ASIS and SIA collaborate on security career roadmap

Sept. 26, 2018
Tool is designed to empower students and security professionals at all levels with insight into professional growth opportunities

LAS VEGAS - ASIS and the Security Industry Association (SIA) partnered on Tuesday at GSX to unveil its security management and industry career pathways guide for practitioners and suppliers during a special session at the show.  

Presented by a panel including Angela Osborne of Guidepost Solutions, Scott Dunn of Axis Communications and Kathy Lavinder of Security & Investigative Placement, the guide includes detailed research on the profiles and requirements of security jobs - from end-user management positions all the way up to CSO and executive-level positions with suppliers. 

"I think that this is really important, as this is one of the few times that ASIS and SIA have gotten together to work on a project - and what better project than working to bring more people into the industry and then finding their way through ti for a successful career," said Scott Schafer, Chairman of SIA. "Being from the IT industry for most of my career, they don't have anything on us - the base technology that we are using here, from neural networks to artificial intelligence and analytics all run on computers and software and networks, and we have the same challenges with cybersecurity. So you don't have to leave this industry to progress - you can find lots of paths in the security industry."

According to a press release, the guide provides an insightful and detailed look into what a career in the security profession looks like in today’s market. Working with employers and top talent across the global security industry, ASIS and SIA developed the Security Management and Industry Career Pathways Guide through a comprehensive and collaborative research effort. The project profiled different positions and captured the wide array of knowledge requirements within practitioner and supplier professions. It is designed to empower students and security professionals at all levels with insight into professional growth opportunities. The guide also provides a clear understanding of the necessary skills for success that allow individuals — and their teams — to achieve the highest potential and impact.

The guide showcases the resources, knowledge and tools that individuals in this profession and industry need to make decisions about their future, including taking on new challenges and responsibilities. There is a mapped-out path for security professionals at all career stages — from students or young professionals just starting out, to well-seasoned executives who set strategy and vision, to educators who want to influence the next generation of leaders.

 “The number-one issue facing many SIA members and the industry is overcoming the challenge of finding qualified talent for their businesses," SIA CEO Don Erickson said. "We know that the security industry protects lives and property through ingenuity and innovation — a compelling mission that can propel any individual to a rewarding career. The jointly developed career pathways guidance and report should help to promote the industry to colleges students and recent graduates, as well as to individuals seeking incredible growth opportunities." 

ASIS unveiled the Security Management and Industry Career Pathways Guide on its website: www.asisonline.org/careerpathwaysguide.