For any company, security officers play a significant role. A human element is required for this position, which will keep this position relevant for years to come. This makes it a safe career choice. Plus, the course to become a security offer is simple. So, anyone with an interest in this job can pursue it. If you want to have a career in security, there are a few steps you need to follow. They are given below:

1: Graduate

You will have to be at least 18 years old in order to work as a security officer in the US. And at least 21 years old if your employer will provide you with weapons. Before hiring, most employers want at least a high school diploma, and for some high-risk facilities, you may also be required to have a bachelor’s degree. As part of your application, you may also need to pass a drug test as well as a background check. So, if you want to pursue a career in security, keep your record clean.

It would be better if you get a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in criminal justice or any other related field, which may give you the knowledge of the skills the employers will want. And if you have further education, you might get an edge over other applicants. However, it is less likely that you will need that much education to get the job you are looking for. Assess your choices and see what you should do to go forward.

2: Applying

There are many careers that require extensive training before you can even start working; the same goes for security work. However, as a security officer, your training will take place mostly after your position is stable. When you meet the qualification mentioned in the previous step, you can send in applications to those companies you want to work with. Thus, will begin your journey to building a career.

3: Training

After you have joined a security company, your training will begin. And your courses will be paid for by either the facility or the company that hires you. The finest companies will train you to complete the tasks most security officers need to complete, such as basic protection skills you will require on the field, writing reports of the activities, and dealing with public relations.

Before you can begin work, you will have to go through the training required by the state where you are going to work. Most states require you to complete a number of hours in training. Some also specify the types of classes you will have to go through. And after the initial phase, some state requires annual training. However, the company you work for should help you keep track of the standards you need t meet in your zone.

4: Dedicate yourself and progress

Once security officers have the training and gain experience, they can pursue a wide variety of fields. You can find security jobs that suit you whether you are an early bird or a night owl, or an introvert or an extrovert, or whether you like to move around or stay in one place.

As you acquire experience in the field, you may get a better position in a similar field, or you can advance into a role you want even more. Often, private investigators, personal guards as well as police officers’ benefit from earlier security job experience. So, if you want to be any of these in the near future, working in the security field could be a step in that path.