Page 31 - the SyI Quarterly 10

Education and Learning

Why the Level 7 Advanced Diploma? I’ve done have given me the grounding to take
‘The Level 7 will help to set me apart from others. It’s a strategic qualification under my belt’, Karol those steps in the future by being able to build
says. ‘I personally would recommend doing the distance learning route; it was perfect for me as it fit in on the qualifications I’m earning.’
with my lifestyle and work commitments. However, the Advanced Diploma is challenging; it’s a step up
from the Level 5. And I’ve had to make some work-life adjustments to accommodate the intensity of What advice do you have for those thinking
the course.’ about doing a distance learning course?
‘Like many security officers that are in the sector,
For Karol, the programme has potential for work applications based in the future: ‘It feels like it’s I steered clear of writing and report reading.
preparing me for strategic management with all its complexities and detail. My confidence has I just couldn’t do it. This is something that is
rocketed since beginning the course, particularly regarding meetings with seniors. The Advanced very common within this specific sector. Many
Diploma teaches the strategic elements to security management which help me to think differently, officers avoid the academic route either due to
more from a business perspective than just a security angle. So, when I’m trying to secure funding for low confidence in their reading/writing ability,
example, I can better understand where people are coming from and argue our case better. dyslexia, or painful experiences of past study.
But I want people to realise that shouldn’t stop
But the main thing is, the course delivers on what it says it does. I now articulate my point in a you from learning. The right support is out there,
discussion with more clarity and I feel comfortable reading the material in and around the subject – and you can achieve.’
something I never thought I would!’
Karol’s positive experience and commitment
He continues: ‘The reading really expands your horizons and is crucial to the course as well as to your to certified development has prompted him to
own personal development; you have to do it. Once I’ve finished the Level 7, I want to go on and do a share the news with others: ‘I promote these
master’s and possibly apply for the CSyP via the academic route. This course will help me to do that.’ courses all the time on social media and to my BTEC Level 5
friends. As a security manager, it’s my belief that
The importance of joining a recognised membership body the minimum you should have is the Level 5 Diploma in Security
During the conversation the topic of verified security membership comes up. As an active member Diploma. It’s important that there’s something Management
of The Security Institute, Karol understands the value their membership programme brings: ‘At the there for Security Managers, something to
beginning of the Level 5 you obviously get free student membership to The Security Institute as part properly inform them, guide them, and train
of the course. My company then bought me a higher-level associate membership which I’ve continued them into effective Security Management. This course provides learners with a
with myself. Having a certified qualification demonstrates an broad understanding of how security
understanding that should underpin all security theory works with best practice to
There are so many professional bodies out there but I’m with the Institute because of how much it management functions. Unfortunately, in my form successful security initiatives in
gives back. The networking and learning opportunities compliment the courses and support me, experience, many Security Managers don’t want
and it also has some extremely valuable resources to offer for professionals, including the mentoring to earn their qualifications. They’re comfortable the workplace.
platform which I’m currently making use of. Other membership bodies don’t seem to do as much as with where they are.’
the SyI. My advice is to do your research and if you join The Security Institute engage with them as
much as possible.’ But becoming qualified isn’t all Karol Duration
recommends: ‘I would also strongly suggest 12 months
How will the course help you in your career? joining social media groups and online
‘I can see myself as a Director of Risk or a Consultant of Risk and Security Management. The courses membership bodies. It’s a massive world and
there’s no right or wrong way. The Mentoring Core Modules
Platform The Security Institute run has been a
considerable help to me. My mentor asked me • Understanding Security
at the very beginning “what do you want to do?” • Threats to Security
and it was that question that prompted me to • Risk Management
look at where I was versus where I wanted to • The Legal System
be.’ • Management

For more information on PerpetuityARC Eligibility Criteria
Training’s Security Institute courses, head The course is open to all those who
to the website: https://www.perpetuityarc. operate within the private and public
com/syi/.
security sectors and have: a minimum
Special thanks to Karol Doherty for his of 3 years security management
contributions to this article. experience or 3 years in the armed
forces in a supervisory role or have
successfully completed the Security
Institute Certificate in Security
Management.

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