CPaCE News

Many people who become students in CSULB’s Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration (EMER) degree program have personal experiences that drive them towards this specialized field. For Chris Todd, working as a Fire Captain gave him plenty of exposure to intense situations and he was looking for a way to transition into a more balanced lifestyle. Meanwhile, fellow EMER student Brad Perkins had been obsessed with disaster preparedness ever since losing his home as a teenager in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and he became even more interested in emergency management while working in the healthcare industry.

“I realized that this profession exists in so many different fields,” Brad said. “It really motivated me to pursue my master’s degree.” 

“Coming from the fire service, I was looking for a career where I could be more available for my family and also help in emergencies at a higher level,” said Chris. “I would not have been able to juggle a full-time job, children, and school if it weren't for the ability to do course work in the early mornings and weekends. The EMER program provided an online opportunity to advance into a new field.”

While Chris and Brad attended the EMER program for different reasons and at different times, both benefited from its connection to one of the most important events in their field: the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2022 Annual Conference in Savannah, GA in November 2022.

EMER alumnus Chris Todd (left) and current student Brad Perkins (right)

“I am so grateful that I attended this event,” said Brad. “The experts and their presentations were very inspiring. There were opportunities to network and everyone I encountered was supportive and encouraging.”  
 
A wide range of emergency management professionals presented on topics including leadership, career building, ethics, and working in the public versus private sectors. Workshops and other networking opportunities gave attendees new perspectives on how to successfully pursue careers in emergency management.
 
“I tried to attend as many classes and lectures as possible,” said Chris. “I cannot emphasize enough how much a positive experience the conference was.”

“Finishing my master’s degree has shifted and accelerated my career much faster than I expected,” continued Chris, who landed a new job as an emergency manager in the tech industry just a couple weeks before he graduated in Spring 2022. “The skills gained during the coursework have helped me quickly adapt to my new career.” 

“I was able to make new connections, and still maintain those connections to this day,” said Brad, who plans to graduate in Spring 2024. “This was such a wonderful experience that I have joined the IAEM 2023 Conference Committee and am extremely excited for this year’s conference in Long Beach!”
 
Click here to learn more about the EMER program at CSULB.