Are security management qualifications useful to developing my career in security?

There are many ways to get qualified in security practice and management – like online training courses, or national programmes like the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), or security specific qualifications from well-known security organisations. For example, ASIS International offers programmes for security professionals. Many security professionals who have a degree level in another subject or worked in another area choose to take these kinds of qualifications to enhance knowledge and skills. Security professionals with a degree or ten years’ experience can consider becoming Chartered Security Professionals. (See our profiles of Chartered Security Professionals)

Expert advice

We asked our panel of security experts for their views:

Angela Lawson: A qualification in security management is beneficial in many ways. As the title suggests, two elements have been married together: security, which is wide and varied, and the management of those components. Of course, many professionals have a specific security role; others have a hybrid of different security streams – physical, IT, assets – or responsibilities for security, facilities, business continuity, health and safety.

Before embarking on any course, ensure the content of the course meets your background and requirements by talking to tutors or training providers and discussing what is required of you as a student, what can be achieved from the programme to ascertain if the content will meet personal and professional expectations.

Ray Marskell: Vocational qualifications are an excellent addition to your work and management toolkit. Consider your continued development and always be on the lookout for relevant courses online and through your company’s provider.

Someone who can innovate, collaborate, and has the thirst for continued development while striving for excellence is the key ingredient to being an effective operator within the industry.

Greg Meek: Always develop. One of my favourite and most regular sayings is ‘I’m not stupid enough to think I’m intelligent enough that I know it all.’ And I don’t want to be; every day gives me the opportunity to learn a new technique, modify existing practice in line with changes in criminal MO, or brainstorm with colleagues and create advancements in procedures, policies and hands-on frontline tools. Add to it by inviting comment from peers and mentors, temporary or permanent.

Karol Doherty: If you want to progress in this industry, you need to invest in yourself. The  issue is knowing where to go, as there are many qualifications out there. I was lucky enough to find the Security Institute and followed that route, not only gaining a qualification but also building a strong network of security professionals who have helped me along the way.