While ASIS helps security professionals at every stage of their career, ASIS recognizes that our next generation of professionals represents the future of the profession. Each month, the ASIS blog features a Q&A with a NextGen member within our membership and share their unique perspective on a range of topics ranging from industry trends, and the value of ASIS membership to professional development. This month’s blog features Mark Joseph Vinculado, CPP, PCI, PSP.
Learn more about the ASIS NextGen Community and get involved today.
Q: How did you get started in security management?
A: I started my security career when I was finishing college. I needed a job to sustain my academic study and daily needs and I was lucky to get a job as a protection agent.
Q: How has your involvement in ASIS International helped your career?
A: My involvement with ASIS International implies that I have a global network of connections with security specialists and experts. It helped me build a personal brand which validated my credibility as a security professional and opened a lot of career opportunities. My community, the NextGen Community, also helped me grow by learning from fellow young professionals from across the world which is really a big contributor to where I am today.
Q: What is an interesting story about your early career growth in the industry?
A: I think it's my venture of being the first person to get all four ASIS Certifications. At first, I thought that it would be nice to get all four certifications to progress my career, but I later realized that it's not the letters that will get me to the next level of my career but the experience and knowledge I acquired going through the process of earning the designations. Now, I get to pass through the natural evolution of a security professional being the Head of Security and Safety of a Fortune 500 company at the age of 32.
Q: As a young professional, what do you think the future of security holds?
A: With threats evolving constantly, it will also drive the industry to be a very competitive field for security professionals. Something that a young professional like me should anticipate and prepare for. Being a specialist in physical security will soon not be enough, you need to upgrade your toolkit especially on the IT/Cyber security aspect.
Q: How can young professionals stand out in the industry?
A: What I will encourage a young professional to do is to develop a career differentiator, something that will set you apart from the rest. For me, it was getting the triple crown. With it, I have built a professional brand that I am serious about mastering my craft, and that I am a man of attitude and someone who values credibility.
Q: What opportunities exist for young professionals in the security industry?
A: There are opportunities in the security industry for young professionals, specifically in the domain of cybersecurity. Since organizations rely more and more on digital systems and technology, cybersecurity has become an essential component of company operations. I think this will remain the trend in the coming years. In fact, I am trying my best to master the foundation of this domain.
