The consultancy BB7 promotes professionalism through experience, academic study, and vocational training and it is on this basis that they have worked with the University of Portsmouth to provide an internship in their Security Engineering team.
A number of students applied ranging from second years to one who was completing their final year of a master’s course. BB7 noted that the standard of applicants was very high which meant that the interview panel spent an entire day interviewing potential candidates. To make decision-making even more difficult, every applicant demonstrated enthusiasm for, understanding of, and a desire to work, in the security profession once they leave university, the consultants report.
Sarah Jeffery, a second year Criminology with Forensic Studies student, was the successful candidate for the internship, and impressed with her well-constructed answers to some challenging questions, her sample essay, knowledge of contemporary issues, and her extra-curricular activities. Without negatively impacting on her studies, Sarah has managed to pick up and learn a new sport in a short time. In less than two years, Sarah has gone from picking up a frisbee in a park, to captaining the Women’s team at Portsmouth University and representing Team GB at the Under 23 Ultimate Frisbee World Championships in July 2015, in London. She spent part of a gap year volunteering in Uganda where she was actively involved in community engagement programmes and organisational change management.
One candidate, a third year Criminology with Psychology student, impressed the panel so much that she has been offered a funded master’s degree and full time employment. Emily Long BSc (Hons), will start work at BB7 in September and will undertake a two-year part-time Masters degree at the University of Portsmouth alongside her work. Emily will be supported by BB7 through her studies and will work as part of the security risk management team with a view to attaining the necessary competence to become a Chartered Security Professional (CSyP).
Jim Swift, pictured, Surrey-based BB7’s Head of Security Engineering, said: “If you are considering expansion then I would strongly advise you to consider looking to the huge potential graduates can offer. We have been so impressed by those that we have met as part of this process that we are looking at ways to further engage with students and point them towards a career in security, at BB7 or elsewhere. These young men and women are the future of our profession and the more we can to engage with them, develop them, and provide them with a well-defined career path, the better off we all will be.”
