by Rebecca Walker — September 4, 2009—In an online poll conducted by Security Director News, 29 percent of respondents said that having a college and post-graduate education is the most important background for security practitioners. While respondents overall identified real-world experience as being the primary background necessary (54 percent), many said a combination of the two was ideal.
“Having both the experience and education to meet [an organization’s] needs is key to being an effective security director in these times,” wrote Joe Semasko, director of corporate security at The Pampered Chef. Erik Moore, security account manager for Star Protection Agency agreed: “I ultimately chose real-world experience, but I believe that college/graduate education and law enforcement training can be a significant asset.”
As the role of security continues to integrate into the management side of an organization, it becomes apparent that security practitioners need to become well versed in business processes.
However, adjusting to the corporate world can be especially challenging for those coming out of the military or law enforcement, said James Killin, chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Henley-Putnam University, an accredited online university that offers bachelor and master degrees in intelligence management, terrorism and counterterrorism studies and the management of personal protection.
Killin said the university is constantly reviewing and updating its course offerings to stay on top of the changing expectations of the security professional. Technology, for example, is constantly evolving.
For more information, see the Web site of Security Director News.
