How do I Choose the Best Risk Management Job?

The best risk management job usually is one that provides opportunities for career growth, presents challenges, and is financially rewarding. Risk management is a term used to describe the process of minimizing and controlling the chance of unfavorable outcomes. This process is found in all industries, ranging from financial firms to manufacturing companies. There are a wide range of risks each could face, such as financial uncertainty, project failure, accidents, sabotage, and natural disasters.

Typically, the primary focus of a risk management job is to identify each risk, assign a probability value, determine the level of risk, and define a response or way to minimize the risk to the organization. This may seem like an impossible task, but it is important to note that there are almost always ways to minimize the level of risk to an organization. For example, there are a range of insurance products designed to reduce the risk of financial loss due to natural disasters or unforeseen events.

In order to qualify for a risk management job, candidates usually must have a minimum undergraduate degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary educational institution. Additionally, many firms prefer to employee people who have completed courses in statistics, risk management, project management, or related subjects. Excellent written and oral communication skills typically are required in this role, as are research and mathematical skills.

When looking for a risk management job, taking the time to investigate the organizational structure of the business usually is a good idea. Look at the number of risk management positions and the overall size of this department, relative to the size of the firm. A small- to medium-sized organization may have four or five people in risk management, with mostly analysis positions and one manager. Larger firms or those with greater risk exposure often are much larger, and provide opportunities for promotion due to the increased number of people.

The types of risks that an organization faces could have a huge impact on the tasks required in a risk management job. For example, a construction company typically faces a much higher level of risk from a wider range of sources than a retail store. The level of diversity of risks increases the challenges in this position. Many people find that this type of challenge makes the work more interesting and helps to keep their skills sharp.

Financial rewards and compensation packages usually are important when selecting any job. The best risk management job typically provides a good salary, benefits, and perks. Types of perks available may include access to a company vehicle, home computer, or related technology. Other employers may include tuition reimbursement or education funds as a way to encourage staff retention.