Two campus events connected 66 students with industry professionals to explore career pathways and address workforce needs
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (Nov. 3) — The PSA Network (PSA), the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, partnered with Community College of Denver (CCD) to introduce students to career opportunities in the security industry through two campus events designed to connect emerging talent with industry professionals and help address the industry’s growing workforce shortage.
Held Oct. 15 and 20, the events, titled Industry Exploration: Navigating the Security Industry with PSA Security, brought together 66 students and security industry professionals for discussions about career pathways, networking and the role security technology plays in protecting people and facilities. The sessions were tailored to students studying engineering, public safety, information technology, cybersecurity, manufacturing and related fields.
The events are part of the College Outreach Program, an industrywide initiative led by PSA, Security Industry Association (SIA) and Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) that connects students with professionals through campus events, career fairs and classroom presentations. The program helps students discover career opportunities they may not have previously considered while building connections between educational institutions and the security industry.
“As someone who was a first-generation college student, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate education and career options without a clear picture of what opportunities are available,” said Mary O’Sullivan, head of learning and development at PSA. “Many of the students we met at CCD are also first-generation students, and I want them to see that the security industry offers career paths for people with a wide range of interests and educational backgrounds. We have opportunities in technology, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, education and more, and these events help students make connections that can open doors to meaningful, long-term careers.”
The Oct. 15 event welcomed 15 students studying engineering, public safety and IT, while the Oct. 20 event brought together 51 manufacturing students. Both sessions featured panel discussions with professionals representing security technology manufacturers, consulting firms, sales organizations and other areas of the industry. O’Sullivan moderated both panels, giving students the opportunity to hear firsthand about career experiences, professional development and the many roles that contribute to securing buildings and protecting people.
Panelists included Rebecca Bayne, president of Bayne Consulting, Joshua Cummings, executive vice president of technology at Bosch Building Technologies, Justin Campo, regional sales manager at LanRep Group, Bryce Clark, of ASSA ABLOY’s Sales Trainee Educational Program, Chris Staniforth, president of ALC Consulting, Jeremy Harnden, strategic A&E consultant manager at Gallagher Security, and Michael Schmitz, Rocky Mountain service center manager at ASSA ABLOY. ASSA ABLOY representatives Exiquio Marquez, aftermarket business development representative, and Stacy Molenda, integrated solutions specialist, also participated.
Student feedback underscored the value of connecting classroom learning with real-world industry experience. In CCD’s post-event survey, all 16 respondents said the event they attended was valuable to their career development, giving the experience an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Additionally, 94% said they learned something new about a career pathway or industry, and 100% reported gaining networking contacts or resources and feeling better prepared for their future careers.
Students also reported a stronger understanding of how security technology helps protect people and facilities. One participant described gaining a better understanding of how technology can strengthen security and help people feel safe. Other takeaways included the importance of building professional networks, communicating with employers face to face and pursuing internships and industry certifications. At least one student had already been contacted about job openings following the events.
The partnership builds on PSA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with educational institutions and develop the next generation of security professionals. The College Outreach Program began as a joint commitment between PSA and SIA, announced at PSA TEC 2024 by PSA President and CEO Matt Barnette and SIA CEO Don Erickson. The initiative first produced a security industry career guide and has since expanded to include school partnerships and a nationwide network of industry volunteers.
The CCD events grew out of an earlier effort to sponsor college students to attend PSA TEC, including students from CCD, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College and Pickens Technical College. Those experiences highlighted the value of direct industry engagement and inspired further programming tailored to students’ fields of study.
“The security industry is facing a significant labor shortage, and that challenge will become more pronounced over the next five years if we don’t take action,” O’Sullivan said. “By connecting with students early and showing them the breadth of opportunities available, we can help build the workforce our industry needs while supporting students as they transition into their careers. These partnerships also help change perceptions of security by showing how the technology and people behind it work together to keep individuals, buildings and communities safe.”
PSA encourages security industry professionals and organizations to participate in future College Outreach Program activities. Denver-area professionals interested in supporting local student engagement can connect with O’Sullivan, while those across the country can learn more and sign up to volunteer through the program’s Get Involved page on the FAST website.
To learn more about PSA and its workforce development initiatives, visit psasecurity.com.
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About PSA
PSA is the world’s largest systems integrator consortium made up of the most progressive security and audio-visual systems integrators in North America. Combined, PSA members boast over 500 branch locations, employ over 13,500 industry professionals and are responsible for over $5 billion annually in security, fire, life safety and pro audio-visual installations. PSA’s mission is to elevate the industries we serve by providing owners and members exceptional education, networking, services and connections with technology partners. PSA brings this mission to life by partnering with industry-leading product and solution providers, delivering unparalleled education and training programs and offering a variety of distinctive services that can enhance any company’s operations. Learn more at psasecurity.com. Be the rising tide!
About FAST
FAST is a 501(c)(3) organization created by the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Security Industry Association (SIA) and PSA to promote careers in the physical security technology industry. FAST is dedicated to connecting passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in the electronic security and life safety industry. Through a partnership of the industry’s leading associations and networks, FAST brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places and property safe. Learn more at advancingsecurity.org/.
About SIA
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision-makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking. Learn more at securityindustry.org/.
PSA Media Contact
Emily Boulton
Director of Marketing and Communications
eboulton@psasecurity.com