Why choose a career in security?

Careers in security have changed dramatically over the years. Progression within a career is now commonplace, with new skills and pathways available for people to either progress within their chosen area or shift to parallel fields, using what they’ve learned to excel in their journey.

Below we’ll outline an example of the kind of career progression that occurs through an industry leader like Wilson Security, as well as the types of pathways people can enter and jump across.

Career progression underpins a career in security
There’s no such thing as a static career within security.

Due to the increase in complexity within the security industry – from the growing needs of businesses and organisations through to the evolution and invention of new security technologies – a career in security involves constant learning and development.

A career as a security employee doesn’t simply involve monitoring a business as a crime deterrent. It can involve ongoing training for managing situations and emergencies, using new technologies - e.g. Artificial Intelligent (AI), CCTV and virtual patrols - to enhance your capabilities, developing and managing risk assessments, shaping security strategies, and more.

A security Officer can grow within a single pathway, learning new capabilities and taking on new responsibilities as a Security Supervisor, Security Manager and an Operations Manager – all roles that require different skills and training.

A career in security can also mean jumping across to parallel pathways. A security guard may use the skills they acquire in their role, such as strong personal skills and theft identification skills, and apply these to a role within technology solutions – helping shape more efficient ways to use tech within security.

At Wilson Security, the most important thing we offer our 6,500 people across the country is the option to grow. Our people are always building on their knowledge and expertise to provide insights in new roles, whether it be moving between security and corporate or growing within one.

Choosing a career pathway

There are many pathways when choosing a career in security, ranging from being on the ground right through to support teams and tech solutions. While not the only options available, three common pathways include:

Security personnel

Choosing a pathway on the ground as security personnel gives you exposure to a wide range of skills, preparing you for a range of roles across the security industry. Our security teams see how an entire security apparatus comes together and are best positioned to shape security solutions based on their experience. The people skills security personnel gain are some of the most valuable skills offered as part of this pathway, as they are heavily sought after across different all areas of the security industry.

Mobile patrols

Mobile patrols provide exposure to various client types and different security set ups. This requires people to be flexible and open to ongoing learning. Mobile patrol officers are increasingly involved with the management of various tech-enhanced security solutions, such as AI-enabled CCTV and other access control systems. This wide-ranging access to solutions sets people up within this pathway to grow in their expertise and even explore roles within technology solutions further down the track.

Technology solutions

We’re only just scratching the surface of how technology can help people relate with one another more positively within a security setting and prevent thefts/vandalism and other negative events.

The area of technology solutions is fast-evolving and is always looking for people who are passionate and inquisitive. They gain exposure across different security technologies, such as mobile and AI-enabled surveillance, access control technology and analytics.

Taking the first step

Our people are passionate about what they do, which makes them great to talk to and find out about a role in security. If you’re considering a career within security, no matter what pathway, head to our Careers page to find out more or talk to a Wilson Security team member who can give you more insights into your options.