Security Industry Association Releases Security Industry Careers Guide

The guide, presented with support from PSA, offers helpful information on the impact of a security career, employers, job roles and how to prepare to enter the industry.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) – with support from PSA – has released the “Secure Your Future” Security Industry Careers Guide, a helpful resource offering insights on the security industry, job types, pathways and employers and how to prepare for a security career.

“As someone who didn’t originally plan to work in security but has now been happily in the industry for over 20 years, I can tell you what an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling field this is,” said SIA Board of Directors Chair Scott Dunn, senior director of business development, Americas, at Axis Communications. “Often, when speaking with other leaders, I find that they, too, stumbled into security, but with this new guide, we are hoping to change that trend so that prospective talent are actively seeking out the many exciting career opportunities there are in this industry. This informative, enriching tool will help our increasingly diverse workforce better navigate their own personal career journeys and foster their professional growth.”

The robust guide features detailed information on:

• The mission, scope and market value of the security industry
• The security ecosystem, including the types of organizations offering employment in the industry
• Jobs and career paths in security – including educational requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, compensation, work-life balance and opportunities for advancement
• Programs and pathways for entering the industry, including degrees, internships, apprenticeships, certifications, scholarships, learning resources and alternative pathways
• Networking and employment opportunities in security

Additionally, the guide shares an array of stories and testimonials from professionals and leaders in security, highlighting their careers, experiences and perspectives.

“SIA is proud to collaborate with PSA on the Security Industry Careers Guide – an informative, compelling and impactful resource to help professionals and students discover the dynamic, innovative and fulfilling career opportunities our industry has to offer,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Having a career in security means playing an active role in protecting people, their privacy and information and critical infrastructure. This guide shares invaluable insights on the meaningful, well-paid, high-growth opportunities available in our industry, the security landscape, how prospective talent can sharpen their skills and prepare to enter the workforce and how organizations like SIA and PSA can help. We are committed to growing the next-generation security workforce and supporting people as they embark on and progress in their careers, and this guide will be immensely useful to both job seekers and our industry.”

“We were thrilled to partner with the Security Industry Association and the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent on the Security Industry Careers Guide,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “In a world where safety is paramount, our industry provides an abundance of exciting opportunities to secure futures. This guide highlights the diverse career paths available and will help bring awareness to the industry as a whole.”

The Security Industry Careers Guide is available for free on SIA’s website; access it here.

SIA invites the industry to join in its outreach efforts to technical schools, colleges and universities through the Security Workforce Ambassador program. SIA member companies are invited to help us connect with students and career services departments and inspire the next generation of security professionals. To support these outreach efforts, sign up here and download the ambassador letter template. Coming soon are 1) a career video showcasing exciting career opportunities in the security industry, 2) guidance on how to partner with career service departments to promote jobs and recruit students and 3) tips for recruiting student athletes.

Learn more about SIA’s efforts to grow the workforce of tomorrow here.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,500 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.

About PSA

PSA is the world’s largest systems integrator consortium made up of the most progressive security and audio-visual systems integrators in North America. Combined, PSA members boast over 700 branch locations, employ over 13,500 industry professionals and are responsible for over $4.5 billion annually in security, fire, life safety and pro audio-visual installations. PSA’s mission is to elevate the industries we serve by providing owners and members exceptional education, networking, services and connections with technology partners. PSA brings this mission to life by partnering with industry-leading product and solution providers, delivering unparalleled education and training programs and offering a variety of distinctive services that can enhance any company’s operations.