MAKSYM SZEWCZUK
GUIDELINES FOR SECURITY STUDENTS AND EARLY CAREERS by Maksym Szewczuk, Safety and Security Design Manager at Western Sydney Airport What do all of these people have in common;
reality of their jobs. Some jobs may seem glamorous,
a security design engineer, a security guard, a
but the reality may be somewhat different. I have
national security policy analyst, a police officer and
a passion for wine and I love the idea of being a
a cybersecurity threat manager? The answer – they
sommelier but as someone who knows several
all work in security, countering crime and terrorism.
professional sommeliers, the reality is long and
The depth and breadth of security careers is vast
demanding hours, often from Tuesday to Sunday with
and becoming wider and more
no weekends free. So I am happy
specialised with time. This article
to indulge my passion as a hobby
will seek to discuss transitioning
and not a career.
into security careers with a focus on security students and those seeking to enter the industry.
UNDERSTAND YOUR MOTIVATION Understand your motivations for
Do you have an interest in security,
a particular role. Is it work/life
have decided to study security,
balance, job satisfaction, salary,
want to get into security or into a
title, company or job impact? You
specific security-related job and are
could be motivated by several of
unsure what to do next? Hopefully
those aspects but many will have
this article will present a few good
undesirable consequences: a
tips on navigating careers, jobs and
high salary often equates to long
security‑related study.
hours and greater responsibilities. Government roles generally pay
It is OK if you do not know what you want to do, but
less than private sector roles, but offer greater job
try to have some idea of what you would like to do.
security and better work/life balance.
Think about all the possible career paths you could
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consider, try to talk to people in those roles to discuss
Increasingly, people hold multiple different roles
their duties and responsibilities and understand the
throughout their careers, whereas a few decades ago
W O M E N I N S E C U R I T Y M A G A Z I N E
J A N U A RY • F E B R U A RY 2023
