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When people think of law enforcement, they usually picture police officers and armed guards. But if you stop there, you're bound to miss out on some great career opportunities.
"Jobs vary from predeparture screening personnel at airlines to security posts at gated home communities," says Byron Critides, vice president of Los Angeles-based US Guards Co. In-house security jobs are often supplemented with contract security positions. Critides suggests applying for work in both capacities to ensure you don't miss out on potential opportunities.
The Opportunities
If you've been told you have a knack for acting, investigative work might offer the break you've been seeking. According to Frederick Warren, director of security for the Pyramid Co. of Hadley, Massachusetts, many retailers hire investigative personnel to conduct integrity checks. "For example, you act like you are waiting impatiently in line to pay for your purchase," Warren says. "When it's your turn to pay for your $10 purchase, you drop a $10 bill at the register and move on before the cashier rings up your purchase. You then return to your post and review the security tapes to see if the cashier processed the transaction." According to Warren, this type of investigative security work is for a select few; not everyone can give an Oscar-worthy performance in the checkout line.
Daya Khalsa, senior vice president of Espanola, New Mexico's Akal Security, advises job seekers to consider the home and corporate security business. Sales personnel, technicians and service people are needed to sell, install and repair electronic security systems in this fast-growing sector.
Moreover, if you've got military or police experience, you might consider work as a bodyguard for a dignitary or corporate executive, says Khalsa. Don't despair if you don't have this type of background. There are training schools for individuals interested in this line of work, he notes.
The Credentials
To break into the security field, you'll generally need a high school diploma or GED. According to Critides, effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. Warren agrees. "When you are dealing with the public, you must be able to think on your feet and communicate clearly," he says.
Patience is key, according to Khalsa, along with problem-solving skills. The ability to remain levelheaded and even-tempered under stressful situations is critical in this work.
Many security jobs do not require that you carry a firearm, and those that do will often provide firearms training, which job applicants must successfully pass.
Background Checks
Candidates unwilling to go through background checks need not apply. Most states have laws that require companies to conduct background checks and drug tests for many of these jobs.
Keep in mind that a black mark on your record may not necessarily disqualify you from a job in this field. Employers will usually take the specific situation and how long ago it occurred into consideration.
Job Security
The outlook for jobs in this field looks bright. "The field is continuing to grow as the perception of risk increases throughout the world," says Khalsa. "Levels of security are being increased, which means that there is a demand for more people to work in this field. The private security industry is pushing a $30 billion industry."
