Each week, I get approached by a handful of students and young professionals seeking my advice on how they can kick-start their careers in crisis management. Although I would love to be able to give time to each and every one of you, my schedule doesn’t always permit me to do so, which is why I’ve created this page.
This blog post answers the questions I get asked most frequently, along with some added comments and insights. If you have additional questions, feel free to ask me them in the comments section below and I promise to respond. My hope is that this will turn into a good resource for scholars and young professionals – and for those of you who are ambitious enough to write me, perhaps you can connect with one another in the comments section and beyond (you’ll notice that networking is advice I share with you further down).
Additionally, if you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend you read my book Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World. This book provides you with my entire framework and the approach I take when working with clients. If you’re looking to work in the profession of crisis management, this book is an absolute must-read. You can order it here.
So, you wanna be a crisis management professional?
Being a crisis management professional is a big responsibility. Your job is to protect your clients, helping them be as crisis-free as possible and helping them manage the hard times when everything is on the line. It’s challenging and it’s rewarding. There’s nothing like being there for a group of people who love the company they work for and helping them better communicate and connect with their stakeholders.
If me saying this has sparked a fire of passion within you, then here’s my advice to you…
Understand the risk and responsibility involved with this career choice
Thanks to high-profile crises, viral issues, and fun television series like Scandal, crisis management is being seen more and more as a “sexy” and thrilling profession or service offering.
While the allure is understandable—from the outside, I realize it can look like a fast-paced, exciting career filled with adventure and heroism—what I’m seeing more and more is that this image and allure is presenting a high-risk scenario to many organizations.
I address this issue in the following video, as well as in this article. I highly recommend you watch or read this important message.
Entrepreneur vs. employee
Firstly, it’s important to know that you don’t necessarily have to choose to be a consultant or entrepreneur. Many crisis professionals work for agencies or for an organization in their communications department. In fact, this is probably the best place to start to learn the ropes and gain experience – not to mention that life as an entrepreneur has it’s own set of challenges.
Transitioning from one career to a career in crisis management
In this podcast, I discuss some ideas, insights, and strategies in response to the question: How Can You Merge Your Expertise Into A Career In Crisis Communication? Tune in here.
Learn, learn, learn
Learn absolutely everything you can and then never stop learning. Consume all that you can about your passion, the industry, best practices, case studies, etc. The more you learn, the more you’ll really discover the depth of your passion (or not, which is just as positive a thing to discover) and it’ll all pay off. Subscribe to blogs and podcasts, read news articles, ask questions, research. Learn everything you can and never stop learning.
Keep up with the times
We live in a world that moves fast. Part of your task as a crisis management professional will be to keep up with this ever evolving world. If you want to be great (and you should never settle to be anything less) then part of your responsibility will be to spot the new trends, identify the risks early on, and seek out new communication opportunities.
Start your footprint
A good way to learn and to get yourself out there is by starting a blog. I can’t tell you how much this blog helped me learn when I first started out. It gave me a medium to work out my thoughts and draw my own conclusions. It challenged me because readers challenged me. It helped keep my eyes open to emerging trends and industry discussions that needed to take place because I was always (and still am) looking for a fresh new angle, something to keep me ahead of the others, something extra to provide to my readers. So start a blog. It doesn’t even have to be a public blog, just an outlet for you to keep your mind sharp, your eyes open and the wheels always turning. However, if you want to challenge yourself for the better, consider making it public.
Another plus is that, if you’re seeking a job in the field (either at a firm or with an organization) then you need more than a resume and a degree. You need to have an extra edge above your competition. A blog can help you do that.
Start your footprint now and it’ll grow with you and your career.
Understand issue vs. crisis
Another thing I’d like to add, learn the difference between an issue and a crisis. There are too many crisis professionals out there who don’t know this difference. Don’t be another sap who calls an issue a social media crisis. Please.
Build your network
Network. Get yourself out there. Instead of being scared of competition, embrace collaboration. This is the mindset of a leader. When I first started out, I worked and collaborated with my competition and it was the best thing I could have done. Not only did I get these amazing mentors who propelled my learning and my experience, but I made some wonderful friends that I’m grateful to have to this day.
The more you build your network, the more you’ll get your name out there and the more you’ll learn. And I don’t mean network in the sense of going to those events where everyone is pushing their business card in your hand and hoping you’ll buy their services. I mean connect with people in real life and on social media. Make friends. Show the world how you shine by helping others. And when you meet people on social, after a while, connect with them in person over coffee or on Skype. Relationships are key to your success. No one becomes successful on their own. Connecting with human beings is part of the magic of life. I promise it will be rewarding – in both your professional and your personal life.
A tip on reaching out to others
Reaching out to others to build your network is a great idea. However, please don’t spam people. Reach out to individuals for specific reasons and write them a custom, respectful and considerate request for their time, their connection – whatever. I can’t tell you how many times a week I get a request to connect on LinkedIn from somebody that I don’t know with no personal message or reason for them reaching out to me attached to it. If you’ve targeted someone and would like to connect with them, introduce yourself. Tell them how you heard of them and why you’re reaching out. Be considerate of their time. Remember that you’re requesting something from them and they don’t know you.
Here’s an example of an email I received recently from a student. This student showed true professionalism and respect for my time. He wowed me so much that I decided to spend twenty minutes chatting with him on Skype.
Whenever I meet new people and they say things like “what can I do for you? How can I help you?”, it always surprises and impresses me. Those are the people that make a positive and lasting impression in my mind. Choose to be that positive lasting impression.
Throw the idea of a punch card away
A student once asked me how I draw a line between my professional and my personal life. The answer is, I don’t. My philosophy for my life is to live it with passion and I’m passionate about my work. I’m also passionate about sailing, cooking, writing, my friends and family … so guess what? I sometimes work from a sailboat and can easily talk about sailing while I work. I don’t draw a line, clock out and become “the real me” at 5pm. I’m the real me all day everyday, following my passion and working towards my dreams. To me, this is the secret to a happy life and one of the things I love about being an on-call crisis management consultant.
And most importantly…
Fight like hell. Don’t ever stop. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Don’t conform. The industry needs leaders with their own minds, not sheep. Be true to yourself and live your life with passion. The success will follow.
I wish you a lifetime of success and happiness.
To your invincibility,
Melissa
Author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted keynote speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. Learn more about Melissa and her work here.
+1 on “start your footprint.” Blogging is a (financially) free way to share your thoughts, ideas, and mind with others….maybe even your next client or employer. It offers a platform to showcase what you’re all about. Do it now!
I agree, Lou (obviously!). Thanks for weighing in. It’s an important way to make yourself stand out. Especially to prospective professors and employers.
Referring to the “start your footprint” section as well, how do we know where to start? I have explored the idea of starting a blog of my own a few times. Yet every time, I have always ended up in the same spot: a blank workspace in front of me with no idea how to express my thoughts on the subject at end.
Hi Blake,
That’s a really great question. Here are my recommendations – and feel free to let me know which ones work / help you out, as well as if you have any other questions from this:
Goal-orient your blog by choosing a focus
What’s your main focus? Is it crisis comms? Is it crisis comms for a particular industry? Think of your ultimate goal for your new career and let that lead you.
Purchase your domain name
I recommend putting your blog on a domain name that is your name (e.g.: MelissaAgnes.com). This way, you’re branding yourself and your blog can follow with you throughout your career.
And then, just start
The good news is that as it will take you time to find your voice, it will also take you time to gain an audience. So don’t feel pressured thinking that your first post will have thousands of views. Both take time, consistency and practice. Have fun with it. Be honest. State in your bio or within your first post who you are, what your goal is, what your experience consists of. This will help you shape your goals and thoughts as well. You do not need to come out as an expert, especially if you don’t have the experience to back this. It’s OK to say “I just graduated, I’m interested in starting a career in crisis management and I plan to use this blog as my sounding board. A place where I will share my thoughts and perspectives, challenge my own thinking and share my experiences as I get started. I welcome you to come on this journey with me!”
Thoughts on types of blog posts to write
Posts can be you asking a question and then working out the answer. They can be your perspective on a certain angle / area or case study. They can be a wide range of things and don’t need to be advice. Remember, you aren’t an expert yet, so simply use this platform to find your voice and to learn and grow. This will show strength, leadership, an eagerness to learn and expand your mind. If I were looking to hire you, this would impress me.
The more you write, the more you’ll think, the more you’ll find your voice and the more you’ll learn. Just don’t be afraid to start. Jump in with both feet and have fun with it!
Hi Melissa,
I found this very useful information for me, and it drives me to build my own (professional) blog. One question: is this blog should be dedicated for only certain topic (ex. Crisis Management or PR thingy or Marketing thingy) or we can include some topics bout personal life things?
Thanks for sharing this Melissa.
Hi Martha,
This is a great question, thank you for asking it! The blog is yours to determine the strategy. The best advice I can give you is to make it aligned with your end goal. For example, if you’re interested in a career in PR, than make PR your main focus. If you’re interested in a career in marketing, than make marketing your main focus.
As for the personal touch, this is always a great way to really connect with your readers and let them get to know you. You’re a three-dimensional person, so sharing other aspects of your life and passions will help to make you even more relatable. Be personable though make sure to always do this tastefully in a professional manner.
Best of luck to you and have fun!
Another question. When it comes to setting up a blog, if I already have an online CV in progress, would it be smarter to have them as one website? For example: blakelundy.com (online CV) and blakelundy.com/blog (obviously a blog). Or is it smarter to set them up separately and then put links on both sites to lead you to them?
Blake
Hi Blake,
Definitely one website. This website is going to be your home base, so use it as an opportunity to show your great mind (through your blog) and feel free to get creative with the other pages to really help you stand out.
It’s a guarantee that a future employer will Google you. When they do, you want them to find a presence that is remarkable. It takes more than a traditional CV these days to accomplish this, so if you have a page on your website that has your digital CV, that’s great – but what else can you do? Maybe a video introduction of yourself? Maybe some pictures? Get creative, be professional and represent yourself in a way that can’t be ignored!
“Understand issue vs. crisis
Another thing I’d like to add, learn the difference between an issue and a crisis. There are too many crisis professionals out there who don’t know this difference. Don’t be another sap who calls an issue a social media crisis. Please.”
Yes. Yes. Yes. Thks Melissa
Glad you enjoyed that part, Tony. I just couldn’t not include it!
Hi, I am interested in the field, however I would like to know if there is a particular degree that one needs to seek or if a degree is even a requirement to practice within this field?
Hi Jackson,
A communications degree would be helpful and many crisis professionals have their PR degree. Either way, you’ll want to accumulate a lot of experience and this is done out on the field.
Hi Melissa,
I found it a great and very kind of you to take part of your time to guide us, “the intersted people in the field”.And take another time to reply on our comments, thats realy show how you are a real down to earth person.
I am just like every one here, just gratuated but my degree is non related to business nor economic fields.it’s a degree related to engineering.Now I want to change my whole career and I realy want to be the best in the field because I believe I can, and I will.So the big question is how a guy like me who doesn’t know a bit about this field to start his very first step?
Is it a diploma or some kind of courses or may be an MBA ?
I am realy looking forward to learn any thing from an expert like you and I will be more than happy to hear from you.
Thanks again for your time and your concern.
Hi Mohamed,
If your background is in engineering, which is a very different type of background, I would suggest to take courses in communications, PR and yes, business can always help as well.
Best of luck!
Melissa
Thank you immensely Melissa!
Real Quick: I have an MBA and currently work as a Communications officer for a project.
-what you you recommend as the next best step
– What are some of the branches of crisis management
Thanks again.
Nathalie.
Hi Nathalie, great questions!
As for your next steps, this is a very difficult question for me to answer without knowing more. So let me turn it to you: what do you think your next steps should be? Do you want to remain working for the organization you’re currently with? If so, do they have a dedicated team and program for crisis preparedness / crisis management?
– If so, is there an opportunity there for you to become involved?
– If not, then maybe you can pitch the idea to management?
In terms of “branches of crisis management” this as well depends on the organization and industry you’re in. It also depends on the structure of the organization. But if we tackle this question in a more general sense, then I’d say some branches of crisis management can include:
– Emergency management
– BCP
– Organizational crisis management / crisis preparedness
– Issues management (front lines, sales, customer service, etc.)
Though I’m not quite sure if this is the answer you’re looking for. If not, feel free to reply to this message with more in-depth questions and I’ll do my best to answer.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Melissa,
Thank you for the immense amount of helpful information on this blog post. Also, thank you to everyone who asked questions, your insight was also helpful.
Specifically, I would like to delve a bit deeper into the areas that one can start a career in crisis communication. Previously, it was mentioned that emergency management, crisis preparedness, and issues management are a few of the realms one can begin/have a career in. Personally, I want to know what job titles I should be looking out for. Many jobs require crisis management, but don’t necessarily use the title “Crisis Manager.”
With that being said, Melissa, what job titles do you suggest keeping an eye out for? I ask this question because I do not want to overlook an opportunity simply because it does not state “crisis” in the job title or description.
Please let me know if you need me to be more specific.
Thank you!
Now that is a really good question, Kalani! Thank you for asking it!
Unfortunately, you’re right. It’s not really a cut and dry answer, as many organizations view crisis management as an additional task or duty to a specific – or several – job titles.
That said, I think the best way I can help answer this question, is to list out some titles that I’ve worked with in my client work. These are the people that have been tasked to tackle their organization’s crisis preparedness, and therefore I work closely with to help them do so:
– Communications professionals: anyone with communications in their title
– PR professionals
– Business Continuity professionals (BCP): this, although a small area within crisis management, often overlaps with the work I do with clients
– Human Resources
– Business Strategy
– Operational Risk Management
And then of course there are the specializations. For example, I work with the CIO’s of organizations that hire me to help them focus on cyber security preparedness, etc.
Personally, I work with the C-suite, though they almost always have people under them that are responsible for managing these sorts of projects on a day to day.
Does this help? If not, please feel free to give me more information and I’ll try to be more specific.
Melissa,
I would like to thank you for the time you spent in replying to various questions related to crises management . I found all your replies was rely helpful …
I am experienced internal auditor ( 57 Yrs. ) with an various experience ,I sat three times for CISA certificate but in vain , The most important thing I have learned is that I have been attracted to risk management part of the certificate, Now I find myself attracted to crises management after reading your blogs .
I would like to start a business based on the tow risk management and crises management experience –
My question is starting business in crises management is it viable in my case?
If yes , What should I know in case I will conduct information technology crises management .
Thank you
Hi Magdy,
Thanks for taking the time to read all of this content and I’m glad you’ve found it to be beneficial!
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m the right person to ask if your dream is viable for two reasons:
1) I don’t know enough about you or your goals / objectives to give you a solid answer; and
2) I happen to be a firm believing in “you can accomplish anything you set your mind to if you work hard enough and believe in yourself and your capabilities”.
Many people would have told me that I wouldn’t be able to get to where I am professionally if I would have asked them. So although this may not be the helpful insight you were hoping for, I do wish you the best of luck and a lifetime of success in working towards and attaining your dreams!
Sincerely,
Melissa
Melissa,
When asked what would my dream career be, my answer is always a “fixer”, or a concierge of sorts. In my 15yr work life (aerospace), I have never posted for a position and was called upon, based on reputation, to get the job done. I run towards the issues and am often referred to as VP of GSD (getting shit done). However my work hasn’t manifested into advancements. After I fix an organization, I need the next problem, the next challenge, but this moving and fixing in at this company hasn’t gotten me anything substantial other than personal satisfaction; no money, promotions, no org of my own to run. I still get asked the question and my answer is still the same, I want to fix the broken. even in my personal life I am the guy everyone comes to for everything…build me a deck, watch my newborn, help my marriage, teach me the stock market, interpret this contract, etc etc. A great example would be, a guy sent me a picture of a blazer with no other info and asked me to find it for him in a certain amount of time. In a days time, I found the designer became close, negotiated terms, and had the blazer made and delivered. I have an Engineering Degree, a MS in Ops, an MBA and a commercial arts degree. I know a lot about a lot and want to use my knowledge and know how to help others. “What can I do for you? How can I help? If I can’t do it I typically know who can”..are my mantras, I live for the fix of fixing…On a broader scale, how do I translate who I am into a business? How do I define it? I feel I need to leave my current situation because I feel the business looks at me and says “why pay him more to do what he is already doing” for the last 6 years I have completely overhauled the legal orgs. across 4 of our businesses ($60B rev) and now they want me to go to law school to advance…no beuno …I have rambled enough.
Thanks
Stephen K R
Hi Stephen,
Wow, you certainly really seem to be a fixer! I’m an advocate for change, so if you feel you’ve gotten the most out of your current position and are thirsty for something new, something more, I’d say do it! However, I’m not the best person to advise you on HOW to do it or make it work, just because that’s not my area of expertise. Seems to me you might benefit from working with a specialized business coach to help you define your business and put an action plan together for your next steps.
I wish you a lot of luck and a whole lot of fun in this new adventure I hope you embark upon!
Sincerely,
Melissa
It definitely sounds like you enjoy solving problems. Perhaps something at a management consulting firm?
The term “fixer” as it relates to big business and politics is someone who comes in after a problem has occurred or is boiling over and the problem is likely to be a public facing one. The goal of the fixer is to minimise potential damage to the company/person/reputation, or, if possible, use the situation to create a better reputation.
The dark side of the fixer, however, are the cases where you create a different crisis to distract from the crisis you are currently trying to avoid becoming public.
Hi Melissa,
The value you provide on your blog is so helpful and relevant and I appreciate reading through your responses to this blog post.
I’m a law enforcement professional with nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve taken classes and halfway through my degree program. Is it possible to break into a career in crisis communication without having completed a degree? Are there certification courses or other training that your recommend?
Thanks in advance for your response!
Hi Simone,
Firstly, thank you for the kind words. I’m happy to hear you enjoy the content I publish!
Great question. The truth is that I think the answer to the first part of your question varies from person to person. For example, I don’t have a formal degree. Instead, I built my business and expertise up by being out in the field and having some truly amazing mentors early on in my career. However, not every crisis management professional can say the same. Some have degrees in communication, PR, etc.
So really, I think it depends on the person, their natural aptitude and their desired path.
As for some certification courses, I think your background in law enforcement probably gives you a unique area of expertise in regards to crisis management that you can already leverage. You would just have to explore how.
I often recommend taking some courses with FEMA to learn ICS, for example, but I’m pretty sure you’ve already taken the equivalent, due to your profession.
So, all in all, I’d recommend that you explore the avenue of crisis management that you’d like to specialize in, and then from there, figure out the path that makes the most sense for you, as an individual and as a professional.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck and, most importantly, have fun!
Sincerely,
Melissa
Hello Melissa.
I just want to ask you to recommend to me a university that is perfect for studying crisis management.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Saleh,
That’s a very good question! And to be honest with you, while there are some brilliant professors teaching crisis management as part of their curriculum, I’m not aware of any schools that have a program dedicated specifically to crisis management. I suggest looking into some communications programs that highlight crisis management as part of the curriculum, and then speaking with alumni to make sure the crisis management part of the program is well done and practical.
If there are others who have a better answer for Saleh, please feel free to jump in 😉
Best, Melissa
I am currently completing an online degree in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. You may want to look it up to see if it meets your needs. I think only you can determine if it is perfect for you.
Cheers!
Daniel
Thanks for sharing, Daniel!
Hello, I want to know what programs have you learned to become a successful crisis manager, it would be a good example for us who are interested in crisis management but don’t know where to start. It will be connected to PR courses, am I right?
Hi Tatia,
Many people who specialize in crisis management started in PR, yes. However, it’s worth noting that PR is but one aspect of crisis management and communication. Albeit, it can be a good place to start.
I’m a little different, in that I had an non-traditional start to my career. My beginning was a result of a natural aptitude, good timing, great opportunities and lots of hard work.
Melissa
Hello Melissa,
As I read this it is just after 5 AM in South Africa. I am so passionate about a career in reputation management, of which I feel crisis management is an integral part. I am 36, have no degree, and barely passed high school. But this has long been a passion of mine, and as such I am always doing online PR and communications course, the free ones for now, and every chance I get, I pop over to my local hospice or other second-hand bookstore and purchase as many books as I can afford on everything from PR to crisis management, marketing, and communications. I also read a lot of MBA related material, and as a cheat, I downloaded the course material and outline for an MBA from a paid university and I did it, just to keep my mind sharp. I know I am not stupid, and I will one day make a success of my dream career, along the lines of Scandal’s The Fixer ‘Olivia Pope’.
This might sound ridiculously ambitious, but I just wanted to thank you for your article. It’s probably the time of the morning, but it has really inspired me.
Thank you very much…
Byron
Hi Byron,
The work you’re putting into your education will be well worth the effort. Keep it up and stay passionate!
Best wishes,
Melissa
An education will help get you through the door/past the corporate hurdles off the starting block. But, like political campaigning, you can only get so much in a school. it’s a talent you either have or don’t.
your passion for it is also super important. Judy Smith (the person the Olivia Pope character is based on) started in politics.
if you’re at a point in life where going back to get a formal education is prohibitive, i’d recommend getting involved in political campaigns.
it’s one of the most fast paced environments, campaigns will always welcome people walking in off the street, you learn a lot – very quickly.
even if politics isn’t your bag, do a couple campaigns – you’ll learn more there as someone “starting fresh” than you would probably anywhere else
Hello Mellisa,
Am sorry my question is coming in so late but I would really appreciate your help.
I studied peace and conflict resolution and I was wondering would this be enough for a crisis management career?
Thanks.
Hi Marion,
I don’t know enough about your experience to be able to really answer your question. However, it’s likely that you may have an area of expertise that would be helpful to certain types of crisis and emergency management.
Best,
Melissa
Hi Melissa
I was hoping you could give me more specific insight into exactly what you do? Yes it is crisis management but I want the nitty-gritty, how you manage crisis.
Thank you.
Hi Zach,
The good news, is I have hundreds of articles, and dozens of podcasts and videos, which are all freely available to you, that will help you better understand what my work entails. Happy learning!
Best,
Melissa
Hey Melissa,
Great article, especially for new grads. As you know, a degree can give one terms, case studies, and best practices; but it can’t teach the art of high-stakes crisis management.
I’ve worked in electoral politics and government for 10 years – crisis management comes with the job.
New grads interested in this field should realise they’re not going to take on the 82 tylenol crisis, or even likely a money/sex scandal.
The advice i’d give to someone who wants to do crisis management full time, would be to pay attention to your surroundings. There are issues and mini-crises coming up often at big workplaces. See how people deal with them, if the outcome was desirable, ask senior people about things they dealt with. As you’re learning how to deal with a crisis, you’re also learning about the industry you’re working in.
One can’t use the same solution to the same problem in every field. Knowing the business matters just as much. As you pointed out – crises vs issues.
The CEO of a software company tapping his foot in a stall of an airport bathroom, followed by arrest for suspicion of lewd conduct would be handled much differently than, say, a senator from Idaho (not that his situation was handled well either).
You discussed issue management vs crisis management. I’d like to hear your views on a crisis manager vs a fixer.
Hi Melissa:
I am currently a law student. I am intrigued and really interested in pursuing this field and possibly merging the 2 together. I did not take any PR or communications classes and I am wondering if this would prevent me from being viewed as a viable candidate if I applied to a crisis management firm?
Hi Lauren,
The crisis management profession needs more legally trained minds that understand the full scope of today’s real-time obstacles and challenges in viral issues and crisis situations. In this regard, I think you have a unique angle and expertise that you will be able to bring to the table that is much needed. I would play this up if I were you, highlighting the unique perspective and understandings you bring to the team and clients.
However, I would also say that communication skills are essential and only you can know at this point, whether you feel strong in this area, or could use some additional training to add to your skillset. My book, “Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World”, might help you with this, as well as help you highlight your unique strengths and skillsets that will serve you well in this profession.
I hope this helps. Have fun with the journey that lays ahead of you!
Melissa
hey Melissa,
I am planning to do Master Degree in Crisis and Emergency Management so could you please suggest me some US universities that offer scholarship for international students.
Hi Sujit,
Unfortunately, I’m not the best person to ask this to. I’d do some Googling and research if I were you, to find the best fit for what you’re looking for.
Sorry I can’t be of more assistance on this one.
Best of luck and enjoy the journey!
Melissa
Hey Melissa!!
A really great article. I want to start my own crisis management firm India but I don’t know where should I start from,People say you won’t get successful in Crisis Management in India. I don’t want to start the firm to get successful,I mean yes I do want to get successful but successful in helping people fix their problem.I really want to do it. Can you please guide me??
My aunt says I should go US and work in crisis management firm and take some experience before starting my own firm. But I am an engineer by degree why would any firm hire an engineer right?? But if its possible by any chance please help me. I had really like and really want to work in the firm.
Waiting for your response eagerly……..
Thankyu:)
Hi Melissa,
Mi name is Andrés, first of all thank you on taking the time answering my email.
As you told me, here are my inquiries in starting a practice in Crisis Management.
1. You recommend to start a Blog: ¿How do you suggest this blog must be planned and which content must be display?
2. Any advice you can give me for starting my entrepreneur experience as Crisis Manager.
3. Including your book ¿Which material would you advise I need to read in order to prepare for the Crisis and learn more about this subject?
Thank you,
Best regards,
Hi Andrés,
Thanks for taking the time to share your questions here. I hope the following answers prove helpful to you:
1- Your blog is part of your personal identity. Therefore, it should be an expression of yourself, both professionally and personally as an individual, with clear goals and objectives laid out to keep you on track and on target. I will say this: you are publishing to help and serve others, so the focus should always be on your audience.
2- I think my biggest piece of advice at the moment is to take the role and responsibility seriously, to gain as much experience as you can, and to truly serve your clients’ best interests. The video embedded above on this page goes further into detail regarding why I say this, and suggestions on how to do it.
3- My book is an excellent resource. There is also a TON of resources on this website that I recommend you peruse.
I hope this helps and I wish you the very best in this wonderful journey you are embarking upon!
Cheers to you and your clients,
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
First of all thank you for the Blog and the information that you provide ( podcast, reading etc.)
I am getting a Degree in Disaster Management and Emergency Management in UK and I am having an internship in the financial sector as a resilience analyst at the moment.
I am really interested to make my career in the resilience world, in particular in BC and crisis management ( I am still in the beginning so I am not sure which will be the best path for me if crisis management or resilience related to BC)
I would like to ask you more about the blog. I believe that learn from previous mistake is fundomental in this job. So I would like to write a blog gathering various case studies related crisis management and business continuity.
Do you have any suggestion in how to create this type of blog more personal and more interesting for the audience ?
Thank you very much for the time.
Hello I just discovered your site as well as your book in my search for crisis management work and I must say your insight and tips are extremely helpful. If I could pose two questions they would be is it possible to work in the industry without a degree? And also what is the best title to look under when searching for work in the industry other than crisis management which seems to pull up a broad search outside of my search thank you in advance for your time as well as knowledge
Hi William,
Welcome!
Great questions and thanks for posing them here. Hopefully the following will help you gain additional perspective:
Q: Is it possible to work in the industry without a degree?
A: This depends on a few factors. What I will say is experience counts for A LOT and knowledge and education are a must. While formal education is a way to garner the knowledge and education part, it is not the only way. How you accomplish this and use it to gain the experience you need to best serve your clients or the company for which you (will) work, depends on you.
Q: What is the best title to look under when searching for work in the industry other than crisis management which seems to pull up a broad search outside of my search?
A: It really depends on what type of work you’re looking for. Are you looking for a position at a PR agency? A crisis management firm? A corporate organization where this role would be amongst some others that you would be responsible for? Answer these questions to begin and then narrow your search with the answers.
Best of luck to you!
Melissa
Hi Melissa
This is amazing thank you. I currently work in Risk Management which has made me realize i’d like the building to blow up so i can deal with the fall out of it all, as opposed to preventing this from happening which i currently do now. (Apologies for the morbid statement).
Reading the above, I have a few questions for you please…
1) In regards to the blog, what am I blogging about? I believe you said this is an outlet to express myself, but I’m stuck as to the things one can blog about. Does blogging about sport and potential controversies that occur count? Or does it need to be something far more ‘serious’?
2) How do I know which area of crisis management to get into? I have an interest in a lot of things, which is good but bad as it makes it harder to narrow down my chosen industry.
3) What literature/education should I undertake to put myself in the best position possible please? I have a degree in Journalism and a Diploma in Risk Management.
Sorry if this doesn’t make sense. It was more of a brain dump.