Graduate Security Jobs

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Helping you find a career in the security industry

Security is in charge of keeping everyone safe. There are many ways that security guards do this - preventing overcrowding, monitoring cameras, or dealing with antisocial behaviour are just a few examples.

The work can be dangerous and security has a high level of responsibility. You have to remain alert or the consequences can be disastrous.

There's a variety of work available within the industry so it's suited to those who want to carve their own career path instead of following a predefined one. Contracted work could enable you to travel internationally, providing security services around the world! At the same time, the working hours can be long, particularly if you are working events.

Security is traditionally a very male-dominated industry, which is partly due to it attracting a lot of ex-military, and women were excluded from combat roles. However, there are societies to support women in security and champion their professional development.

There are numerous extra qualifications you can get working in security. You could pursue a career in dog handling if you're an animal lover or take professional martial arts training and justify it for your job! Many personal bodyguards have additional qualifications to help them land private contracts.

N Written by Navdeep

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FAQs

FAQs

Skills & interests required for a career in Security

To become a security guard you will need to have good levels of physical fitness and be able to work on your feet for long periods of time.

Also, you may have to spend extended periods working alone and be comfortable with this.

As a security guard, it's your job to control dangerous situations. Ideally, your conflict management skills would enable you to diffuse a situation before it escalates, but this is not always possible. You must be able to react quickly to violent behaviour to keep others safe.

Some roles also may require you to have a full, clean driving licence.

Other skills that will benefit you in security include:

Graduate schemes & other typical career progression routes in Security

As you gain experience within the field you could progress to a senior security guard and be in charge of a team. Eventually, in a large company, you could be the chief security officer and have a lot of responsibility.

Others choose to progress into being a personal bodyguard, but this could mean obtaining extra qualifications and specialised training in weapon use and defensive techniques. It is a highly competitive field.

Tips for getting into the field

Book an appointment with a careers adviser to ensure that you are kept on the right track.
If your potential employer offers training, check that it is certified by the Security Industry Authority! It is a legal requirement and otherwise you may find yourself having to retrain later down the line.

How much can graduates earn in Security?

According to the National Career Service, the average salaries for a security officer include:

Starter: £13,000 to £16,000 Experienced: £22,000 Highly Experienced: £26,000 (supervisor)

For bodyguards the salary can vary quite widely and is often done on a contractual basis.

Also, the salaries within security usually depend upon the level of risk that is involved in the work. For roles that are considered to be high risk and dangerous you will be paid significantly more and could earn up to £1500 a day.

What qualifications do I need for a career in Security?

There are no formal education requirements to be a bodyguard. However, unless you're working in-house, you will require a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

In order to get the licence you must be over 18 and pass identity and criminal record checks. When reviewing your application, the SIA may also take into consideration mental health problems. You can check if you are eligible for the SIA licence through the SIA website.

There are also a range of professional qualifications you can get to accelerate your progression, including certificates in areas such as spectator safety, door supervisor and physical intervention.

When pursuing further professional qualifications after you have obtained the SIA licence, make sure they are recognised by the organisation as it demonstrates the credibility of the course.

Security industry bodies

The Security Institute

ASIS UK Chartered Security Professional

Security Industry Authority (SIA)

Womens Security Society

International Security Management Institute