Private security is no joking matter for people who might be targeted by criminals or overzealous fans.
But Im oversimplifying the role by referring to them as security or body guards.
Tell us about your current position, and how long youve been at it.
EP Specialist would be the technical name for what most people would call a body guard.
Although, most of us know that this particular phrase does not do justice to what our job entails.
There are different types of EP.
The flavor of EP Im describing here could be characterized as corporate EP.
Ive been in my current position for two years.
), so for my first position, I worked in the command center.
Only after someone becomes competent in this area do they move on to working in the field.
Ive also conducted risk assessments relating to travel intelligence and threat case management.
Online investigations are a significant part of this job too.
What drove you to choose your career path?
There were two primary factors that influenced my decision to take this path.
First, there was a push factor.
In political science, we call the presentation of information that conflicts with your preexisting beliefs, cognitive dissonance.
And that was the at the center of my crisis.
He went on to explain that wars are fought over political objectives.
And in this obvious and simple statement, I began losing my interest in a military career.
Then comes the pull factor.
How did you go about getting your job as an Executive Protection Specialist?
What kind of education and experience did you need?
He gave me a list of books to read along with a series of courses to consider taking.
Did you need any licenses or certifications?
It will vary from state to state.
In California, anyone employed in a security guard role is required to have a Guard Card.
That is the only legal requirement; the rest is up to your hiring managers discretion.
Its not required, but I earned my Emergency Medical Technician certification and I recommend others do the same.
This is the required certification to work in the US as an EMT.
Having this training helps you assess patients and provide emergency medical care.
This is one of those certifications that can make you stand out from the pack.
Another license that can be important is a CCW (concealed carry) permit.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
The popular misconceptions about EP specialists is that they are big, knuckle-dragging neanderthals.
Thats not the case.
Celebrity EP might be the exception, but celebrities have their own tastes and preferences.
However, this is not the same in corporate EP, which is my focus.
Its part of the show.
What are your average work hours?
Generally, I work 50 hours per week.
Hours are generally some combination of day shifts or night shifts.
There are occasional 70-80 hour weeks, but these are rare with a fully staffed team.
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
First, invest some of your time in reading and learning about interpersonal communication theory/techniques.
I have foundHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleandThe 48 Laws of Powerto be helpful in navigating these waters.
When youre approached and asked questions, the easiest route is to act ignorant.
If some schmuck thinks youre an idiot, thats not going to hurt you.
), you will alarm them.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
I take a page out of Seth Godins book,Linchpin.
I throw all of my energy into becoming the most valuable member of our team.
Whats the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
The worst part of my job is the lack of a social life.
This is a zero-sum game.
And I am not convinced that the principals even know that we pour our souls into their protection.
I am pursuing the former.
It is my goal to work independently as a security consultant in the near future.
Andmy websiteis the platform that will help me reach this goal.
Whats the most enjoyable part of the job?
The most enjoyable part is traveling to areas that I might not otherwise go to.
In addition, I enjoy reading and conducting research.
I have my inner political science student to thank for this.
Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?
My best advice is to speak with a reputable organization the provides protective services and consulting.
You should get a through assessment of your specific situation before moving ahead with any kind of protective scheme.
Big players in the industry areGavin De Becker and Associates, andAS Solution.
How do you move up in your field?
First, you should probably put your job before your social life.
This is a controversial statement, but in my experience it is completely true.
Second, you must continue pursuing professional development, even if you are working long hours.
If you are not learning something new, you are falling behind the rest of the pack.
Professional development might be reading security literature, learning a new skill, or teaching a skill.
You must be eager to learn.
What do people under or over value about what you do?
People undervalue the extensive research required to support a protective security program.
And that is only the tip of the iceberg.
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
And after significant experience, the manager of an EP program can expect to make $100,000-200,000.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
This interview has been edited for clarity.
If youd like to share your career, email us at[email protected].Photo viaGetty Images.
