While some people work as security officers for much of their careers, others use the skills and experienced gleaned in this role to help them work in other careers later on. If you've worked in a security capacity for a period of time and are interested in changing your profession but still working in a field in which decision making, helping others, and providing an authoritative presence are necessary, you may find that your experience as a security officer can help you land your next job. Here are three careers in which working as a security officer can be a valuable asset. 

Police Officer

Many police offers began their careers working as security officers. The move from the latter to the former is logical because there are many parallels between these two positions. In your capacity as a security officer, you'll often find yourself cooperating with local law enforcement. For example, if you work in a mall and have observed a shoplifter breaking the law and have subsequently detained him or her, you'll typically remain with the suspect until a police officer arrives on the scene to perform an arrest. Protecting the public, responding to calls, and investigating crimes are all things that you'll do in a security role and in law enforcement.

Corrections Officer

Another career path that you may think about pursuing after you've worked as a security guard is to work as a corrections officer. Many prisons and other similar institutions value those who have experience in security, as much of the job description is transferable between these two roles. For example, as a security officer, you'll need to remain calm and be decisive despite constantly changing situations around you. The same holds true in the corrections field, as you may need to make important decisions that affect your safety, the safety of other officers, and the safety of inmates.

Attorney

While you can't simply become an attorney after being a security officer, this experience may be beneficial if you're thinking about applying to law school. Even though there are many differences between being a security officer and an attorney, there's little doubt that you'll learn a lot about the law when you work in the former capacity. Things such as searches and seizures, the rights of suspects, and other similar topics will all be part of your daily life when you work in security — and knowing these things can help you to excel in law school and after graduation as an attorney.

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