Insider Intelligence: Empowering the Future Workforce

This article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of Security Business magazine. Feel free to share, and please don’t forget to mention Security Business magazine on LinkedIn and @SecBusinessMag on Twitter.

The Skinny:

PSA and SIA have launched the Security Industry Career Guide to help individuals explore career paths in the security industry, from entry-level roles to advanced tech positions.
The guide aims to attract and develop new talent by engaging students, educational institutions, and professionals looking to transition into security careers.
PSA-TEC 2025 will feature discussions, panels, and training sessions focused on talent recruitment, education, and industry trends to shape the future security workforce.

The Security Industry Career Guide, a groundbreaking collaboration between PSA and the Security Industry Association (SIA), is a comprehensive guide that provides a roadmap for exploring career opportunities across the dynamic security industry, highlighting paths that span from entry-level roles to cutting-edge positions in technology and innovation.

Whether you are a student, a seasoned professional looking to pivot or an organization striving to attract and develop talent, this guide offers valuable insights into what it takes to get started and succeed in an ever-evolving field.

As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, PSA remains steadfast in its commitment to equipping members and the broader security community with the tools and resources they need to thrive. The Security Industry Career Guide is designed not only to inform but also to inspire. By showcasing the myriad opportunities available in the security industry, we aim to empower individuals to take their next career step with confidence.

The Security Industry Career Guide represents a milestone in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. PSA and SIA are dedicated to closing the talent gap by inspiring and recruiting the next generation of security professionals.

Whether you’re a security integrator, technology partner or industry advocate, we encourage you to use this guide and implement these strategies. Together, we can build a thriving industry that continues to innovate, protect and serve communities worldwide.

If you are ready to unlock the guide’s potential for yourself or your organization, download it today at www.securityindustry.org/report/sia-security-industry-careers-guide.

Together, we can build a thriving industry that continues to innovate, protect, and serve communities worldwide.

Connecting with Tomorrow’s Talent

The Security Industry Career Guide is just the start. To meet the industry’s talent needs, PSA has developed strategies to engage educational institutions and inspire students to confidently pursue security careers. There are several steps you can take to connect with the next generation of industry professionals, but here are four easy ways to start:

Partner with career services departments: Introduce your company’s mission, participate in job fairs and host workshops.
Engage student organizations: Sponsor events or provide guest speakers to build brand presence.
Leverage alumni networks: Connect alumni from your company with their alma maters.
Offer internships: Provide meaningful experiences that act as a pipeline for full-time hires.

Take a deeper dive into these ideas and more during a panel discussion scheduled for PSA-TEC on March 10, entitled “Combating Labor Shortages to Recruit and Engage New Talent.” The panel discussion will include: Jessica Rose, Assistant Director of Employer Connections at the University of Denver, Lori Hudnall, Vice President of Human Resources at SAGE Integration, and Chris Staniforth, President of ALC Consulting. This session will explore actionable strategies to attract and retain talent in today’s competitive landscape and explore the future of recruiting.

Other training and education highlights set for the Denver conference include select vendor certification classes, more “Industry Unplugged” 1-on-1 chats featuring access control expert Lee Odess, and of course, the anticipated State of the Industry Panel – bringing together a diverse lineup of visionary industry experts to provide insights into the security industry.

Register for PSA-TEC and access the full education and event agenda at https://psatec.com and look for full coverage here in Security Business and on SecurityInfoWatch.com.