Youth unemployment weighed heavily on the minds of many first-time voters in the recent national and provincial elections, and not surprisingly so. The youth unemployment rate in South Africa increased to 59.40% in the fourth quarter of 2023 from 58% in the third quarter of 2023, according to Statistics South Africa.
Chief Information Officer for Fidelity Services Group Vasco De Sousa believes it’s time for the youth to do their homework as ‘really cool’ opportunities and career paths can be found in unexpected places, like the security services sector.
Imagine creating autonomous security drones or robotic guards patrolling sensitive areas, or being able to use AI to predict security threats and enhance incident response, or being the software engineer who develops the ultimate secure solution to protect your company’s systems. Sounds super GenZ, right?
In fact, the possibilities are so exciting that it doesn’t take much to get De Sousa gushing about the many unique and interesting roles in the security industry.
“I’m thrilled to share some captivating IT career paths within the security services industry. I would like to inspire young people this Youth Month with exciting opportunities that blend technology and protection and which can empower them to protect communities, innovate and make a positive impact,” De Sousa enthused.
“A career in security services offers a dynamic environment, technological exposure and the chance to make a meaningful impact on safety and security, especially in roles that embrace new digital and innovative technologies.”
De Sousa reiterates the roles in today’s evolving world of security go way beyond the traditional security guard or reaction officer.
Think robotics and automation specialists, advanced camera and vision systems engineers, Artificial Intelligence experts, coding and software engineers, data analysts and scientists, Business Intelligence specialists and Internet of Things programmers.
Cybersecurity is a growing field too. De Sousa says, however, young people whose ears prick up at the mention of this field should remember the importance of technical subjects and computer-related courses as these help you to grasp the scientific principles of cybersecurity.
“There are really cool roles at Fidelity Services Group within the cybersecurity field that young people can explore, such as information security analyst, ethical hacker (penetration tester), security consultant and security software developer.”
Why not hear it from the horse’s mouth? Meet Talha Moolla and Vincent Taljaard.
Talha started his career at Fidelity Services Group in 2023 as an IT graduate intern. He grabbed the opportunity to gain hands-on operational experience at various divisions and applied the knowledge and skills gained.
De Sousa says that from the onset, Talha showed enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for working and collaborating in a team environment.
“Talha also demonstrated a competitive attitude, a determination for results and excelled in strategic problem-solving and continuous improvement. After completing his graduate internship in April, he was permanently appointed as a junior IT business analyst.
“His role involves evaluating existing technology, engaging with stakeholders, overseeing IT solution implementation, conducting cost-benefit analyses and staying informed about industry trends.”
Vincent embarked on his career at FSG in 2014 as a young IT technician, supporting systems across various branches and data centres. His passion for managing IT projects, service management, Active Directory and Service Desk operations drove him to excel.
In 2017, Vincent earned a Bachelor’s degree in IT Management and, as he continued to thrive, was appointed IT Services manager for the group, upskilling himself further with ITIL and IT Project Management certifications.
By 2022, Vincent’s leadership skills led to an expanded role as IT Service and Operations manager.
“Notably, this young man architected a 24/7 IT Monitoring Operations Centre (ITMC), implementing a centralised system based on ITIL best practices. The ITMC proactively manages the company’s IT infrastructure and FSG has reaped significant benefits from this innovative project.”
De Sousa has these 7 pieces of valuable advice for young people wanting to break into any of the above roles in the security services industry:
- Explore diverse roles
- Pursue relevant degrees or certifications in fields like computer science, engineering, data science or security management.
- Attend workshops, conferences and industry events to stay updated on emerging technologies and trends.
- Gain practical experience through internships, co-op programmes and entry-level positions, or volunteer for security-related projects.
- Connect with professionals in the industry through LinkedIn, industry associations, and local security events, and seek mentors.
- Develop your soft skills as communication, problem-solving and adaptability are crucial.
- Be ethical and trustworthy. Security work involves trust. Uphold high ethical standards and maintain confidentiality.
“The security services industry is diverse and will continue to evolve, leveraging AI, robotics and automation to enhance safety and mitigate risks. Human expertise will remain essential, complemented by technological advancements.
“It is important to add though that in addition to all the ‘cool’ possibilities, the skills gap remains a reality and the industry will always need skilled professionals who understand both traditional security and emerging technologies.
“The world is your oyster if you are willing to put the effort in, actively seek and embrace opportunities. We sincerely hope this informative article resonates with youth out there who may be at their wits end about their futures. Our doors are always open to talent prepared to help us better secure people, places and the future of our country through innovation and dedication,” De Sousa concludes.