Profile of a SIA RISE Scholarship Winner: Benjamin Shaffer of G4S

Read our interview with Benjamin Shaffer, a 2017 winner of the RISE Scholarship, and learn how you can apply for this year’s award!

Applications are now being accepted for scholarships offered through the Security Industry Association’s (SIA’s) RISE program. The SIA RISE scholarship provides young security professionals with funds for professional development courses and/or academic programs. Learn how you can apply for one of 10 $3,000 scholarships here!

SIA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Benjamin Shaffer: I am a systems engineer with G4S Secure Integration and have been a part of the team here for over six years. I have a multidisciplinary master’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in security technology engineering and business management. I’m an automotive enthusiast, a Colorado Rockies fan and a gym rat who regularly trains for fun.

SIA: What first got you interested in security and safety as a career choice?

BS: Since I started with G4S, I have been on a steady progression gaining skills and experience with security engineering. I began working almost exclusively with access control and moved into IP video systems after about 15 months. From there I have gotten more hands on with IT roles and responsibilities while continuing to work on access control and IP video systems.

SIA: How has the RISE Scholarship helped you professionally?

BS:  This award has helped me obtain more managerial training, which will help me continue to develop as a professional within my organization. The award generated positive attention and recognition within my region and the company as a whole. My manager has been very supportive of me while I am in the process of getting new training thanks to the SIA scholarship. I hope to be able to take the new skills I learn to become a more valuable team member for G4S and be an example to coworkers of how hard work and persistence can pay off.

SIA: What advice do you have for future RISE Scholarship applicants?

BS: Don’t be afraid to try things that are outside of your comfort zone, and when an opportunity presents itself, say yes. Working outside your comfort zone forces you to grow and develop new skills and can be a good thing.

Learn more about G4S Secure Integration here.

Are you a young security professional under 40? Join SIA’s RISE program. We’re a group of up-and-comers in the security industry trying to help each other grow our careers, expand industry knowledge, further professional development and have some fun together. Get started by filling out the form on the SIA RISE page, or contact SIA staff liaison Bryan Miller at bmiller@securityindustry.org to get involved. While you’re at it, stay in touch with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).