Intelligence and Security – increasing demand for graduates January 12, 2012
Posted by Jeff Riley in : Intelligence and security, Political risk , trackback
I caught up with Luke Vile from BeecherMadden – a specialist headhunting firm that supply expertise to the intelligence and security sector. We published an interview with Luke last autumn http://bit.ly/zAJhz3 and he wanted to give us an update. You can contact Luke at Luke Vile +44 (0) 20 3036 0509 Luke.vile@beechermadden.com
The good news for King’s students with an interest in the sector is that there is an increase in DEMAND. I asked Luke what was driving this.
“ A number of factors – * Crises. For example maritime companies are having to respond to fragile security especially off the horn of Africa. This is driving demand both for consultancy and physical security. One of the consequences is that there is a need for more people who are able to analyse the situation in the region. In fact one of the students we placed from King’s College had done a dissertation on this topic so that was very helpful.
* Regional instability. Clearly the Arab spring has shaken things up. Egypt, for example, is no longer the stable country it was. Afghanistan is undergoing change as western forces withdraw. New regimes demand a revision in the ways organisations and businesses relate to countries.
* Legislation. Things like the new Bribery Act change the landscape as well as more countries adopt different rules. Buying a bank in Kenya, for example, requires different considerations now than a couple of years ago.
* Economic situation. While the economic crisis is by no means over there are emerging areas of stability and growth. So, for example, now banks are finding their feet again they may be able to consider engaging with emerging markets like Turkey.
* Graduates. Intelligence and security graduates are becoming a recognised resource in the industry. Employers know that students from colleges like King’s can provide excellent analytical skills, knowledge and a willingness and ability to get stuck in. Frankly even if they are put on a good starting salary they are going to be cheaper than an ex-army officer”
I also asked Luke who his clients were and what kind of student he wanted to hear from?
“Our clients include small, niche consulting security firms, the larger intelligence and security outfits and commercial professional services firms who by the nature of their size and range of activities will sometime have a need for the kind of personnel we aim to supply. Ideally we recruit people who can start work fairly quickly but I would encourage anyone with the kind of background that War Studies implies to get in touch.”
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