Amid the disruption and societal transformations that were brought up by the new technologies and COVID-19, millennials and Gen Z are already dominating the workforce. By 2030, about 58 percent of the global workforce will comprise them.
Nevertheless, as members of two generations valuing flexibility, learning, growth, and purpose, millions of these young people are already frustrated with their jobs.
On the other hand, millennials and Gen Z have so much value to offer to the world economy. These generations have grown up in a world of rapid technological advancements and have unique perspectives on digitization and security that differ from previous generations.
Security: A Thriving Industry for Digital Natives
Millennials and Gen Z have grown up with technology integral to their lives. They are early adopters of new technologies and are comfortable using digital platforms and devices. This has led to a greater demand for technologically advanced security solutions such as smart home security systems, biometric authentication, and cybersecurity measures.
The security industry is growing at a solid 8 percent annually, and is expected to reach USD 225 billion by 2030, a jump from USD 120 billion in 2022, creating countless new opportunities along the way.
Secure World, Secure Jobs
It’s no secret that millennials and Gen Z crave development opportunities and get bored easily, but job security and their future financial prospects are also among their top professional concerns.
As technology advances and global threats evolve, organizations and individuals are increasingly prioritizing security measures to protect their assets, data, and people. This creates a high demand for skilled security professionals across various sectors, including cybersecurity, physical security, risk management, and more.
This expansion provides millennials and Gen Z with an engaging, impactful, and meaningful career path that leverages their digital fluency, adaptability, and desire for continuous growth. It offers a chance to contribute to the greater good while staying at the forefront of technology and addressing the evolving security challenges of our interconnected world.
With the increasing importance placed on security, professionals in this field enjoy a relatively high level of job certainty. The demand for security expertise is expected to continue growing, providing individuals with stable career prospects and opportunities for advancement.
Ongoing Learning and Career Evolution
The fast-changing nature of technologies also keep the industry dynamic and ever-changing. As technology evolves rapidly, new threats emerge, and attackers become more sophisticated. This creates a stimulating and challenging environment that requires professionals to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and tools. For those who enjoy continuous learning and problem-solving, the security industry can provide an intellectually stimulating and fulfilling career.
The security industry offers a wide range of career paths and specializations. Whether a young professional is interested in cybersecurity, physical security, information security, risk management, intelligence analysis, or even security consulting, there are numerous avenues to explore. This allows executives to choose a niche that aligns with their interests and skills, and continuously experiment — a perfect fit for easily bored millennials and Gen Z.
High Rewards in a Universal Field
Due to the high demand and specialized nature of security roles, professionals in the industry often benefit competitive compensation packages. Skilled security experts, particularly those with expertise in emerging areas like cybersecurity, can command attractive salaries and benefits.
Security is a universal concern, and professionals in this field have opportunities to work both domestically and internationally. This can open doors to exciting career prospects and the chance to work on diverse projects in different environments.
A Meritocratic Job With Mobility
Furthermore, the security industry isn’t snobby: It’s one of the few established fields in which mobility between blue collar toward white collar positions is not only possible, but quite common and encouraged.
As people gain experience, develop expertise, and acquire additional certifications or qualifications, it’s possible progress into managerial or executive positions. Leadership roles allow executives shape security strategies, guide teams, and make a broader impact.
Making a Difference: Satisfaction of Securing the World
Millennials and Gen Z quote a sense of purpose as among their top professional priorities, and always seek impact-driven careers.
Working in the security industry allows them to contribute to the safety and well-being of individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Whether they are protecting sensitive data, preventing cyberattacks, implementing physical security measures, or managing risk, their efforts have a direct impact on reducing vulnerabilities and safeguarding people and societies.
