A new Young Members’ Group of the Security Institute is holding a first gathering in London. It’s running on the early evening of Tuesday, August 16 at Browns in Covent Garden, central London.
All Institute members aged between 21 and 40 are welcome and that includes any category of membership. Whether you are an established professional or pursuing a career in security. Institute member James Sarner, Regional Security Manager for the South at Mitchells & Butlers, is behind the meeting.
He says that there are three main aims for the group: to share experiences; to fill a gap for seniors and younger members of the Institute, and for mentoring opportunities; and to be a voice for young professionals. We asked James, pictured, a few questions in advance of the meeting.
Professional Security magazine: First thoughts on questions are, ahead of the 16th, what you are hoping for the event, and the group (like minded people to share experiences?).
James Sarner: I would like to see this event and the group’s activities in general bring together like-minded professionals such that they can relate more directly with one another and reflect on their professional development to date, with an opportunity to share experiences and provide support and opinion to others in the same position. I hope to see a solution that fills the gap to achieve truly effective senior and younger membership collaboration as well optimising mentoring opportunities. Finally I’d like to think we can become a voice for the Institute’s future progression and for young professionals looking to be heard in a wider industry context.
PSM: And something about what it’s like to be making your way generally in private security. I wonder how it compares with making your way in a related field (such as the police) or indeed any job.
JS: It’s not easy for younger people or anybody for that matter to progress in security. I know this having entered the private sector as a security officer, but also because I am in touch with other security managers who do not have a military or police background. Although they have acquired an impressive set of skills and obtained relevant experience and knowledge, they have worked tremendously hard to be where they are today. Meeting security managers without military or police experience at any level is difficult. The YMG aims to bring young people together to reflect on professional development and to encourage anyone who is genuinely interested in pursuing a career in security, no matter what your level of experience.
PSM: While on the one hand we all appreciate mentoring and have the hard and soft skills to learn (online and face to face), in some ways (IT and tech) the young can leave the old standing?!
JS: No matter how advanced your IT skills are, ultimately, whether you work in cyber, physical or both, we are all trying to achieve a similar objective. In some way or another, we can all learn from senior professionals at the top of their field. Experience and knowledge gained through years of working in the industry will prove invaluable for younger professionals wishing to adopt the often forgotten principals and key fundamentals for managing security. This in turn will equip them with the necessary tools to develop and progress in their careers. I believe that mentoring, in any profession, is something that will always be of value.
For more details before the day, contact [email protected].
