What Comes Next? Securing Employment Opportunities in the EP Industry After Training

Completing an executive protection (EP) training program is a significant achievement, but it’s only the first step on the journey to a successful career in the security industry. Many graduates are unsure of what to do next and face a series of challenges as they transition from training to employment.

One of the most frequent questions we get from either our students or newcomers in the industry is “How do I get an EP job?” And let’s admit it, it is a valid question. People have spent their money (thousands of dollars) and time to attend a “bodyguard” school and after completing a training program, they wonder what’s next and how to get an EP job. Many of them, either because they have been misled, or due to the unexpected industry’s challenges, will become frustrated with the fact that it is not that easy landing an EP job after all!

Employment in our industry is based on different criteria. Training is ONE of them. So just because you’ve received training doesn’t mean companies will line up to hire you. Now, prior to listing some tips on what to do to gain employment in this industry, let’s first discuss some of the most common misconceptions. Before you proceed any further, however, keep in mind this article has been written to be educational and help you in the process of finding a job. Remember, we have been in your shoes before, so this is not an article to criticize, but shed some light on some areas that are kept in the dark on purpose by some in the industry.

Common Misconceptions About EP employment:

Guaranteed employment: Many believe that completing a training course guarantees a job. And because they spent thousands of dollars, that automatically places them ahead of other candidates. However, just like a college degree, no training program can offer immediate employment (unless the company you were trained by has secured contracts as a service provider as well). This is probably one of the most prevalent misconceptions, that completing an EP training course guarantees a job. This belief is often fueled by misleading advertising and marketing promises and the misconception that the demand for security professionals means automatic employment. The security industry is competitive, and securing a position requires more than just a certificate—it requires strategy, persistence, and proactive effort.

The training school you paid for will automatically open the doors for you: As with every industry, we have different training providers that have quite a varying degree of credibility based on how many years they have been operating, the training durations, topics included and instructors. Of course, each one has its own reputation, some better and some worse. Just because you attended a school that has a great reputation doesn’t mean that doors will open automatically for you. However, some schools have a better reputation than others, which may work to your advantage.

You will be hired as an EP agent immediately: Executive protection is one of the few professions that will require prior work experience. Because of the nature of the services provided and the client’s dynamics, a potential agent must show or prove that they are able to deal with different situations. One may ask, “How will I gain experience if everyone is asking for it and no one is willing to hire me without it?” (How do I get a job without experience, and how do I get experience without a job?) Try to keep in mind, EP is mostly a progressive role, and there are many security related roles one may perform to raise your level of experience needed to grow towards an EP role. Ask yourself, are you willing to take a security guard job? Are you willing to take an RST position? Or a security driver position? Although those jobs are not EP, they are very close to it and will give you the needed experience that you can use as a steppingstone into your EP role. Each one of these roles will give you skills that you will be able to either use in your EP role or shape your situation awareness, observation skills, how you handle crowds, angry people, stress, etc. Unfortunately, many will find these jobs are not as “cool” as an EP gig and will snub them, not understanding what they are missing and how they are self-sabotaging their careers.

You have a military or LE background and it shouldn’t be that hard for you: Well, some years ago if you had a military or LE background, it was helpful and could open the doors for you; however, the clientele has changed a lot and some clients do not consider this as enough to hire you. While prior military or LE experience may give you an advantage in a high-threat position, in the corporate world it won’t and in some cases, we have seen it disqualifying individuals who have had a hard time adapting to the private sector and can’t seem to leave the military posture and attitude behind.

Instant high-paying gigs: Another common misconception is that a lucrative contract will be waiting for you immediately after training. While the security industry can offer substantial financial rewards, it’s rare to land a high-paying contract right out of training. The path to these opportunities often involves starting with smaller, less glamorous jobs and gradually building your reputation and network. So be prepared to start with smaller jobs and work your way up. Considering that at first, you will most likely be hired by a smaller security company and not directly by the client, there will be a step down in the payment. Your journey to securing well-paying contracts requires patience, persistence, and continuous networking.

Job Market Reality: The job market in the security industry is challenging, with a high level of competition for available positions. Sometimes the need for more EP has been exaggerated by some training providers desiring to sell more classes. It’s important to understand that finding a job can be a lengthy and often frustrating process. Many professionals underestimate the time and effort required to secure a position. You may need to apply to dozens of jobs before receiving a response, and even then, the response may not always be positive. Understand that applying for a job will take a lot of time and you mustn’t give up quickly. Persistence is key—don’t be discouraged by initial rejections or ‘no’ replies.

Tips for Success:

Networking: Probably one of the most important tools for finding opportunities in the executive protection industry is networking. Building a strong network of contacts can open doors to job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly or may give you a better start if you know someone working with a client or company you have applied to who can put in a good word for you. Attend industry (and not only security industry) conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet other professionals and potential employers. These events provide valuable opportunities to connect with others in the field, share knowledge, and build relationships that can lead to job offers. Remember, building connections is vital, especially in our line of work and your network can be your strongest asset in securing job opportunities. Shake some hands and make some new contacts. Make yourself known, if people don’t know who you are and what you offer, how can you expect they reach out to you? Go out there and put yourself on the map!
Build your Referrals: In many cases, job opportunities in the security industry are filled through referrals. By building relationships with other professionals, you increase the likelihood that someone will recommend you for a position. It’s very important to remember, if you receive a job offer that you cannot accept, consider referring it to another colleague who may be a better fit. This not only helps someone else in need, but also strengthens your professional network. You never know what position that person may hold later on or what kind of job he can pass to you.
Continuing Education: The security industry is constantly evolving, with new threats, geopolitical changes and techniques/technology emerging regularly. To stay competitive and ahead of another candidate, it’s essential to continue your education and training. This may involve taking additional courses, attending workshops, or obtaining new certifications. By continuously improving your skills, you demonstrate a commitment to your profession and increase your value to potential employers. The man or woman who can wear many hats will always be more preferred.
Licensing: Be proactive about your licensing. You won’t believe how many graduates will wait to get hired first and then apply for a license instead of having secured their licensing before applying for a job. Bear in mind, in order to be considered for a job, the majority of companies will want you to be licensed first. Different States have varying requirements for licenses and the process may be quite lengthy sometimes, so it’s essential to research and obtain the necessary credentials for the areas and the job fields where you plan to work, in advance. Obtaining the necessary license(s) before applying for jobs can give you a significant advantage. Many employers will not consider candidates who lack the required credentials, so ensure that you have everything in order before beginning your job search.
Maintain Professionalism: Your appearance, behavior, and networking efforts are crucial. Present yourself as a professional by maintaining a clean-cut look. If needed be, invest in a professional wardrobe that is appropriate for the environments in which you will be working. Whether in corporate settings or high-profile events, your appearance should reflect the seriousness and professionalism of your role. Additionally, consider creating business cards with your contact information. These cards should be simple, professional, and free from any designs or text that could be considered unprofessional.
Have a complete and professional copy of your resume and be prepared for interviews: Having a professionally written resume is crucial. Remember your resume is what a prospective employer sees from you first, it is your first selling point, the first impression. Ensure your resume is polished, free of too much “technical” language, and highlights your relevant qualifications and achievements. Equally important is preparing for common interview questions. We have seen many candidates with excellent skills who failed to present themselves effectively during interviews due to a lack of preparation or because it was too hard for them to talk about themselves. Practice answering questions about your experience, problem-solving abilities, and how you manage high-pressure situations, to improve your chances of success. An interview is your time to “sell” who you are and convince someone that you are the best choice.
Maintain a Professional Online Presence: Your online presence is equally important. Many employers will research candidates online, so ensure that your social media profiles and any other public information present you in a positive light. Avoid engaging in unprofessional behavior online, such as participating in arguments or making negative comments about previous employers, training providers, or colleagues. Your online reputation should reflect the same level of professionalism that you demonstrate in person.
Build Your Reputation: In the beginning, you may need to accept lower-paying jobs to gain experience and prove your capabilities. This experience is invaluable as it helps you build a portfolio, gather references, and establish a reputation within the industry. Over time, as you demonstrate your reliability and skill, more significant opportunities will arise.
Be Persistent and don’t give up: Persistence is crucial in this process. Don’t be discouraged by initial rejections or how slow the process of finding the right job may be. Instead, use this as a learning opportunity to refine your approach, improve your resume, and better tailor your applications to the specific needs of potential employers.

No one can deny that transitioning from training to employment in the executive protection industry is a challenging process, but with the right approach and mindset, it is entirely achievable. Keep in mind that the responsibility lies with you to market your skills effectively and stand out in this competitive profession. Know yourself, your skills, and limitations, accept the realities of the industry and the job market, maintain professionalism in person and during your online activities, and keep improving your skills. Remember that persistence, networking, and continuous education are key to advancing your career in this competitive field. Stay focused, stay motivated, and happy job hunting!

ESI Media