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Austin Smith
EAM 4606
Dr. Gray
Experiential Reflection
Throughout many classes at Arkansas Tech, there are have been plenty of opportunities
to gain experience in the field whether that be actual scenarios where volunteers are needed or
simple as training, community service, or certification. There are many things that come to mind
First off, the most important aspect in the emergency management field that I have
completed are all of the certifications that I had to complete for certain classes. It actually gives
me knowledge on different areas in the field on top of being certified in those areas through
emergency management. Some of these certifications can build a professional portfolio showing
how much I have completed to show I am capable of having the job I want. There are other
aspects that I have completed to where It can go towards my degree. I have participated in drills
The thing that gave me the most experience was my internship that I completed while
earning my degree. This internship gave me the opportunity to experience real life things that
emergency managers have to deal with. For instance, all the calls that en emergency manager has
to go to and make sure that it will be okay. We responded to one where I had to call the Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management and make a report explaining what happened and who
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was involved and give them proper updates during the event. I have also conducted an exercise
for the city of Dardanelle to test out their continuity of operations plan and find the weaknesses
of it. I conducted a table-top discussion with the representatives of Dardanelle like the Mayor,
the chief of police, the city clerk, etc. After that, I completed an after action report. The strengths
Overall, the experience during this time has been awesome. It gave me the chance to see
different aspects of an emergency managers job and what they deal with on a day to day basis. I
had an idea of what it could potentially be like, but I didnt have the full understanding like I do
now. Some of the things that I had to do during the internship was nerve wracking, but
afterwards it felt really good to have completed it. The biggest thing that I was stressed out about
was the table-top exercise for the Dardanelles continuity of operations plan. To have a real life
exercise was an awesome experience. Working for Jeff Gilkey this semester has been an
amazing privilege. I have learned a lot about things and how to be an effective emergency
manager. To be working for a successful emergency manager who has received many awards for