How You Can Take Part in the Security Industry's Growing Job Market
Global security is a huge market – in excess of $100 billion and made up of tens of thousands of businesses. Industry analysts believe the security industry will grow at double-digit rates over the next few years. What’s more, the industry is expected to grow for at least the next 15 to 20 years. So, how can you be part of this exciting industry growth – and launch a rewarding career? Jeffrey T. Fowler, program manager for security management at AMU, provides tips and insights for entering and succeeding in the field. Where are the growth areas in the security industry? Principal growth occurs in several key areas:
- Corporations
- Critical infrastructure
- Overseas markets
- Governmental entities (local, state, and federal)
- Private Military Companies (PMCs)
Corporations continue to turn to technology – and those who have expertise in that technology – to implement first-class security operations. Spending is on the rise as corporations take advantage of new advances in digital video, biometrics and other technologies. Current trends include the move to create a Chief Security Officer (CSO) position at the senior management level as well as the option of combining traditional physical security and information technology security functions. Legislation may provide another boost to the industry. Mandates are either in place or under review regarding additional security for chemical and petroleum facilities and other critical infrastructure sites. For more information, take a look at one piece of legislation, H.R. 5695, Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. Another major growth area is in countries such as China, India, Korea, and, of course, the Middle East. It is a global marketplace and major companies require security professionals well versed in the rules, regulations, customs and challenges inherent in managing a global security operation and a cross-cultural security force. For those willing to accept the risk of working in dangerous regions, opportunities abound in the field of security contracting in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Finally, due to massive force reductions in the uniformed military services of Western nations at the end of the Cold War, the current Global War on Terror has placed many military security responsibilities in the hands of private security contactors. Go to http://www.privatemilitary.org/pmcs.html for more information on these opportunities. Security and military expertise is in high demand with firms such as Triple Canopy, Blackwater USA, DynCorp International, and ArmorGroup International. These companies pay very well for those with the experience, expertise, and the self-discipline necessary to support coalition armed forces and client governments across the globe. What kinds of security positions are in high demand?
The principle employment opportunities include training indigenous forces, executive protection services, and general security-related duties formerly associated with uniformed armed forces. There are also opportunities to consult with security and law enforcement agencies in those same areas as well as facility design and construction. There are many sub-specialties as well. For example, if a person is emerging from military service in the Middle East, and is well versed in operations there, he or she may find themselves very marketable to firms such as Blackwater USA, Aegis, or DynCorp International. In the private sector (corporate security), many of the agents and executives come from military or governmental backgrounds such as military police, FBI, and U.S. Secret Service. There are also those who have worked up through the corporate system from the ground level -- although they are not as common. It is important to remember that many lucrative security positions are not formally advertised. They are earned through networking and other contacts. Can you provide information about specific positions in network security? What can I expect to earn?
Generally, security management positions offer a good starting salary and opportunities to advance. For example, a security architect’s salary ranges from about $70,000 to about $150,000, depending on experience, location and other factors. A security architect develops security policy and designs high-end network security solutions. A network intrusion detection specialist can earn between $60,000 to more than $100,000, again depending on experience, location and other factors. This position entails protecting against network security breaches, and addressing those breaches that do occur. An information assurance trainer can earn between $50,000 and $90,000. This position educates network engineers and end-users and integrates security measures and policies into a corporate culture. Keep in mind that many of these positions require at least an undergraduate degree and often require professional certifications. What are the opportunities in the executive protection arena?
Executive protection operations are a fertile field for security professionals with the optimal mix of formal education, experience, and networked contacts. Gone are the days of “bodyguards.” The modern executive protection professional must be well traveled, well educated, and able to move in the social circles of a society in which most principals (the persons being protected) live and work. Most modern executive protection professionals have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and many have a master’s degree. The security management master’s program at American Military University is among the nation’s top higher education programs. The program is “tailor-made” for the security professional. In addition, the networked contacts may prove extremely valuable when seeking a position in executive protection. I would like to reach an executive level position. What qualities can help me earn a chief security officer position?
Many chief executive officers look for a CSO with a background that establishes broad security competency, but also allows them to move unobtrusively and easily in the circles of senior management. The CSO should be well educated, conversant in a number of areas such as politics, the arts, sports, etc. You will also have an advantage if you are proficient in a foreign language. Perhaps, most importantly, the CSO must understand business and the vision of the firm in question. How important is having a security clearance?
A validated clearance is highly marketable in the security world today. Many firms contract with the government and require personnel with security clearances. Fortunately, security personnel leaving military service already have this vetted security clearance at some level of authorization. Keep in mind that this asset can depreciate, if not used. The validity of a clearance is based on the time elapsed since leaving military service or a position in governmental or contracted service that required a clearance. What if I don’t have a security clearance? What’s next? Not all security professionals have a validated security clearance. You can obtain one, however, through a process of extensive background checks and vetting of the prospective employee. It is an involved process, but achievable. For more information about obtaining a security clearance, take a look at these FAQs.
I am interested in starting my own security firm. How can I prepare to do that? Establishing oneself as a security consultant takes skill, networked contacts, and a slow process of building your reputation. I recommend you read one or more of the following books:
These books will help familiarize you with effective use of networking, establishing credibility as you build your client base, effective advertising, and liability concerns. Also, consider the type of firm you would like to establish. Many consultants specialize in sub-specialties, such as security of educational institutions, aviation security, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), etc. I also encourage you to become active in professional organizations, such as ASIS International, the International Association of Professional Security Consultants, and the American College of Forensic Examiners International. ASIS International is the premier professional organization for security professionals. It offers well-recognized certification programs, educational opportunities, and an annual national convention. The other organizations offer expertise in terms of security consulting and certification in homeland security specifically. Also, check out industry blogs – such as this blog on jobs for those with security clearance -- for networking opportunities. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of networking. Remember, a contact with which you do not occasionally “touch base” often becomes useless. Stay in touch! How can I be successful, for the long term?
Long-term success stems from a combination of factors, such as the correct mix of formal education, experience, networked contacts, and sustained excellent performance. Success in the 21st century also entails a firm understanding of change as a constant in our lives. The successful security professional also embraces a global philosophy. He or she harnesses the synergy inherent in a cross-cultural security force to achieve organizational vision in a timely and cost-effective manner. Perhaps most importantly, global security professionals understands that they are the “keepers of the keys” in both the literal and philosophical sense. They do not lose contact with their moral and ethical compass.
Jeffrey T. Fowler, CPS, CHS-III, is program manager for security management at American Military University. He is also the Director at Osprey Protective Services, Inc., which provides security consulting in the areas of risk management, threat assessment and workplace violence. Fowler is a certified Army historian and author of the book, Axis Cavalry in WWII. He writes frequently on security and terrorism-related issues as well as presents at national workshops on homeland security topics.
| 
