Starting a career as a security professional

If you are thinking of a career as a public servant, you might consider a career within law enforcement such as a police officer or a fireman. As these are the most general positions that come to mind when you start to research your future job options, you may not be aware that there are other interesting career paths that focus on these areas but deal with somewhat different duties. The security industry is one of the fastest growing areas for employment, and the demand for qualified security professionals is high.

A career as a Security professional deals with many of the same aspects that a job as a police officer would deal with. As a security professional, you guard companies, individuals, or protect property. Your job is to enforce rules or protect possessions, and as such would perform some of the following duties:

• Patrol businesses or industrial areas for signs of break in or intrusion. Includes the checking of doors, windows, and other areas of entry.
• Monitors entryways and the arrivals and departures of individuals into buildings or businesses. May include standing guard at specific doors to closely observe those coming and going.
• Answers alarm calls and calls for police assistance if necessary
• Monitor individuals or property to enforce company policy
• Protect individuals from threat or intrusive individuals, such as celebrities or government officials.

Beginning a career as a security professional can be as simple as applying for a position and receiving on the job training. Certain states require security professionals to perform a certain amount of law enforcement training, then pass a state certified licensing requirement. You are then obligated to apply to be  re-certified each year.

As with any growing industry, there is great opportunity for advancement as a security professional. You can start out in an entry-level position and progress as you gain hours and experience on the job. A better idea is to obtain a 2 or 4-year degree in criminal justice, which will help you soar through the ranks much more quickly than simple work experience. With a criminal justice degree, you can expand into areas such as investigative security or information technology security.

Tools you may be asked to use as a security professional could include nightsticks, riot gear, video camera technology, and scanning machines. Some security professionals are able to carry firearms for protection of themselves and the areas or people that they protect.

Starting wages for entry-level security professional depend on the state. An average wage is approximately 22,000 per year, with incremental increases due to level of seniority.

A job in the ever expanding field of security professional can be rewarding and offer a varied list of job duties. Research positions posted in your local area and, if you have the proper educational requirements, be prepared for rapid advancement in this exciting career path.

Find out more about your security guard degree online.

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