Mia
(Source)
Homeland security is a federal executive department in the United States responsible for the security of the public. It protects the country’s borders and plays a significant role in managing the flow of commodities and people in and out of the country. Additionally, the department oversees cybersecurity, counterterrorism, port security, aviation security, enforcement and administration of immigration laws, etc. Hence, the professionals working in homeland security have a wide variety of job responsibilities that depend on their geographical location and work environment. For example, some professionals have to work at the organization’s back-end, performing management work. At the same time, others oversee disaster control or counterterrorism measures.
However, each task that is performed in the organization holds tremendous importance. That’s why organizations preferably seek out individuals from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. But there are some essential skills needed to attain success as a homeland security professional.
Let’s have a look at them below:
1. Sense of duty
Many people pursue higher education degrees in fields such as cybersecurity, law and justice, criminal justice, international relations, etc., to boost their careers. However, a degree in such areas is not enough to qualify a person for this ever-evolving and demanding job. Professionals need to cultivate specific essential skills and capabilities to ensure career success. And that’s primarily why the depart of homeland security jobs require a person to possess a sense of duty and justice. Moral sense and ethical responsibility are critical traits that distinguish homeland security professionals.
Therefore, if you want to secure a job in the organization, you must develop a strong sense of duty and discipline, which can help keep your country safe.
2. Leadership
Another skill that most training programs for homeland security emphasize is leadership. Whether it’s private security or a public agency, both look for individuals with a strong sense of leadership. This critical trait allows individuals to assume responsibility, take charge, and steer the entire team towards goal attainment.
A crucial aspect of being a homeland security professional is understanding when a situation requires leadership and control. So, to ensure a successful career, you must be able to think quickly on your feet, know how to control and manage teams, and be a team player. While this is a skill not everyone can develop, it is undoubtedly crucial for homeland security professionals.
3. Problem-solving skills
In this field, several occasions will require you to work independently. In such cases, having problem-solving and critical thinking skills will prove monumental for your job. Today, organizations hunt for professionals who can quickly analyze situations, devise strategies, and make decisions on the spot. While being a team player is indispensable, managing unforeseen events and unpredictable conditions is paramount for homeland professionals.
Given this reason, having problem-solving and quick-thinking skills can help you progress in your career as a homeland security professional.
4. Ability to handle stressful situations
As a homeland security official, you may have to work in situations that require emergency response. Such stressful situations can cause anyone to panic easily, especially when there are security and safety concerns. However, as a homeland security professional, you must learn to maintain a composed and calm demeanor. Your ability to handle any stressful situation will determine whether you make logical and viable decisions.
This aspect is exceptionally critical in situations where the safety of people is at stake since panicked decision-making will only lead to dire consequences. Hence, to progress in your career as a homeland security professional, you must learn to handle stressful situations with a calm head.
5. Good communication skills
Communication skills are crucial in office and fieldwork, as they help coordinate responsibilities and execute orders. Therefore, you must hone effective communication skills to coordinate with the concerned personnel, relay information, and update them adequately. In addition to that, good communication skills will also enable you to handle any emerging situation with the public easily.
Moreover, it will instill persuasion skills in you, which are critical to managing the masses and your team.
6. Spontaneity
As a homeland security professional, you will face unpredictable situations where textbook training will not apply. Here, you will have to make decisions by yourself without any supervision.
In such situations, spontaneity will serve as a remarkable skill to make crucial decisions by yourself, either by judging the situation around you and the available data or following your instincts. These spontaneous decisions and actions can save lives and resolve crucial problems. Since the nature of this profession is dynamic, you’ll have to arm yourself with the skill of handling unforeseen events.
7. Observational skills
In the homeland security field, each job and position holds significance. For this reason, observation skills are required at all levels and from all the employees in the organization. Whether handling public information or working as an emergency respondent, your observational skills are crucial to the job. Since you’ll have to make quick decisions, your ability to grasp information, analyze the situation, and monitor any changes will assist you tremendously. These aspects are applicable on the management end and while working in the field.
So, if you possess observational and monitoring skills, you can pave the way towards progress as a homeland security professional.
Conclusion
When hiring for an organization, the government considers the competence and eligibility of the applicant. However, your career progress doesn’t stop once you enter the field. Instead, you must develop soft skills continuously and learn from your supervisors and colleagues. Since working in homeland security is respectful and rewarding, you must sharpen your abilities for the sake of the country’s safety. Besides, improving your skills and capabilities will help you drastically progress your career.
