How to Get to The Top in The Security Industry – Proven Steps For Success in Security Career

Hang on a minute. You might be wondering, “If there’s a guide to getting to the top in the security industry, why isn’t everyone doing it?”

The short answer? Most people aren’t willing to put in the effort.

There’s no magic wand that will instantly elevate you to the top of your security company. You need to have the drive to succeed and be ready to invest time and effort to achieve your goals. But here’s the good news: if you follow a few basic guidelines, you can make significant progress in your security career – and sometimes, much faster than you’d expect.

Step 1: Get Noticed by Management in the Security Industry

The golden rule in any industry, especially in security jobs, is this: You won’t be offered a promotion or any beneficial treatment if management has never heard of you. You need to get noticed, and for all the right reasons.

If you’re new to a security officer role and working in a relatively junior position, make a good impression right from the start. Here’s how:

• Volunteer! Offer to do overtime, stay late if requested, assist the client or security company with any extracurricular activities, and help your supervisor or manager when the opportunity arises. You’ll soon be noticed as the enthusiastic officer who’s always there to help. Good impression was made.
• Get additional training. This shows engagement and enthusiasm, making you a more valuable team member. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is highly recommended. CPD is a way to formally recognise all the activities you perform in a year that contribute to your professional knowledge. There is a huge list of useful e-learning courses on the Get Licensed website. Consider these courses for additional training.
• Report your achievements. Once you’ve completed any training, let people know about it. Email HR with a copy of the course certificate and copy in your supervisor and operations manager. This way, they’ll be aware of your new skills and have you in mind when an opportunity arises. Also, ask them for a “professional development plan.” They may not know what it is, but it shows you’re looking for advancement through self-improvement.
• Be proactive. Report any problems at work that may cause issues for the client or your security company. If you have a good idea that could save time or money, speak up. Some companies even have schemes that encourage good ideas and reward the best ones.
• Always be professional. Be diligent and do your job to the best of your ability. Make your reports detailed, accurate, and informative. Smile. Be approachable. Be reliable, smart, and punctual.

Broken down into these easy steps, it really isn’t too much strain to get yourself on the promotion path to supervisory and security management roles.

If you’ve been the consummate professional, demonstrated your enthusiasm, ability, and commitment to your employer for any length of time, and still haven’t received any acknowledgement or encouragement, it might be time to consider moving to another company. Your current employer may not value your contributions.

Step 2: Landing Senior Roles in the Security Industry

The UK security job market is ultra-competitive, and many people are highly experienced in security operational management roles. So, how can you stand out? Let’s start with some of the easier steps.

Build Your Personal Brand in the Security Industry

Take a look at your social media presence. Does it reflect the professional image you want to portray in the industry? LinkedIn is a powerful tool to increase your network and present yourself in the best possible light. I’ve written a lot on this subject. For a whole load of advice, visit Making Social Media Work for You.

Join a Security Industry Membership Organisation

There are quite a few organisations in the UK that offer discounted training courses and fantastic networking opportunities. The most popular are:

• The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)
• American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
• The Guild of Security Industry Professionals (GSIP)
• Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM)
• The Security Institute (SyI)

Networking will be essential as you rise through the industry. Get out there and meet the people you admire and respect in the field. Make a good impression with the right people, and down the line, they may be in a position to assist your career climb. Make friends. Be likeable. Take advice.

Attend Security Industry Events and Exhibitions

There are several security events and exhibitions throughout the year that provide excellent networking opportunities. They’re normally free to attend and feature talks and seminars that you may find interesting and useful. They’re also a rich source of CPD! Some of the biggest include:

• The Security Event at the NEC, Birmingham
• IFSEC at the ExCeL Centre, East London
• The International Security Expo at Olympia, London

Step 3: Climbing to the Top in the Security Industry

There’s no denying it: the biggest security companies will often require a relevant university degree for the most senior roles. Just look at the C-Suites of the largest UK security companies, and you’ll see MScs, MBAs, and PhDs all over the place.

At some stage, you may need to bite the bullet. Many top universities offer home study courses in security-related fields. I strongly advise that if you study for a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, you might as well spend an additional year to obtain a Master’s. It will be 4 years of hard work, but doors will open for you, and career-topping roles will be within your reach.

The Alternative Path in the Security Industry

If you find that you simply can’t find the time, money, or energy to study for a degree, you might be facing some closed doors. However, there are always options.

With extensive security experience and training, why not start your own security company?

It’s easier than you might think. Being successful is another matter, of course. But if you have companies asking you to provide their security services or that would financially reward you for your advice and guidance, then you just might have the foundations for a business or consultancy.

The friends and connections you’ve made across the industry can be an invaluable source of information if you choose to carve your own path to success. You never know – one of them might just be the source of your first big contract!

Final Thoughts on Building a Security Career

Climbing to the top in the security industry is no small feat, but it’s far from impossible. By following these steps, investing in your personal development, and seizing opportunities as they come, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals. Whether you’re looking to rise through the ranks or start your own venture, the key is to stay proactive, professional, and passionate about what you do.

Good luck – and see you at the top!