What are the best ways to advance your career in contingency planning?

1 Assess your current situation

Before you pursue any career advancement opportunities, you need to evaluate your current situation and identify your strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and interests. You can use tools such as a SWOT analysis, a skills inventory, or a career development plan to help you with this process. By assessing your current situation, you will have a clearer idea of where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to do to get there.

2 Pursue relevant education and training

One of the best ways to advance your career in contingency planning is to pursue relevant education and training that can enhance your knowledge, skills, and credentials. You can look for formal programs such as degrees, certificates, or diplomas in emergency management, contingency planning, or related fields. You can also seek informal learning opportunities such as workshops, webinars, online courses, or podcasts that cover topics such as risk assessment, crisis communication, scenario planning, or business continuity. By pursuing relevant education and training, you will demonstrate your commitment to learning and staying updated on the latest trends and best practices in contingency planning.

3 Join professional associations and networks

Another way to advance your career in contingency planning is to join professional associations and networks that can provide you with access to resources, events, mentors, and peers. You can look for local, national, or international organizations that focus on emergency management, contingency planning, or related fields. For example, you can join the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), the Association of Contingency Planners (ACP), or the Business Continuity Institute (BCI). By joining professional associations and networks, you will expand your network, learn from others, and increase your visibility and credibility in the field.

4 Seek feedback and mentoring

A third way to advance your career in contingency planning is to seek feedback and mentoring from others who can help you improve your performance, identify your areas of improvement, and guide you in your career path. You can ask for feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, clients, or stakeholders on your contingency planning projects, processes, or outcomes. You can also look for mentors who have more experience, expertise, or influence in contingency planning and who can offer you advice, support, or opportunities. By seeking feedback and mentoring, you will gain valuable insights, perspectives, and connections that can help you grow and succeed as a contingency planner.

5 Showcase your achievements and value

A fourth way to advance your career in contingency planning is to showcase your achievements and value to your current or potential employers, clients, or partners. You can use various methods to highlight your skills, knowledge, and results in contingency planning, such as creating a portfolio, updating your resume, writing a blog, publishing a paper, or giving a presentation. You can also use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to share your work, insights, or opinions on contingency planning topics. By showcasing your achievements and value, you will increase your recognition, reputation, and influence in the field.

6 Explore new opportunities and challenges

A fifth way to advance your career in contingency planning is to explore new opportunities and challenges that can help you diversify your experience, broaden your scope, and advance your level. You can look for opportunities and challenges within your current organization, such as taking on more responsibility, leading a team, or initiating a project. You can also look for opportunities and challenges outside your current organization, such as applying for a new job, consulting for a different client, or volunteering for a non-profit. By exploring new opportunities and challenges, you will stretch your potential, learn new things, and achieve new milestones in your contingency planning career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?