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2020-04-01

Pursuing a Career in National Security

Working in national security is most often not the first career that comes to mind for today’s youth. This could be either due to misconceptions of what the field actually entails or the sensitivity of a profession that results in limited public exposure. Inspiring curiosity and offering deeper insights, however, is key to changing public perception and ensuring that the next generation of jobseekers can make their own informed choices.

Today, the UAE is committed to enhancing the focus on knowledge-based industries as part of its efforts to move away from its reliance on oil – in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. Yet, for as long as the country continues to participate in multi-domain defence cooperation with international partners to mitigate complex regional threats, its requirement for competitive national security and intelligence professionals will remain.

Work in national security is often glamorised with blockbuster movies such as the James Bond films depicting the sector as a glitzy, mission-driven occupation, often pursued by military-like individuals. In reality, the national security career path has many options, which might not be readily apparent.

Those currently working in national security and intelligence spaces most likely did not start out in the field, but rather transitioned into it. Contrary to popular opinion, this is not a domain restricted to resolute personalities. In fact, the area offers roles for a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, working across domains such as economics, technology breakthroughs, strategy, analysis, and even counter terrorism – with one common denominator – dedication to serving as the first line of defence for their country.

Tamer Kanawati, Director of People Analytics at Beacon Red, a UAE-based company specialising in training next generation national security professionals, started his career treating soldiers at the Zayed Military Hospital. He says, “I always noticed that the UAE’s greatest asset was its people, which is why, as a psychologist, I started screening recruits for enlistment into the UAE’s Armed Forces. Making sure the right people are selected for the most optimal positions is incredibly important for those who ensure our safety on a daily basis. I thrive on challenges, and there is no industry more challenging than national security. It provides me with the intellectual stimulus I need, and requires me to constantly hone my skills to learn about the world around me.”

To a great extent, the desired qualities of a national security professional hinges on global and regional events, and what the country requires in order to defend and protect itself from this complexity.

Many Opportunities

Roles within national security also vary. Unlike law enforcement, where set programmes are more defined for entry into the workforce, national security is more robust, offering many opportunities in many different spaces.

It presents opportunities that focus on the ability to evaluate and analyse regional and global situations, providing insights that help inform decision making at all levels within policy making. Due to the nature of the work, and the intense and challenging environments in which it takes place, a career in national security calls for professionals that are team players, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. Anticipating tomorrow’s threats and mitigating risk demands precision, as information and collaboration are paramount in any national security scenario.

Today’s ever-changing political, social, economic, technological, and security environment offers a persistent challenge to national security professionals everywhere. A career in national security changes from year to year, shaped by the complex geopolitical environment of the Middle East. Rising tensions due to strategic competition and the ubiquitous nature of technology means that in an age of hybrid warfare, forward thinking national security professionals are ready to deploy new strategies and acquire new capabilities. One of those primary strategies is the next generation of young Emiratis.

“Changes in the region and the rest of the world means that the national security space has no choice but to quickly change, or compromise the security of its citizens,” said Mauricio de Almeida, CEO of Beacon Red. “Given the kinds of innovation and technology that is driving global competition, young professionals are needed now more than ever.

We need youth with intellectual curiosity, a drive to meet challenges head-on and a desire to be part of something greater. So, if you are a self-starter looking for an elite career in a fast paced and complex environment on the forefront of global affairs, then becoming a national security professional is the only future you should be looking for, there is no greater cause.”

As part of the Electronic Warfare & Intelligence cluster of EDGE, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond, Beacon Red’s hand-picked team come from 25 different countries, speak 12 languages, and originate from some of the world’s elite agencies and global industries. As thought leaders in the national security space, the company focuses on enhancing security preparedness throughout the UAE by bringing together innovations in knowledge management, people analytics, and language support services to offer advanced training solutions and platforms – of all kinds.

Updating all their training solutions in real-time as global events unfold, Beacon Red prepares learners to face real-world challenges in the classroom before facing them professionally.

“While there is no set profile for a 21st century national security professional, to be a successful national security professional, one requires a sense of urgency, a drive to meet challenges head-on, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to be part of something greater,” de Almeida added. He went on to add that the greatest challenge any national security professional will face is complacency, “To be complacent in the face of the challenges we confront on a daily basis, is to abandon our responsibility in protecting those who count on us the most.”

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