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What is the best way to get into private security.

I am working a base level security job and want to further myself into a very professional environment. #security #private security

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Bert’s Answer

It's good to see that you already have begun your career in the security field and that you know your interest lies in the private security realm. As others have stated, experience is key. Get as much experience, and as many certifications, as you can. Join professional organizations, like ASIS International, which will give you access to industry standards and certifications that are respected globally. This also will expose you to professionals working in every aspect of the security field, and on every level. You will meet those who already have achieved success in your chosen area, and you will meet those who seek the services you provide. Most importantly, although there are millions of security professionals in the world, like many industries, the network sometimes can seem smaller than you may think. For that reason, above all else, your reputation in the industry will determine your success. Referrals and introductions will be the most critical ingredient to the success of your private security firm. All of the marketing, social media posts and glossy business cards will mean very little if you do not work hard to establish genuine relationships across the industry. A few great jobs may get you countless referrals, but one careless mistake or dishonest interaction may do irreparable damage to your reputation. From the very beginning, do what you say and deliver on what you promise. A less experienced person with a good reputation ultimately may fare better than a credentialed person who is seen as dishonest, unreliable or insincere. At the core of being a security professional is taking pride in your work because you care about the safety and security of those around you. You truly believe that what you do makes a difference, far beyond what others may see, acknowledge or appreciate at times. If you are able to convey that you care, you have put in the work, you are willing to continue doing so and you are reliable, the sky will be the limit for your private security firm.
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GABRIEL’s Answer

Relevant experience in security, whatever the current role, will certainly help. While that is important, so is one's ability to assess risk, formulate solutions, manage budgets and teams, remain objective, and be creative and adaptable. Having a college degree and certifications will also be very valuable, not only in this field but in all fields. Don't feel that security experience is the only way to get into or succeed in the security profession as the profession is very broad and a wide range of skills and experience will apply. Best of luck!
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Aman’s Answer

The private military and private security field is not simply for ex-special operators. In fact, the majority of candidates who are placed into jobs do not come from a SOF background.

Another common misconception is that this field is only for men and that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is a great need for skilled female operators, particularly in executive protection jobs as well as a wide range of other security jobs. We have successfully placed a number of women into jobs all around the world ranging from mobile protective security specialist positions to surveillance operators.

Opportunities in this sector hinge heavily on two main factors: experience and reputation. Unlike most other jobs, your potential alone is not enough to secure a job in this sector. Whether you are looking for overseas private military jobs, domestic private security jobs, or corporate jobs within the private security sector, everything begins with a hard assessment of your actual experiences and your overall performance and reputation within this highly-skilled field. This means that if you do not have proven experience in this field, you will not qualify for any jobs -especially on our job board.

Another critical item to keep in mind is to be humble. You may get rejected for jobs for which you feel you are qualified. Few things irritate us or Employers more than when a Candidate cops an attitude, demanding to know why they weren’t extended a job offer or when they preface an email or cover letter with, “I know I’m overqualified for this job, but…”. The inherent problem with this type of attitude is that this means you are only thinking within the limits of the minimum requirements; so besides indicating a certain level of immaturity and narrow way of thinking, it indicates that you didn’t even consider the qualifications of other applicants.

The bottom line is that there may be other applicants that are simply far more qualified. In fact, it’s a good rule of thumb to live by that there are ALWAYS other highly-qualified people that exist in this world that are hungrier than you and have just as many qualifications as you, and then some. Don’t make the assumption that because something seems entry-level, that strong candidates aren’t applying to those jobs. There are a number of reasons why one job is ideal for a particular Candidate in a particular moment in time. Don’t also make the assumption that if a job requires an extraordinary amount of experience, that you are the only one that possesses those experiences and are the only one applying. If you are interested and qualified for a particular job, apply and let your qualifications speak for themselves instead of tarnishing them with a loud ego.
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Steven’s Answer

Hi Mitchell,

I was in the same position you were when I started my security career and the first question I should've asked myself is "what area of security will I be happiest?" You must ask yourself this as the path you choice will play a part in your mental, emotional and physical contentment that is far greater than the initial financial reward. Believe me the (financial) reward will come, as long as you are satisfied with the profession you've chosen. Being passionate about my professional has allowed me to become successful and extremely happy but not content. I always strive for greater challenges and opportunities because I know I can take on more. This method has worked extremely well for me and can quite possibly work for others. That said, there are a myriad of options in the security realm (i.e. physical, operational, executive, cyber, etc.) that you can chose from. It really all depends on what brings you satisfaction. I started as a security guard, manning a checkpoint, at a convention center. I then moved up to patrol/relief officer, supervisor, manager and so on until I reached senior level roles that have brought me a wealth of experience and expertise. Along the way, I obtained degrees and certifications related to security (Protection Management, CPP, CFE, etc.). I learned how to review (and understand) financial statements and pushed myself to become extremely comfortable utilizing the appropriate business acumens and building budgets. I also agree with many of the other comments posted with respect to joining the ASIS as a Student member for $20 annually. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience you can gain from the various committees, webinars and local chapters provided via the site.

Hope this (long winded) answer is helpful!

All the best to you on your journey!
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Keith’s Answer

Work as hard as you can, take OT, learn different posts and take any advancement that comes your way even if it is a shift supervisor. Finish your degree and get involved in one of the industry organizations. Be open to criticism, hungry for knowledge, present yourself well, get to know the local professionals and most importantly WORK HARD...you will succeed.
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Sriharini’s Answer

Could you please elaborate a little more on the concept of private security? Are you referring to the privacy and security of different users and organizations? Or something else? A little more info on your interest might help us guide you better.
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GABRIEL’s Answer

Hi- although I am not clear on what your base level security job entails, in all instances, obtaining a 4 year college degree, if possible, is a great tool to have. You may also develop your experience through related internships. Once you find your security area of interest, you may be able to pursue certifications or advanced degrees. Also keep in mind that not everything needs to be focused on security. I know many security professionals who have come into the profession with very different educational and work experiences. Best of luck.
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Jay’s Answer

Hi Mitchell, As you already have base-level security experience, you can start looking at what is big industry requirement and job trend is, and prepare yourself to align that. I am pretty sure you will get success.
For example: if you have a network security guy, try to CCNA Security certification and start looking for a job in the market, you will find many.
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Jyoti’s Answer

Hi Mitchell,

Good to know that you are getting some work experience from your job. You can develop your knowledge in the same by studying related to Security from the internet, as there are lot of materials available for free.

Also try to get some information from your peers if there are any other vacancy for Private security job in other companies. you can also prepare a CV about your experience and post it in the job portals which might help you finding a job.

Hope this helps. All the best!!
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David’s Answer

Main thing will be completing a degree in this field which of course a way, other ways will be moving from one sector to another by experiences. But will the degree and coursework will be better than moving from one sector to another because a lot of these company does look into if you have the course work or degree in order to offer you the position and of course you also need the require or related certification as well. Since you are doing the entry-level, why not try to see if you can get an internship to move up the ladder so when you graduate you can just jump right into were you have left off instead of doing entry-level. I would recommend doing internship to gain more experience as well as course work plus certification so you don't need to re-visit it again in the future, even though you will do refresher as most of the time since everything changes everyday.
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