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Protection and safety are at the top of most people’s minds these days, and the demand for security guards is growing at a steady pace. With plenty of jobs, excellent job security, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work with the public in a variety of interesting situations, getting your guard card and becoming a security guard is a path worth pursuing.
For all of you who’ve ever wondered what a guard career would be like and whether it’s right for you, we’ve compiled the top five reasons to become a security guard and pathways to get you started.
Five Reasons to Become a Security Guard
If keeping people, properties, and communities safe appeals to you, becoming a security guard might be a good fit. The job also offers many perks you may not have considered, and we’ll discuss some of those today. So, is a security guard job right for you? Let’s find out!
1. High demand for trained security guards
Becoming a security guard opens you up to many diverse job opportunities. Security is needed everywhere and isn’t always tied to a single location. You may guard and patrol office buildings or maintain safety in a theme park. Some positions are public-facing, while others are behind the scenes, monitoring security systems or working with a team to secure multiple properties. The potential is incredible; there are always positions available for trained guards.
Even if you decide to pursue a different career after a few years, the experience looks great on a resume as it demonstrates that you can handle responsibility and are highly skilled at problem-solving and dealing with the public.
2. The training is easy and convenient
Every state has its own regulations around required training and certification for security guards. Some require in-person training, and others allow online training. Online security guard training can be accessed from anywhere, enabling you to take the course at your own pace. So, say you were working at a job but were considering being a security guard to boost your income. You could take the online training courses on your own time and get your guard card in as little as 30 days.
3. The hours are flexible
Let’s say you’re a mom who needs to work at night or on the weekends around her family’s schedule. Working as a security guard provides that flexibility as all shifts are available. Perhaps you’re a retiree who wants to stay busy but can’t find jobs with daytime hours. Maybe you’re saving for your future and have a full-time job but want to supplement your income. Becoming a trained security guard could be the answer.
Part-time, flexible, and casual work is always an option when you’re a security guard. You could be a security guard at festivals, music, or sports events, getting to work with all kinds of people and experience exciting live events.
4. Helping people feels good
Security guards don’t just enhance safety; they also bring peace of mind to the people they serve. Building residents feel reassured when they know a security guard is on the job. You may be called upon to help vulnerable people and protect them from threatening or dangerous situations. Security guard training enhances the ability to stay calm in tense situations and think on your feet, attributes that will be appreciated and rewarded with gratitude. It’s gratifying to know that your efforts make such a difference in people’s lives. Security then becomes more than just a job: it’s an act of service deeply rooted in humanity.
5. Exciting career paths
Many people start their security careers as part-timers, but there is an excellent opportunity for career advancement. This progression can happen at any life stage; if you’re enterprising enough, you might be surprised at where the journey takes you.
The more obvious pathway would be to climb the management ladder within the company that employs you, although you might prefer to strike out on your own. Many security business owners started out as guards. Some go on to become private detectives. Others may specialize in a specific niche, like security technology sales and consulting.
The point is that getting your guard card is just the beginning. Once you gain some experience, there are endless avenues to pursue if you’re so inclined.
George Became a Security Guard at 70. Here’s His Story.
This is a true story. George (not his real name) is a brilliant man. He earned a PhD, has had an incredible career, a great family, owned a dozen or so companies, and enjoyed a lifetime of success and all the perks that go with it. When his wife got sick, George was 70 years old. He was looking for something to get him out of the house, but there weren’t many options available to a man his age, despite his skills and life experience. He got his guard card and worked as a nighttime security guard, keeping him active and busy while allowing him to interact with diverse people outside the home.
A lifelong learner with keen observational skills, George eventually segued that experience into writing security guard training courses. It was a massive value for the training provider to have a guy like George on their team, and the job was gratifying for George, too, as he was able to leverage his academic skills and real-world knowledge of what it takes to be a security guard, helping others discover their potential in the security industry.
Self-Paced Online Security Guard Training
Defencify’s self-paced online training courses are engaging and, by all accounts, fun to take. Each module is concise, and many are gamified, a strategy proven to enhance learning outcomes and boost critical thinking skills. Each course is designed to prepare you for a security career and includes guard card certification and continuing education bundles to help you stay current on your state’s latest trends and regulations.
Browse our courses today or explore our resources to learn more.
