Young professionals urged to explore opportunities in security sector

Experts in the security industry have urged undergraduates and other young professionals to explore emerging security career growth opportunities.

The advice was given by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Chapter 206, Lagos, during its maiden NextGen Conference.

A statement by the group said that the purpose of the conference was to encourage young security professionals and students, from various fields of study in Nigerian universities and other higher institutions, to consider pursuing careers in the security sector.

The organisers emphasised that the security industry offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities for career advancement.

Speaking at a conference tagged “Emerging Security Professionals and the Future of Industrial Security”, the Chairman, ASIS Chapter 206 Lagos, Joko Olanitori, noted that the conference was designed by ASIS to provide a practical guide for the next generation of professionals who intend to join the security profession.
“Also, it affords new entrants to the industry the opportunity to grow their knowledge and explore the wide array of opportunities the industry offers within the ASIS communities,” she said.

Joko further said that the programme would enable the society to groom and develop more passionate young security professionals, who can get involved with ASIS programmes and activities and connect with associates worldwide.

According to the keynote speaker and the Chief Executive Officer, PR24 Nigeria, Onyekachi Adekoya, security is changing in nature daily due to technological disruption globally, and this further widens the scope of different types of emerging security solutions and unending demands.

He said: “My candid advice to you is to acquire more education if you intend to succeed in this security business. Education is key to growing a good security career. You must develop a voracious appetite for learning. They must understand that there are over 22 domains for career progression in the security sector.”
On his part, the Assistant Regional Vice President, ASIS International Region 11A, Peter Okoloh, tasked undergraduates, who do not have a clear career path, to explore a wide array of career domains available in the security industry to move on in life.

Also speaking, the Founder of Bulwark Intelligence Solutions, Tanwa Ashiru, challenged emerging professionals in the industry to develop developmental attitudes toward building careers in the security sector.