About This Video
In this first installment of his Career Progression series, Micky Ahuja addresses one of the most common questions he gets asked: how do you actually advance in the security services industry? Drawing on his experience hiring and interviewing candidates, Micky explains why self-awareness — knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and personality fit — matters more than generic qualifications. He also unpacks why security is a broad industry with very different career paths, from concierge and retail to construction and major events work.
Key Topics Covered
- Why understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and personality is the real starting point for a security career
- The different sectors within security services — aviation, construction, retail, loss prevention, major events, and concierge work
- Why security suits both people-oriented and independent personality types differently
- The value of a Certificate in Security Operations and Risk Management as a foundational qualification
- Why security work is fundamentally a mix of customer service and risk management
- How understanding operational outcomes (not just tasks) sets top performers apart
- Why observing high-performing sites and guards — and learning from them — accelerates career growth
- What separates security staff earning entry-level wages from those earning six-figure salaries
Summary
Micky opens by reframing a common question — “how do I get ahead in security?” — around self-knowledge rather than credentials alone. He notes that in his own hiring experience, few candidates can clearly articulate their strengths or the specific type of security work that suits them, despite the industry spanning vastly different roles. He encourages people-oriented individuals to pursue concierge or retail-facing roles, while those who prefer solitary work may thrive in construction or asset protection. He stresses that security is a transient industry, but for those serious about a long-term career — as he has been for two decades — continuous learning is essential. He points to the Certificate in Security Operations and Risk Management as a solid foundation for identifying and mitigating risk, and reminds viewers that effective security work always comes back to understanding the outcome, not just performing a task — using the example of metal screening at major events.
Finally, Micky advises actively seeking out high-performing sites and mentors, observing what top-earning security professionals do differently, and staying open to adopting new techniques as the industry evolves.
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