[Your College or University]
Abstract
This paper explores six areas in the field of security. It identifies specific position titles and compares risks. Collectively, these findings reaffirm my decision to pursue further academic training in the field of security as an information security specialist in a business environment.
With today’s computer technology, security specialists have many more career options to explore than before. A few decades ago, a security specialist could only provide physical protection to people (e.g., residential) or a business (e.g., building entrance). Now employment options have expanded to certified security specialists, homeland security specialists, personnel security specialists, network security specialists, and physical security specialists – to name a few. When considering these expanded employment opportunities, this is one reason why this career field appeals to me and made a decision to concentrate on information security in the Master’s program.
Certified security specialists provide protective service specifically for executives, corporations, and celebrities. Unlike other security specialists, this position is specifically related to a broad range of assignments in corporate security and protective executive security, close celebrity protection, threat assessments, investigations, and interrogations.
Homeland security specialists work for government agencies. They create, implement, and monitor emergency preparedness programs to lessen threats of border violations, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters.
Network security specialists manage information system architecture, as well as design, operational planning, and risk remediation. They recommend security infrastructure and prepare risk assessments to improve security for large corporations. In some industries, network security specialists are also known as information security specialists.
Personnel security specialists coordinate security policies that control user access to a networks and protect the confidentiality of data. They focus on the ever-changing, evolving needs of employees. This includes inspection of facilities to ensure compliance with government security standards and requirements.
Physical security specialists perform various security-related tasks, such as monitoring camera surveillance systems, electronic access systems, equipment maintenance, and participating in IT projects related to security. They also report and document violations found in public or private agencies and companies related to safety and security based on the needs of each organization.
Unlike security specialists, security guards are armed positions and not an easy career void of high risks of injury or death. Most security guard assignments require a patrol or static position with the primary objective being to deter criminal activity on the premise that they are guarding.
Conclusion
When reflecting on the field of security and exploring the difference among these positions – some involving personal risks, while others are performed in the safe confines of an office building, my decision to further study as an information security specialist is reaffirmed. In my current position as a document control officer, responsibilities have included incoming and outgoing document control for the past two years; however, there’s opportunity for growth and promotions once advanced study is achieved. Additionally, this is a stepping stone towards moving in the position of a physical security specialist. Therefore, security specialist as the chosen career field is fascinating and the right decision for me.
References
Physical security specialist requirements. Retrieved from
http://education-portal.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Physical_Security_Specialist.html
U.S. Department of Defense. Careers at the defense security service. Retrieved from
http://www.dss.mil/about_dss/employmentinfo.html
Webopedia. (2013). Personnel security specialist. ITBusinessEdge. Retrieved from
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/personnel_security_specialist.html
What does a homeland security specialist do? Retrieved from http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_Does_a_Homeland_Security_Specialist_Do.html
