What Do Security Officers Do?
Are you a fearless type? Got a sixth sense for safety? Think you can outsmart modern thugs, criminals and terrorists? If so, you may have what it takes for a career in security. Read on to find out.
What is Security?
The Security industry is all about keeping people and property safe, which can make it one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding career paths available. Every day is different and assignments can vary widely; however, the vast majority of security jobs require a clear focus, total awareness of your surroundings, and being in a constant state of readiness.
Roles can include anything from event security, mobile patrols and bodyguard work through to airport security and loss prevention, with everyday tasks ranging from monitoring people and guarding property to apprehending suspects.
Days can be long and often involve multiple hours of standing and you will likely be called upon to deal with people who are intoxicated, aggressive or otherwise uncooperative. Shifts can be late at night, weekend work is common, and many positions entail working at major gatherings, celebrations and public events.
If the following qualities are part of your skill set you will thrive working in Security;
- Clear communication
- Logical thinking
- High level of strength and fitness
- Calm under pressure
- A friendly personality
- Professional appearance
There are more than 50,000 security professionals currently working in Australia, with the average salary for entry-level roles ranging from $35,000 – $60,000 P/A. However, this is also an industry with plenty of opportunities for advancement and those with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn up to $76,000 P/A.
“A career in this fast-paced industry could have you working in almost any country doing anything from controlling crowds at public events to guarding infrastructure or even helping to protect celebrities, athletes or politicians.”
What Qualifications Do I Need?
The majority of security positions require professional skills and qualifications, particularly for jobs that involve working with people, weapons or sensitive information. Keep in mind that in Australia the laws regarding security credentials differ depending on the State or Territory you are working in, so choose your course accordingly. Below are some of the many high quality security training courses available.
Bachelor of Arts (Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism)
If you’d like to play a role in ‘big picture’ security this is the program to study. By examining issues of security, terrorism and counter-terrorism in both a historical and contemporary context, this online course provides an in-depth and well-rounded knowledge of the industry, both in Australia and abroad. Graduates can expect to be in high demand, particularly in government agencies such as The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ASIS and the Australian Federal Police.
Advanced Diploma of Network Security (ICT60215)
This training program is perfect for computer-savvy types with a strong interest in Network Security. You will learn how to plan, design, monitor and manage information and communications technology (ICT) networks as well as play a pivotal role in advanced ICT network security system operations. Graduates will thrive in roles such as systems security designer, network security engineer and even network security analyst, which makes this one of the most future-proof occupations in the entire industry.
Graduate Diploma of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism
Whether you are eyeing up a career in private security, border protection or dream of working for government intelligence agencies, this program will cover all of your most important bases. Boasting a strong focus on recognising risk and assessing threat levels in a broad spectrum of scenarios, this program also provides an in-depth analysis of modern policing, cyber-security, intelligence and counter-terrorism practices.
Where Will my Career Take me?
Threats to modern society have evolved dramatically in recent years, from the rise in anti-social behaviour and civil unrest through to the growing risk of domestic and international terrorism. As a result, skilled and qualified security professionals have never been needed more.
A career in this fast-paced industry could have you working in almost any country doing anything from controlling crowds at public events to guarding infrastructure or even helping to protect celebrities, athletes or politicians. In Australia, the majority of jobs can be found in NSW (32.5%), followed by Victoria (24%) and Queensland (18.8%).
If you have a strong interest in keeping other people safe, a career in security could well be your natural calling. To get started, simply compare your many course options, choose the one that matches your career goals and enquire today!
