Responsibilities of security officers vary from position to position. Some officers patrol property, some interview witnesses and complete reports, and some monitor security feeds. However, they all work to monitor and maintain a safe environment for customers and employees and they all have some very notable benefits. As long as you’re over 18, responsible, honest, alert and passionate about protecting people, taking up a job in security is a smart decision. Here are just a few reasons why donning that uniform can be incredibly worthwhile.
Transferable Skills
Becoming a security officer is a very smart move for anyone starting out in college and looking to gain valuable experience to help advance their career. It will no doubt benefit anyone looking to further their career in law enforcement but there are also many other universally beneficial transferable skills one can acquire as a security officer.
You’ll hone many basic skills like speaking, writing, active listening, critical thinking and problem solving but you’ll also learn situational awareness, problem sensitivity, instruction of others, effective confrontation, accountability and dependability. However, probably the most important skill you’ll walk away with is the ability to observe. Keeping watch helps keep you sharp and enhances your observation skills. A security guard is expected to be alert, observant and exact in their documentation of problems. Sometimes it’s beneficial to intervene and sometimes it’s smarter to hang back and observe instead. Your training will teach you how to assess and neutralize problems before they get out of hand and deal with stressful situations properly.
The skills you’ll acquire as a security officer can crossover to any aspect of your life. No matter what you do, the ability to assess your surroundings and think critically can keep you safe and promote better decision making, which is key when undertaking a career in security.
Increased Employability
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over a million security officers in America and by the year 2026, another 71,000 jobs will exist. Average job growth for this industry is one of the most stable of any career—and no matter where you go, there will always be a need for security officers. The world is getting more threatening everyday and, because of that, more and more businesses need help protecting their assets, their employees and/or their property.
Many different situations and buildings require security guards, so by becoming one, you’re making yourself employable by a whole range of companies, across multiple industries. To improve your odds of advancement in the field, invest time in training. Read security-related blogs and books, watch videos on security and take online courses. Also remember to stay physically fit. A patrol assignment reacquires a lot of walking and there may come a time when you must chase someone down or run to get help. Keeping up with your training will allow you to remain relevant and effective on the job.
Job Satisfaction
One of the main duties of being a security guard is protecting people and maintaining safety. Oftentimes, the presence of a watchful security guard is enough to deter criminals and prevent incidents. People tend to be grateful for their presence as they make them feel more comfortable and safe. This can be super rewarding. A major component of job satisfaction is feeling like your work matters and that you make a positive impact. Security officers protect people and make a difference and knowing that people and companies depend on you is definitely something to take pride in.
What’s also great about a job in this field is that there’s a lot of variety. For workers who crave movement and don’t want to be stuck at a desk all day, many posts are filled with lots of daytime activity and bustle. Whether you’re patrolling a retail store for shoplifters, permitting people into a secure area or making rounds at a government building or industrial plant, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet—which helps combat health problems like obesity and back pain. Additionally, one of the biggest perks is meeting new people. Security officers tend to be the go-to help when people are lost or scared as the uniform makes people feel comfortable talking to you, giving you the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people.
On the other hand, introverts may prefer a nighttime job in an industrial setting—guarding against threats to the property such as theft, fire and vandalism. Nighttime shifts tend to offer quiet, peaceful hours. Whether you’re a night owl or prefer working during the day, there’s an opportunity for you. Security is a 24/7 service but regardless of whether you’re working the night shift, day shift or anything in between, the hours will be consistent. It’s basic shift work and can be an excellent part-time job when you’re juggling other responsibilities such as school, family or a second job.
Does this sound like the right fit for you? Start taking steps to get your license today, and we sure would love to have you join the Apex Security team here in Orlando!