CoLCPA University Outreach: UCL students gain invaluable security sector experience

Three students from UCL’s Department of Security and Crime Science have completed an innovative student outreach programme with the City of London Crime Prevention Association (CoLCPA), describing the experience as “incredibly insightful” and “eye-opening”.

The initiative, which saw students Anuska Ranade, Niki Callista and Shiori Miyazaki attend a series of CoLCPA meetings and events, is a great example of how industry associations can support the next generation of security professionals.

Opening doors to the security world

The CoLCPA, a unique partnership between the City of London Police and the wider security community, has a long-standing tradition of bringing together experts from across the sector to share knowledge, discuss emerging threats, and promote best practice. For these students, the chance to participate in CoLCPA’s monthly meetings – often held in the City’s historic Livery Halls and featuring speakers from policing, corporate security, cybercrime, and more – provided an insight into the realities of the profession.

Anuska (left in picture) summed up the experience: “The CoLCPA meetings have been incredibly insightful, featuring monthly speakers who offer diverse perspectives on key topics. The events, hosted at prestigious venues, have provided an excellent platform to learn from and connect with accomplished individuals across the field.”

Niki (centre in picture) was particularly struck by the breadth of expertise on display: “Through CPA meetings and events, I was able to meet professionals across a diverse range of sectors, from cybersecurity and counterterrorism to corporate risk and urban safety. These interactions not only expanded my network, but gave me insight into career paths I hadn’t previously considered.”

Shiori (right in picture) highlighted the value of seeing theory in action: “I saw it as a chance to see how the theories we learn in classrooms translate into real-world practice. I also wanted the chance to broaden my horizons, connect with people across industry, and develop a more expansive understanding of what security really means in practice.”

Top outcomes: Skills, Networks, and Career clarity

The students identified the key benefits from their participation as:

Exposure to practical realities:

First-hand understanding of the challenges and innovations shaping today’s security professionals.

Professional networking:

Connections with practitioners from cybersecurity, counterterrorism, corporate risk, and urban safety, expanding their awareness of career paths.

Broader sector understanding:

Realisation that “security” encompasses far more than policing, including roles in private consultancies, public-sector agencies, and technology firms.

Confidence and communication: Opportunities to engage in professional discussions and develop soft skills.

Career focus: Greater clarity on post-graduation goals, especially around data, technology, and crime prevention.

As Shiori summed up: “Being part of discussions with practitioners gave me the confidence to engage more actively in professional environments. It was a valuable shift from being a student observer to a participant with my own insights to share.”

How the private security sector can help the next generation

The students also offered practical suggestions for the private security sector to attract and support new talent:

Create visible entry points:

Anuska commented: “The sector could create more visible entry points for students, such as graduate schemes, mentorship programmes, or insight days. Showcasing career pathways to the real-world impact of roles would also help attract more graduates.”

University engagement:

Niki said: “The sector could benefit from more university engagement, such as guest lectures, career talks, and mentoring programmes. Offering structured internships and clearer entry-level pathways would also help attract more graduates by mentioning it in a more vocal sense.”

Promote diversity and breadth:

Shiroi added: “I think the private security sector should increase visibility, embrace diversity, and build stronger partnerships with universities. By highlighting different security opportunities through university collaborations, showcasing diverse professionals, and offering clear entry routes like internships, the sector can better demonstrate its breadth, and show that there’s a place for everyone.”

Setting the standard for industry engagement

The CoLCPA’s student outreach is an excellent example of how professional associations can make a tangible difference, offering not just awareness raising, but genuine inclusion and inspiration. As the security landscape grows ever more complex, the sector’s future will depend on partnerships like these to encourage the next generation.

“I left each meeting feeling more connected to the broader security and crime prevention community,” said Anuska. “It’s an experience I’d recommend to any student considering a career in this field.”