Do you fancy a career as a security guard? There is a variety of jobs you can do within this remit, and there are plenty of opportunities for progression.
You could end up looking after the safety of people in hospital schools, banks, and many other public institutions. You could also work as a night guard, protecting important buildings from break-ins and intruders.
It’s an interesting mix of work, and a post in one field could well lead to a job in another. If you are interested, read on to find out what you need to do to make it in the security guard business.
Your education
A college degree isn’t required to start your career. However, the further you have been through education, the quicker you could progress. You could try a criminal justice degree or something similar, which may give you the edge over the competition.
Your personality
You have to have good character and a clean record if you want to be considered as a security guard. Anything that could be seen as a negative will go against you, so stay out of trouble. That includes getting into debt problems, too. Why? If you owe lots of money and are in a desperate financial situation, you could be targeted by criminals looking for a weak spot. Blackmail is not uncommon for security guards, and it is something that the authorities look out for.
Your license
Assuming you are of a sound character, you will probably be able to apply for a license. Most states require all security workers to have a license, and you will undergo a thorough background check. You’ll also be trained and tested in detainment and emergency treatment. You will need further licenses if you intend to carry arms and work on that side of security.
Your work experience
It’s a good idea to get some work experience as quickly as possible. However, your best bet is to try for a reputable company that gives you great training and the opportunity for advancement. Security guards can work for some great companies. But there are also certain firms that don’t protect their employees or give them the right training. Choose wisely and do your research.
Your certification
Once you have a license and work experience under your belt, it’s a good idea to get certified. This will enhance your job prospects and put you in a better place for the better roles in the field. Look at the ASIS website for more details.
Your progression
A typical route for a security guard is to take up a supervisory or managerial role. You could also become an armed guard, or you could even start your own business. Both of those options will usually pay a little higher – particularly if you have started your own firm. However, you should look to prove yourself and build up your experience before going down this road. There are plenty of options open to you if you decide it’s the career for you. We would like to wish you all the best!