Security Guard

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
• Request emergency personnel.
• Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.
• Write operational reports.
• Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.
• Patrol properties to maintain safety.
• Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
• Block physical access to restricted areas.
• Maintain public order or security.
• Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.

Typical Working Conditions

• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Frequent contact with others.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
• Working with a group or team.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.

Tools & Technology used by Security Guards

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Security Guards

• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Being Aware of Others—Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Helping Others—Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Security Guards

• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Public Safety and Security—Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Psychology—Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Law and Government—Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Communications and Media—Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Telecommunications—Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing moderate compared to other careers. There will be a -1.2% growth for Security Guards to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, and many professionals earn an Associates degree. For some industries, this career does require a license, and certifications can help you move ahead.

View the local post-secondary education options for this career from Central Lakes College.

Spotlight on Central Lakes College

• Why consider CLC?
• Virtual Campus Tours: Brainerd Campus, Staples Campus
• Learn more about the CLC Honors Program.
• Attend CLC, and you may never need to buy a textbook.

If you have a physical, mental, developmental, or cognitive condition that requires educational support, learn about support options at CLC.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Business Computer Applications
• Business Law
• Cultural/Ethnic Studies
• Debate
• Human Development
• Personal Finance
• Physical Education
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Safety and First Aid
• U.S. Government
• World Language

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise