1. PRIORITISE

When implementing a development framework you need to prioritise CPD, which means adjusting your mindset so that you view it as one of the first and most important investments you budget for annually. It’s important to commit time, effort, energy, and resources to continual development, and before anything else. This means it takes priority over disposable income, financial investments, crypto fund, or your even next holiday. Remember, CPD is the key to staying continuously employed in a competitive industry and if you’re not working then you have no paycheck to take home, put away, or retire from!

2. BUDGET

Having surveyed many industry professionals on the amount of money they budget towards CPD, the results vary dramatically between 5 – 20%. 10% annually would be considered a reasonable amount for an individual to commit in order to maintain a healthy level of professional growth. Though, those first steps on the development ladder can often be the most expensive. However, once you have established a solid foundation of skills in different areas, it often becomes cheaper to supplement and refresh your skillset from there on.

3. COMMIT YOUR TIME

One of the biggest obstacles to successfully implementing a development framework isn’t a lack of funds, It’s often a lack of time or commitment. Parting with the course fee upfront only requires you to be decisive for a brief instant, whereas seeing a training program through to completion demands commitment, focus and dedication. So, to be successful in your quest for professional development, be sure you can commit yourself fully to the process to gain the most value and return on your investment. Have an appreciation for the level of commitment that’s required and then block out the time in your schedule. Being honest with yourself in this manner will make your planning more effective and will set a positive intent for completing what you begin.

4. TAKE ACTION

With your development framework in place you are ready and primed to take action, but don’t delay! There can be a reluctance to make financial commitments in an unpredictable industry, however, waiting for the perfect set of circumstance means you’re likely to miss your development goals. This highlights the importance of creating a tailored development framework. Set realistic expectations and goals so that you are ready to take action when the time arises.

5. RECORD

Keep and accurate and up-to-date record of your CPD progress. This helps you document all of your skills and attributes in a succinct manner, whilst displaying your commitment to development to an employer. Keep your CV/Resume up-to-date or use the BBA Resume builder to help log your career development.

6. REPEAT

CPD is not a one-off process, it’s an on-going commitment throughout your career. Skill set and qualification requirements in this industry is a constantly changing field. If you take your finger off the pulse you’ll only realise once it’s too late and by that stage it’ll be a costly affair playing catch up when you’re unemployed!

Building on Top of Your Development Framework

How can be sure that your investment in CPD will reap you a positive return? How can you supplement your own knowledge base to make it less porous and make your decisions more informed? And how can you enhance your career development and improve your employment opportunities at the same time? Or to put it another way, how can you better position yourself as a well-rounded operator; a complete package?

A. Get Informed

Relatively speaking the industry is still burgeoning. Of course, private security has been around in one form or another for as long as there has been trade and a form of currency. However, in the last 15 years, it has developed significantly enough to warrant special attention from governments and regulatory bodies. But due to its relative nascent state, it’s anticipated that the industry will continue to evolve at a relatively rapid rate. So, it would benefit you to continue to stay up-to-date on the state of the industry. How?

• Monitor news channels from multiple sources.
• Subscribe and contribute to industry blogs and forums.
• Have an active and healthy level of engagement in social media groups.
• Subscribe to relevant industry publications, such as the Circuit Magazine to keep your information and knowledge in top shape.
• Attend industry events and networking meet-ups.

Keeping a keen interest in current affairs will give you insight into the expansion of global security provision. And by asking ‘what does the future hold,’ you will be more attuned to predicting potential hotspots and areas of conflict. Combining a knowledge of emerging markets and growing economies with an understanding of where natural resources are located around the world will help you pre-empt where there will be a need for your professional services.

B. Network

There are many resources and articles available on the topic of networking so I won’t belabour the point here. Networking is a concept which people in this industry have become very familiar with over the past few years. But that’s not to say it’s always being done correctly or effectively. And often times, the mere mention of the word “networking” brings up negative perceptions and reactions in people. A good piece of advice, worth remembering when participating in any form of networking, is to ask yourself ‘how can I contribute in a way that provides value?’ If you do this, and do it genuinely and honestly, your networking experiences will be much more rewarding.

C. Join a Professional Body

Holding membership to professional bodies can help you hone and refine your professional skills and gain a competitive edge. Professional associations and industry bodies are dedicated to providing members with resources that help them along on their career journey. A good professional organisation will provide help and advice while connecting you with experienced and knowledgable leaders in the field. They can serve as a great place to begin your industry networking and they might post provide job vacancies. By becoming a member of a professional body you’re aligning yourself with the core values and credibility of that organisation so be sure to chose established and reputable associations.

D. Personal Administration

Be proactive about taking charge of your personal administration. As a well-rounded professional operator, you should always be ready to deploy, this means taking care of issues in a timely manner. Ensure all your financial matters are in order, such as taxes, insurance, banking, etc. Are your licences and qualifications in-date?  You may also want to consider registering yourself as a company in order to pre-empt the need to do so as a requirement of a potential job or engagement in the future. And as previously discussed, your administration should include prioritising time and funds for for CPD courses, industry conferences, and events.

E. Professional Presentation

Always present yourself in the best manner regardless of the medium. It goes without saying that your reputation is your biggest asset. And this needs to be at the forefront of your mind whenever and wherever you present yourself, including how you draft your CV, create your CPD portfolio, and engage in any online platforms such as Facebook groups or forums. Consider your presentation in written form too, for instance in a cover letter or bio. How are you presenting yourself in images such as the type of profile photo that you choose to represent you. Additionally, you exude your level of professionalism with your mannerisms and behaviour in person during an interview and interactions while you are on the job.

F. Professional Courtesy

Along the same lines of presenting yourself as professionally packaged through CV and interactions, it is equally important to extend professional courtesies. Or put simply: help others. Most of you who are reading this didn’t get to where you are without a little help along the way. So give back and help others. The effects of this will be profound both in your professional career and personal reward. But the key is to do this without thought of getting anything back in return, other than the reward that which comes from the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped a peer along the way. And in doing so, you have contributed towards improving the industry as a whole.

Seize the Moment

The time is NOW! Seize the opportunity you have to get ahead of the pack. Build momentum, get engaged, and stay motivated. A career in the security sector is amongst the most rewarding and satisfying of any industry, but it won’t happen by accident.