Austin Smith 1

Austin Smith

EAM 4606

Dr. Gray

November 25, 2017

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

when I participated in these things during my time at Arkansas Tech.

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

such as active shooter and different speakers towards those subjects.

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
 Austin Smith 2

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

will be added to the plan eventually.

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

what he has done has shown me a lot.