David Bjorkman

I am completely sold and buy into the applied, hands-on model Penn College takes in its program areas. I sometimes cannot believe that I'm actually paid to teach about my field of expertise! I think it is so important that our students learn from professionals who have actually been in the field, not simply from someone teaching a subject who has done years of research but never has been a police officer or emergency manager, for example. This is not to discount the importance of theory, research, and traditional academia at all, but there is something to be said for instructors who possess both the academic credentials AND professional experience and bring this blended perspective to the classroom.

I very much enjoy running Functional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) exercises for our students out of our lab space. In this hands-on component, students learn the fundamentals of EOC Management and the Incident Command System (ICS), which is the organizational structure we use in the public safety field to coordinate a response to a disaster. Exercises are one of the activities students will absolutely participate in while emergency managers. In addition to the lab exercises, my network affords students the opportunity to participate in exercises in the professional world.

I consistently receive positive feedback from employers and internship providers about our students' skills with respect to demonstrating an understanding of emergency planning.

Several years ago, one of our graduates applied to a county emergency management job in Maryland. Immediately after the interview, the Director contacted me by phone and told me that of the seven entry-level candidates he interviewed, all of whom had an EM degree, our student was the only one who could explain FEMA's Planning Process during the interview. He offered the student the job. This phone call reinforced in my mind that we are taking the correct approach in this program. 

I get very excited when I get a phone call or email from a student saying they have been offered a job. It motivates me when students land a job AND when I see the types of jobs they get. Emergency management touches every field. I have students working in county emergency management, federal government (e.g. FEMA and NSA) but also in banks, private emergency management consulting firms, and other related areas. Two graduates work for the consulting firm I worked for when I entered emergency management years ago. They were both hired by my former boss. On both occasions, he reached out to me and asked if we had any quality students graduating. I connected these students with my former boss, and they are both currently employed there.

Writing is essential. Critical thinking is paramount. The ability to develop and maintain relationships is key. Network with everyone starting in college. Don't be afraid or disappointed to accept your first job that isn't "perfect" - get your foot in the door first. Listen to your professors. We are here to help. Students who trust what I'm teaching them AND work hard are happy right now with the jobs they get right after graduation.