- Email: [email protected]
Appendix 1
Appendix 1 WOMEN IN THE SECURITY PROFESSION: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT1 THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN SECURITY: DEVELOPING A STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS2 Marianna A. Perry, M.S., CPP
In 1989, Jay W. Lorsch, a professor at Harvard Business School, wrote about the framework of corporate structure and the decline of American companies to make the system operate efficiently and generate profit in Pawns or Potentates: The Reality of America’s Corporate Boards.3 It is up to the boards of directors in companies to find solutions to difficult problems, to voluntarily implement measures for continued business success, and to not rely on laws or court decisions to positively affect business profitability and continued growth. Even though this publication does not specifically discuss the future of women in the security industry, it can be compared with the future of women in society in general and, above all, in the chessboard of life. Chess is a game of strategy, and the goal is checkmate or to threaten your opponent’s king with capture. When the game of chess is played, it involves 32 movable chess pieces. The queen on a chessboard can move any number of spaces, in any direction—forward, backward, right, left, or diagonally. A pawn on the other hand, can only move one or two spaces at a time toward the opponent. Playing chess is similar to what we as security professionals strive to do each day in the security industry. We want to threaten our opponents (or those who threaten the safety and security of an organization) with fear of capture. It is a game of strategy and preparedness. Our goal is to be proactive and develop countermeasures or security systems that make a security breach unlikely. We use overlapping layers of security components to protect our “king,” or our organization, much like the other pieces on a chessboard. To further explain and discuss this analogy, queens have more options than pawns and they are often considered the most powerful piece on the chessboard. Queens are valuable because they must think several moves ahead. To prepare for success in any industry, women (and men) need to think like a queen on the chessboard. This is done 1 Davies
S, editor. Women in the Security Profession: A practical guide for career development. Elsevier Publisher; 2016. 2 Ibid. 3 Lorsch JW, MacIver E. Pawns or potentates: the reality of America’s corporate boards. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press; 1989.
219
220
Appendix 1
by thinking ahead, preparing for the future, and setting ourselves up for success by being proactive and anticipating the needs of the future. Each of us has to determine how much control we want to have over our own future and how far we want to go in this industry. We can do this by asking ourselves the following question, “Do you want to be a queen or a pawn?”
THE SECURITY INDUSTRY The security industry, like law enforcement and other areas of public safety, are generally male-dominated professions. Traditionally, the security profession has been dominated by former law enforcement and military personnel, as well as seasoned male security practitioners. Even though men still outnumber women in the security field, the demand for qualified security professionals continues to grow and there are high-profile positions available for both men and women. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, awareness was raised throughout the world about the need for competent security professionals, and there are more job opportunities in the diverse world of security for those individuals, both male and female, who strive to stay on top of this ever-changing industry by being knowledgeable about current trends and issues and are consistently striving to develop themselves professionally to remain on the cutting edge of the latest innovations and solutions in the industry. Technology has and will continue to have a great influence on the security industry. The future challenge for security professionals will be to understand the capabilities and the integration of technology into day-to-day security operations. It is important to understand that technology is not the answer to effective security. Technology is a component within the overall security process. Moving forward, all security professionals will need to be adaptable and have the ability to anticipate change and needs of the future by gathering information, analyzing data, and studying crime trends. According to research done by Scott Goldfine in the 2014 Security Industry Demographic Census,4 women comprise only 7% of the workforce in the security industry. With the advances in technology, more and more women are entering the field of information security and International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, the world’s largest not-for-profit information security professional body, released a study that women represent 11% of informa tion security professionals.5 One of the obstacles for women in the security industry appears to be related to a general lack of information about the industry and the awareness about the careers available in the security profession. 4 Goldfine
S, Security Sales and Integration. 2014 Security Industry Demographic Census. Security Sales and Integration (Massachusetts: EH Publishing); 2014. p. 78. 5 Frost & Sullivan, Agents of Change: Women in the Information Security Profession. (ISC)2 (Florida: (ISC)2, 1-3.
Appendix 1
PROFESSIONALISM Professionalism is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well.”6 Undoubtedly, you have probably been told to be professional if you want to have a successful career, but what does it really mean? Most of us have probably not been formally taught about professionalism and are instead supposed to learn it on our own, but that is sometimes a difficult way to learn things. Being a professional means displaying competence in your area of expertise and knowing your strengths and weaknesses. This is not being arrogant—it is demonstrating that you are competent. Strive to demonstrate the core values of professionalism. For example, wear the appropriate business attire and practice proper workplace etiquette. Whenever possible, take on leadership roles and show that you are willing to accept responsibilities and that you can produce results. It is very important that you build a professional resume that will help you succeed and reach your goals. Join organizations that will help you grow—both as an individual and as a security professional. Be an active member in ASIS International by participating in your local chapter, joining a council, attending the Annual Seminar, writing book reviews and articles, and attending ASIS-sponsored training programs. Participate in industry events that law enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other government entities sponsor in your local area. Turn your brain into a sponge and absorb all the knowledge and security industry expertise possible. Determine where you want to be and do everything possible to make that happen. Be a valuable security professional.
WORKPLACE BULLYING This brings us to another issue in the workplace. Many times, we think that bullying is only a problem in the school environment, but, unfortunately, bullying is sometimes also an issue in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of bullying includes “a perceived or actual power imbalance” and now considers bullying to be a public health problem.7 Workplace bullies generally display negative behavior and have no regard for other workers. Workplace bullying is sometimes hard to identify and may be difficult to manage. It can occur at every level in the workplace and can come in many forms. It is often not noticed and not addressed until there are distressing consequences.8 The Workplace Bullying Institute states that approximately one-third of workers may be the victims of workplace bullies. About 60% of workplace bullies are men, and they appear to bully male and female employees equally. Female bullies are more likely to bully other females. 6 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. 7 Fennelly
LJ, Perry MA. The handbook for school safety & security. Elsevier Publishers; 2014.
8 www.crisisprevention.com/Workplace-Bullying.
221
222
Appendix 1
This may be because there is more pressure on females trying to succeed in maledominated workplaces.9 The job market today is competitive, so let your outstanding performance, productivity, and quality of work speak for itself. Craft your strategy to succeed, and ensure that your success is not at the expense of someone else. Stephen Covey said it best in his book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: “Win/Win is based on the paradigm that there is plenty for everybody, that one person’s success is not achieved at the expense or exclusion of the success of others.”10
WOMEN IN THE SECURITY PROFESSION ASIS International, the leading organization for security professionals, has approximately 38,000 members worldwide11 and only recently began collecting gender information on membership applications; however, it is not surprising to learn that there are more men than women who are members of ASIS. In 2000, the Forum on Women and Minorities in the Security Profession was held in Granada Hills, California, and the proceedings were published in 2001 by the ASIS Foundation. The following is a portion of the presentation by Cynthia Conlon, CPP, then Chairman of the Board of ASIS: Speaking specifically about ASIS, currently there are approximately 30,000 members in ASIS in over 120 countries. Although ASIS does not maintain statistics relative to gender or race, we can make some assumptions relative to gender, in particular, from the membership ASIS International – IRC: Women in Security, February 2015 Page 4 of 7 records. I perused those and found that there are approximately 24,000 members – of the 30,000 – who are registered with the prefix ‘Mr.’ Approximately 1900 are registered with the prefix of ‘Ms.’ or ‘Mrs.’ The remaining 4000 or so did not designate a prefix, so I don’t know what the gender is. But this would indicate an average membership for the Society worldwide of six-and-a-half percent women. That tells you that our profession has a long way to grow from that side of the house.12
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Based on information from ASIS, it appears as though the number of women pursuing a career in the security industry is growing. Women (and men) who are interested in pursuing a job in the fast-growing security industry need to educate themselves about career paths that will prepare them for the position they want. Do research. Determine 9 www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/workplace-bullying. 10 http://blog.zerodean.com/2014/quotes/one-persons-success-is-not-achieved-at-the-expense-or-exc-
lusion-of-the-success-of-others. 11 www.asisonline.org. 12 www.asisonline.org/Membership/Library/Subject-Guides/Pages/Women-in-Security.
Appendix 1
what you want and where you want to be. Goals must be set and an action plan put in place to make these desires and dreams become a reality. Have a strategy to achieve your goals and gain industry expertise to become an innovative problem solver. Learn about the industry and what jobs are available, and then do research on specific jobs that you are interested in. Determine what educational level is required for those positions. Education and industry training may consist of formal educational degree programs, professional certifications, and professional development through industry organizations, such as ASIS International, which offers seminars and webinars on various security topics as well as on-the-job training programs. Industry-specific education and training programs will emphasize your commitment to the security industry and knowledge base, allow you to be a subject matter expert, and give you more flexibility in achieving your goals within the security industry. Join security industry groups and educate yourself about the industry-specific skills, credentials, qualifications, certifications, or licenses that will give you the competitive edge. Get a job that will give you some relevant experience in the security profession or help you learn more about the security industry. Purchase books by the leading authors in the security industry and do not just read them—study them. Look especially for those books that are a third, fourth, or fifth edition because that will tell you the author or the topic has a following and that they are the experts in the security industry.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE I was interested in a career in law enforcement and made the decision in 1979 to apply for employment with the Kentucky State Police, even though I knew there was only one female Kentucky State Police trooper at the time and approximately 900 male troopers. The odds of being selected for one of the coveted spots on the Kentucky State Police, especially for women, were certainly formidable. In 1979, over 250 women applied to become troopers and there were four chosen to enter the training program at the Kentucky State Police Academy, including me. Sixty-eight men were chosen. There were a total of over 2000 applications for these 72 positions. Sixty cadets successfully completed the grueling training, graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy, and were assigned locations throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I found the Kentucky State Police to be a challenging and rewarding experience, and it certainly has had a positive effect on my career path because I learned valuable skills that easily transferred to the security profession. Security professionals are known for their specialized knowledge about the security industry. This is accomplished by a deep personal commitment to develop and improve their skills and knowledge base. Experience, degrees, and certifications serve as the foundation of knowledge about the industry. Security professionals work in a serious and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. It is important to keep this knowledge up-to-date to meet new challenges and to be a problem solver. Since trust is of utmost importance, it is critical that security professionals exhibit qualities like honesty and integrity in both their personal and professional lives.
223
224
Appendix 1
MEMBERSHIP IN ASIS INTERNATIONAL ASIS International13 is the leading organization for security professionals worldwide. If you want a career in security, join ASIS and get involved in your local chapter and participate in industry events, such as the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits. There are over 30 ASIS Councils that focus on specialized areas of interest in the security industry. Join an ASIS Council that is relevant to your specific skill set and participate and collaborate with others in the industry about best practices or trends in the industry. The ASIS Women in Security Working Group recently became the Women in Security Council, whose goal is to “provide support and assistance to women in the security field, as well as inspire those interested in entering the profession.”14
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS ASIS was the first organization to implement security certifications and develop a standard for excellence in the security industry. The following ASIS security credentials are accepted throughout the world and are proof of professional knowledge: • Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Board Certification in Security Management • Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) Board Certification in Investigations • Physical Security Professional (PSP) Board Certification in Physical Security15 Security certifications are solid evidence of your level of proficiency in the security industry and will validate your level of knowledge. Any of the aforementioned certifications will make evident your commitment to professional development in the security industry. ASIS did not collect gender information on membership applications in the past and recently conducted research to determine how many women in the organization hold professional certifications—specifically CPP, PCI, and PSP. Research conducted by ASIS is not completely accurate because not every member identifies his or her gender. There are approximately 7139 CPPs, approximately 1612 PSPs, and approximately 580 PCIs. According to their research, there are approximately 496 female members of ASIS International who have earned certifications.16 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid.
Appendix 1
NETWORKING In addition to obtaining education, training, and certifications in the security industry, never underestimate the value of networking. It is a common fact that people will do business with people they like, rather than through an advertisement. Networking will give you professional business connections and will create new opportunities for success. Again, this is another strategy to help you achieve your goals. Networking through professional groups will give you the opportunity to practice your public speaking skills. I have given hundreds of presentations and, yes, I have made mistakes, but the important thing is that I learned something from my mistakes. Almost everyone is nervous when they speak to a group, but practice will help you to improve your presentation skills. Even on those days when you do not feel your best, you fail to bring your notes, or you lose your train of thought in the middle of a presentation, if you keep practicing and giving presentations, your public speaking skills will improve. Toastmasters International17 is a world leader in communication and leadership development and has clubs in over 135 countries. The goal of Toastmasters is to help members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Brian Morris with the Business 2 Business Community lists the top 10 business networking groups that you may want to consider joining.18 Check your local area for the following groups to improve your presentation skills and advance your career: 1. Business Networking International (BNI) 2. MasterMind Groups 3. LeTip 4. Women in Business Networking 5. Chamber of Commerce 6. Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 7. Merchant Associations 8. Rotary International 9. Kiwanis Club 10. Optimist Club
THE VALUE OF NETWORKING In 2009, through networking with law enforcement and security professionals in the university setting, I was offered the prestigious position as Director of the National Crime Prevention Institute (NCPI) because of my law enforcement background and experience in the security industry. The NCPI began operating in 1971 in the 17 www.toastmasters.org. 18 http://www.business2community.com/strategy/top-10-business-networking-groups-you-should-join.
225
226
Appendix 1
Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville; countless numbers of security professionals have taken courses, and the reputation of NCPI is known throughout the world. Simply by being the Director of NCPI, many doors were opened for me in the security industry. In 2010, Larry Fennelly, a very good friend of mine (and mentor), introduced me to a business associate of his at the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits. He introduced me by name, and Larry’s associate was very polite and cordial; however, when Larry told him that I was the Director of the NCPI, his demeanor completely changed and he enthusiastically shook my hand said, “Oh, it’s very nice to meet you.” I immediately gained professional credibility because of my position at the NCPI. Never underestimate the value of being affiliated with companies or institutions, and use that credibility to move your career forward.
MENTORING Mentoring relationships, whether they are formal or informal arrangements, are invaluable for providing direction and negotiating your career path. John C. Crosby’s definition of mentorship is excellent. He stated, “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”19 The best way to describe mentoring is that a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced, less knowledgeable person develop professionally and navigate toward reaching their goals. In the typical mentoring relationship, one individual has more experience, skill, and development than the other and a caring, respectful partnership is built. Corporate mentoring programs have long been recognized as an essential strategy for attracting, developing, and retaining top employees. According to a survey by the American Society for Training and Development, 75% of private sector executives said that mentoring had been critical in helping them reach their current position.20 I have had strong mentors who helped me navigate my career path in the security industry, and each has helped me in a different way by providing their expertise and guidance. It is important to note that mentoring relationships do not have to be formal and there is no need to have an established mentorship program. Find a mentor and let them help you toward reaching your goals in the industry. I am currently a mentor with the ASIS Women in Security Council, and this experience has helped me “give back” to the security industry to help other women succeed. Sallie Krawcheck, who was once one of the highest ranking women on Wall Street, said that networking and mentorship are the “unspoken secrets to success” in male-dominated industries.21 19 http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/tag/john-c-crosby. 20 Ibid. 21 www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/sallie-krawcheck-wall-street-women.
Appendix 1
SUCCESS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY ASIS International has a Mentoring Security Leaders Program that matches experienced security professionals with those new to the industry or looking to advance into leadership positions. The Women in Security Council also has a monthly “Ask a Mentor Series” as well as mentorship programs designed especially for women in the security industry.22 To succeed in the ever-changing world of security, female (and male) security professionals must evolve to keep pace with technology as well as the new threats that will evolve with increased world globalization. Our world is advancing at an incredible pace so ensure that you have a global security perspective. Embrace change and technology! You must stay ahead of the curve, be adaptable, and have the ability to anticipate change and the needs of the future by gathering information, developing professionally, having the ability to analyze data, and by studying crime trends. Specifically, this will include addressing such issues as: • Information technology and cyber security, including the Internet of things • Effective means of communication and motivation of a multigenerational workforce • Total systems integration • Video surveillance technology (including unmanned aerial vehicles) • Biometric applications for access control • The value of building effective partnerships with local, state, and federal emergency managers/first responders to effectively prepare for natural disasters, workplace violence and global terrorism before, during and after the event • The importance of industry-specific certifications, training, and education to prepare the security professional to meet the challenges of the future The future is bright for female security professionals whose education, professional certification, and expertise separates them from the competition, whether this competition is male or female. Many females in male-dominated industries choose to downplay their gender and strive to be recognized solely for their qualifications, skills, and expertise—basically what they bring to the table. Regardless, ensure that you bring value to the industry and strive to contribute as a security professional, not just as a woman. When Sallie Krawcheck, one of the highest-ranking women on Wall Street, was asked if being a woman helped or hindered her career, she simply replied, “Yes.”23 As a female security professional in a male-dominated industry and in the chessboard of life, keep the “opposing pieces” on the board in “check.” Strive to plan today for the needs of the future. Determine whether you want to be a queen or a pawn. Develop your strategy for success, and remember that education, professional certification, leadership roles, and expertise will separate the queens from the pawns. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid.
227
228
Appendix 1
Queens are valuable because they must think several moves ahead. Do not just simply think several moves ahead, but instead, take action. Prepare for the future, and set yourself up for success by anticipating the needs of the future. Be a visionary and think big! In other words, think like a queen. Your success will create future opportunities, but success in the security industry does not happen overnight. It takes hard work and determination. I can tell you one thing for certain; I am a queen on the chessboard of life, not a pawn.
In 1989, Jay W. Lorsch, a professor at Harvard Business School, wrote about the framework of corporate structure and the decline of American companies to make the system operate efficiently and generate profit in Pawns or Potentates: The Reality of America’s Corporate Boards.3 It is up to the boards of directors in companies to find solutions to difficult problems, to voluntarily implement measures for continued business success, and to not rely on laws or court decisions to positively affect business profitability and continued growth. Even though this publication does not specifically discuss the future of women in the security industry, it can be compared with the future of women in society in general and, above all, in the chessboard of life. Chess is a game of strategy, and the goal is checkmate or to threaten your opponent’s king with capture. When the game of chess is played, it involves 32 movable chess pieces. The queen on a chessboard can move any number of spaces, in any direction—forward, backward, right, left, or diagonally. A pawn on the other hand, can only move one or two spaces at a time toward the opponent. Playing chess is similar to what we as security professionals strive to do each day in the security industry. We want to threaten our opponents (or those who threaten the safety and security of an organization) with fear of capture. It is a game of strategy and preparedness. Our goal is to be proactive and develop countermeasures or security systems that make a security breach unlikely. We use overlapping layers of security components to protect our “king,” or our organization, much like the other pieces on a chessboard. To further explain and discuss this analogy, queens have more options than pawns and they are often considered the most powerful piece on the chessboard. Queens are valuable because they must think several moves ahead. To prepare for success in any industry, women (and men) need to think like a queen on the chessboard. This is done 1 Davies
S, editor. Women in the Security Profession: A practical guide for career development. Elsevier Publisher; 2016. 2 Ibid. 3 Lorsch JW, MacIver E. Pawns or potentates: the reality of America’s corporate boards. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press; 1989.
219
220
Appendix 1
by thinking ahead, preparing for the future, and setting ourselves up for success by being proactive and anticipating the needs of the future. Each of us has to determine how much control we want to have over our own future and how far we want to go in this industry. We can do this by asking ourselves the following question, “Do you want to be a queen or a pawn?”
THE SECURITY INDUSTRY The security industry, like law enforcement and other areas of public safety, are generally male-dominated professions. Traditionally, the security profession has been dominated by former law enforcement and military personnel, as well as seasoned male security practitioners. Even though men still outnumber women in the security field, the demand for qualified security professionals continues to grow and there are high-profile positions available for both men and women. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, awareness was raised throughout the world about the need for competent security professionals, and there are more job opportunities in the diverse world of security for those individuals, both male and female, who strive to stay on top of this ever-changing industry by being knowledgeable about current trends and issues and are consistently striving to develop themselves professionally to remain on the cutting edge of the latest innovations and solutions in the industry. Technology has and will continue to have a great influence on the security industry. The future challenge for security professionals will be to understand the capabilities and the integration of technology into day-to-day security operations. It is important to understand that technology is not the answer to effective security. Technology is a component within the overall security process. Moving forward, all security professionals will need to be adaptable and have the ability to anticipate change and needs of the future by gathering information, analyzing data, and studying crime trends. According to research done by Scott Goldfine in the 2014 Security Industry Demographic Census,4 women comprise only 7% of the workforce in the security industry. With the advances in technology, more and more women are entering the field of information security and International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, the world’s largest not-for-profit information security professional body, released a study that women represent 11% of informa tion security professionals.5 One of the obstacles for women in the security industry appears to be related to a general lack of information about the industry and the awareness about the careers available in the security profession. 4 Goldfine
S, Security Sales and Integration. 2014 Security Industry Demographic Census. Security Sales and Integration (Massachusetts: EH Publishing); 2014. p. 78. 5 Frost & Sullivan, Agents of Change: Women in the Information Security Profession. (ISC)2 (Florida: (ISC)2, 1-3.
Appendix 1
PROFESSIONALISM Professionalism is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well.”6 Undoubtedly, you have probably been told to be professional if you want to have a successful career, but what does it really mean? Most of us have probably not been formally taught about professionalism and are instead supposed to learn it on our own, but that is sometimes a difficult way to learn things. Being a professional means displaying competence in your area of expertise and knowing your strengths and weaknesses. This is not being arrogant—it is demonstrating that you are competent. Strive to demonstrate the core values of professionalism. For example, wear the appropriate business attire and practice proper workplace etiquette. Whenever possible, take on leadership roles and show that you are willing to accept responsibilities and that you can produce results. It is very important that you build a professional resume that will help you succeed and reach your goals. Join organizations that will help you grow—both as an individual and as a security professional. Be an active member in ASIS International by participating in your local chapter, joining a council, attending the Annual Seminar, writing book reviews and articles, and attending ASIS-sponsored training programs. Participate in industry events that law enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other government entities sponsor in your local area. Turn your brain into a sponge and absorb all the knowledge and security industry expertise possible. Determine where you want to be and do everything possible to make that happen. Be a valuable security professional.
WORKPLACE BULLYING This brings us to another issue in the workplace. Many times, we think that bullying is only a problem in the school environment, but, unfortunately, bullying is sometimes also an issue in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of bullying includes “a perceived or actual power imbalance” and now considers bullying to be a public health problem.7 Workplace bullies generally display negative behavior and have no regard for other workers. Workplace bullying is sometimes hard to identify and may be difficult to manage. It can occur at every level in the workplace and can come in many forms. It is often not noticed and not addressed until there are distressing consequences.8 The Workplace Bullying Institute states that approximately one-third of workers may be the victims of workplace bullies. About 60% of workplace bullies are men, and they appear to bully male and female employees equally. Female bullies are more likely to bully other females. 6 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism. 7 Fennelly
LJ, Perry MA. The handbook for school safety & security. Elsevier Publishers; 2014.
8 www.crisisprevention.com/Workplace-Bullying.
221
222
Appendix 1
This may be because there is more pressure on females trying to succeed in maledominated workplaces.9 The job market today is competitive, so let your outstanding performance, productivity, and quality of work speak for itself. Craft your strategy to succeed, and ensure that your success is not at the expense of someone else. Stephen Covey said it best in his book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: “Win/Win is based on the paradigm that there is plenty for everybody, that one person’s success is not achieved at the expense or exclusion of the success of others.”10
WOMEN IN THE SECURITY PROFESSION ASIS International, the leading organization for security professionals, has approximately 38,000 members worldwide11 and only recently began collecting gender information on membership applications; however, it is not surprising to learn that there are more men than women who are members of ASIS. In 2000, the Forum on Women and Minorities in the Security Profession was held in Granada Hills, California, and the proceedings were published in 2001 by the ASIS Foundation. The following is a portion of the presentation by Cynthia Conlon, CPP, then Chairman of the Board of ASIS: Speaking specifically about ASIS, currently there are approximately 30,000 members in ASIS in over 120 countries. Although ASIS does not maintain statistics relative to gender or race, we can make some assumptions relative to gender, in particular, from the membership ASIS International – IRC: Women in Security, February 2015 Page 4 of 7 records. I perused those and found that there are approximately 24,000 members – of the 30,000 – who are registered with the prefix ‘Mr.’ Approximately 1900 are registered with the prefix of ‘Ms.’ or ‘Mrs.’ The remaining 4000 or so did not designate a prefix, so I don’t know what the gender is. But this would indicate an average membership for the Society worldwide of six-and-a-half percent women. That tells you that our profession has a long way to grow from that side of the house.12
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Based on information from ASIS, it appears as though the number of women pursuing a career in the security industry is growing. Women (and men) who are interested in pursuing a job in the fast-growing security industry need to educate themselves about career paths that will prepare them for the position they want. Do research. Determine 9 www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/workplace-bullying. 10 http://blog.zerodean.com/2014/quotes/one-persons-success-is-not-achieved-at-the-expense-or-exc-
lusion-of-the-success-of-others. 11 www.asisonline.org. 12 www.asisonline.org/Membership/Library/Subject-Guides/Pages/Women-in-Security.
Appendix 1
what you want and where you want to be. Goals must be set and an action plan put in place to make these desires and dreams become a reality. Have a strategy to achieve your goals and gain industry expertise to become an innovative problem solver. Learn about the industry and what jobs are available, and then do research on specific jobs that you are interested in. Determine what educational level is required for those positions. Education and industry training may consist of formal educational degree programs, professional certifications, and professional development through industry organizations, such as ASIS International, which offers seminars and webinars on various security topics as well as on-the-job training programs. Industry-specific education and training programs will emphasize your commitment to the security industry and knowledge base, allow you to be a subject matter expert, and give you more flexibility in achieving your goals within the security industry. Join security industry groups and educate yourself about the industry-specific skills, credentials, qualifications, certifications, or licenses that will give you the competitive edge. Get a job that will give you some relevant experience in the security profession or help you learn more about the security industry. Purchase books by the leading authors in the security industry and do not just read them—study them. Look especially for those books that are a third, fourth, or fifth edition because that will tell you the author or the topic has a following and that they are the experts in the security industry.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE I was interested in a career in law enforcement and made the decision in 1979 to apply for employment with the Kentucky State Police, even though I knew there was only one female Kentucky State Police trooper at the time and approximately 900 male troopers. The odds of being selected for one of the coveted spots on the Kentucky State Police, especially for women, were certainly formidable. In 1979, over 250 women applied to become troopers and there were four chosen to enter the training program at the Kentucky State Police Academy, including me. Sixty-eight men were chosen. There were a total of over 2000 applications for these 72 positions. Sixty cadets successfully completed the grueling training, graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy, and were assigned locations throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I found the Kentucky State Police to be a challenging and rewarding experience, and it certainly has had a positive effect on my career path because I learned valuable skills that easily transferred to the security profession. Security professionals are known for their specialized knowledge about the security industry. This is accomplished by a deep personal commitment to develop and improve their skills and knowledge base. Experience, degrees, and certifications serve as the foundation of knowledge about the industry. Security professionals work in a serious and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. It is important to keep this knowledge up-to-date to meet new challenges and to be a problem solver. Since trust is of utmost importance, it is critical that security professionals exhibit qualities like honesty and integrity in both their personal and professional lives.
223
224
Appendix 1
MEMBERSHIP IN ASIS INTERNATIONAL ASIS International13 is the leading organization for security professionals worldwide. If you want a career in security, join ASIS and get involved in your local chapter and participate in industry events, such as the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits. There are over 30 ASIS Councils that focus on specialized areas of interest in the security industry. Join an ASIS Council that is relevant to your specific skill set and participate and collaborate with others in the industry about best practices or trends in the industry. The ASIS Women in Security Working Group recently became the Women in Security Council, whose goal is to “provide support and assistance to women in the security field, as well as inspire those interested in entering the profession.”14
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS ASIS was the first organization to implement security certifications and develop a standard for excellence in the security industry. The following ASIS security credentials are accepted throughout the world and are proof of professional knowledge: • Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Board Certification in Security Management • Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) Board Certification in Investigations • Physical Security Professional (PSP) Board Certification in Physical Security15 Security certifications are solid evidence of your level of proficiency in the security industry and will validate your level of knowledge. Any of the aforementioned certifications will make evident your commitment to professional development in the security industry. ASIS did not collect gender information on membership applications in the past and recently conducted research to determine how many women in the organization hold professional certifications—specifically CPP, PCI, and PSP. Research conducted by ASIS is not completely accurate because not every member identifies his or her gender. There are approximately 7139 CPPs, approximately 1612 PSPs, and approximately 580 PCIs. According to their research, there are approximately 496 female members of ASIS International who have earned certifications.16 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid.
Appendix 1
NETWORKING In addition to obtaining education, training, and certifications in the security industry, never underestimate the value of networking. It is a common fact that people will do business with people they like, rather than through an advertisement. Networking will give you professional business connections and will create new opportunities for success. Again, this is another strategy to help you achieve your goals. Networking through professional groups will give you the opportunity to practice your public speaking skills. I have given hundreds of presentations and, yes, I have made mistakes, but the important thing is that I learned something from my mistakes. Almost everyone is nervous when they speak to a group, but practice will help you to improve your presentation skills. Even on those days when you do not feel your best, you fail to bring your notes, or you lose your train of thought in the middle of a presentation, if you keep practicing and giving presentations, your public speaking skills will improve. Toastmasters International17 is a world leader in communication and leadership development and has clubs in over 135 countries. The goal of Toastmasters is to help members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Brian Morris with the Business 2 Business Community lists the top 10 business networking groups that you may want to consider joining.18 Check your local area for the following groups to improve your presentation skills and advance your career: 1. Business Networking International (BNI) 2. MasterMind Groups 3. LeTip 4. Women in Business Networking 5. Chamber of Commerce 6. Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 7. Merchant Associations 8. Rotary International 9. Kiwanis Club 10. Optimist Club
THE VALUE OF NETWORKING In 2009, through networking with law enforcement and security professionals in the university setting, I was offered the prestigious position as Director of the National Crime Prevention Institute (NCPI) because of my law enforcement background and experience in the security industry. The NCPI began operating in 1971 in the 17 www.toastmasters.org. 18 http://www.business2community.com/strategy/top-10-business-networking-groups-you-should-join.
225
226
Appendix 1
Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville; countless numbers of security professionals have taken courses, and the reputation of NCPI is known throughout the world. Simply by being the Director of NCPI, many doors were opened for me in the security industry. In 2010, Larry Fennelly, a very good friend of mine (and mentor), introduced me to a business associate of his at the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits. He introduced me by name, and Larry’s associate was very polite and cordial; however, when Larry told him that I was the Director of the NCPI, his demeanor completely changed and he enthusiastically shook my hand said, “Oh, it’s very nice to meet you.” I immediately gained professional credibility because of my position at the NCPI. Never underestimate the value of being affiliated with companies or institutions, and use that credibility to move your career forward.
MENTORING Mentoring relationships, whether they are formal or informal arrangements, are invaluable for providing direction and negotiating your career path. John C. Crosby’s definition of mentorship is excellent. He stated, “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”19 The best way to describe mentoring is that a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced, less knowledgeable person develop professionally and navigate toward reaching their goals. In the typical mentoring relationship, one individual has more experience, skill, and development than the other and a caring, respectful partnership is built. Corporate mentoring programs have long been recognized as an essential strategy for attracting, developing, and retaining top employees. According to a survey by the American Society for Training and Development, 75% of private sector executives said that mentoring had been critical in helping them reach their current position.20 I have had strong mentors who helped me navigate my career path in the security industry, and each has helped me in a different way by providing their expertise and guidance. It is important to note that mentoring relationships do not have to be formal and there is no need to have an established mentorship program. Find a mentor and let them help you toward reaching your goals in the industry. I am currently a mentor with the ASIS Women in Security Council, and this experience has helped me “give back” to the security industry to help other women succeed. Sallie Krawcheck, who was once one of the highest ranking women on Wall Street, said that networking and mentorship are the “unspoken secrets to success” in male-dominated industries.21 19 http://www.burrellesluce.com/freshideas/tag/john-c-crosby. 20 Ibid. 21 www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/sallie-krawcheck-wall-street-women.
Appendix 1
SUCCESS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY ASIS International has a Mentoring Security Leaders Program that matches experienced security professionals with those new to the industry or looking to advance into leadership positions. The Women in Security Council also has a monthly “Ask a Mentor Series” as well as mentorship programs designed especially for women in the security industry.22 To succeed in the ever-changing world of security, female (and male) security professionals must evolve to keep pace with technology as well as the new threats that will evolve with increased world globalization. Our world is advancing at an incredible pace so ensure that you have a global security perspective. Embrace change and technology! You must stay ahead of the curve, be adaptable, and have the ability to anticipate change and the needs of the future by gathering information, developing professionally, having the ability to analyze data, and by studying crime trends. Specifically, this will include addressing such issues as: • Information technology and cyber security, including the Internet of things • Effective means of communication and motivation of a multigenerational workforce • Total systems integration • Video surveillance technology (including unmanned aerial vehicles) • Biometric applications for access control • The value of building effective partnerships with local, state, and federal emergency managers/first responders to effectively prepare for natural disasters, workplace violence and global terrorism before, during and after the event • The importance of industry-specific certifications, training, and education to prepare the security professional to meet the challenges of the future The future is bright for female security professionals whose education, professional certification, and expertise separates them from the competition, whether this competition is male or female. Many females in male-dominated industries choose to downplay their gender and strive to be recognized solely for their qualifications, skills, and expertise—basically what they bring to the table. Regardless, ensure that you bring value to the industry and strive to contribute as a security professional, not just as a woman. When Sallie Krawcheck, one of the highest-ranking women on Wall Street, was asked if being a woman helped or hindered her career, she simply replied, “Yes.”23 As a female security professional in a male-dominated industry and in the chessboard of life, keep the “opposing pieces” on the board in “check.” Strive to plan today for the needs of the future. Determine whether you want to be a queen or a pawn. Develop your strategy for success, and remember that education, professional certification, leadership roles, and expertise will separate the queens from the pawns. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid.
227
228
Appendix 1
Queens are valuable because they must think several moves ahead. Do not just simply think several moves ahead, but instead, take action. Prepare for the future, and set yourself up for success by anticipating the needs of the future. Be a visionary and think big! In other words, think like a queen. Your success will create future opportunities, but success in the security industry does not happen overnight. It takes hard work and determination. I can tell you one thing for certain; I am a queen on the chessboard of life, not a pawn.