Social Work (BSW, MSW)
- Counseling (MA)
- Public Health (MPH)
- Organizational Leadership (BS, MA, PhD)
- Information Technology (AS, BS)
Spiritual leaders and pastors also provide an important network of support for many people during times of disaster or difficulty. Students who are ready to jump into entry-level ministry careers can explore theology and ministry undergraduate degrees at IWU and even move on to graduate-level studies at Wesley Seminary.
To keep exploring degree programs that can help you become a people-helper, visit IWUisHow.com.