As what has been a unique and difficult year for many finally comes to a close, I find I have been engaging in a significant number of conversations regarding what the future holds for security careers in these challenging market conditions.
Matching staff levels to demand has always been one of the toughest gigs, and in an industry sector like security where staffing needs to be set at an adequate level, it becomes even tougher. Right now, the security industry is seeing unprecedented levels of blow-outs - because of illness, lockdown, self-isolation and home schooling. Security businesses have to meet contractual demands with set staffing levels and as a result the sector is under further pressure to ensure they can fill any blow-out shifts. Thanks to COVID-related complications, staff sickness and absence rates could reach as much as 15% this winter.
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) developed the ESA Youth Scholarship Program — a philanthropic endeavor that aims to support the futures of children of first responders (including police, firefighters, EMT). Applications are now open for high school seniors.
William Boelcke spent the years 1998 to 2000 with the U.S. Air Force. He’d spend the next 18-plus years battling mental health issues and substance abuse. Two years ago, in a treatment facility in Rockford, Ill., Boelcke was introduced to BraveHearts and its equine-assisted therapy program. The non-profit organization based in Illinois has been working with veterans, providing free equine-assisted therapy and a place of calm and acceptance, since 2007.
The close of 2020 is fast approaching, and many security professionals have experienced a wide swing in career highs and lows during this challenging year. Many shifts were obviously pandemic-related. Organizations were either forced to consider business realignment or utilized the upheaval to move in a direction that may have been already under consideration. Regardless of the circumstance, the result was a reduction in opportunities in the security profession for some, and career advancement for others.
When I first entered the security industry, it was in the early 2000s. There was no social media, no iPhones, no podcasts. My first security tradeshow happened to be ISC West. Not only was I overwhelmed by the technology and the learning curve of understanding organizational and enterprise-level risks, mitigation and solutions, but I was struck by the sheer size of the show.
During your security career, it is highly likely at some point that you will come across someone in a leadership role whose personality and style characteristics create an environment that is toxic and stressful. If you are in the unfortunate position of working for that individual while you are seeking new career opportunities, it may be time to reflect on any early warning indicators you may have missed.
In a 360-degree virtual tour of Long View Gallery in Washington D.C., ASIS announced its Awards of Excellence Friday afternoon to conclude the 2020 GSX+ virtual conference. The Outstanding Performance Security Awards (OSPAs) were also announced at this time.
After 11 years, 135 columns and more than 250 feature articles and cover stories…it is time for me to say goodbye as Editor-in-Chief of Security magazine.
Mission 500 will host a golf tournament this fall. Proceeds raised at the event will benefit the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Children’s Camp
