Travel Jobs

How To Get A Job As A Bodyguard

Bodyguards, also known as Executive Protection Agents, protect the person, and property of specific individual clients, usually the wealthy, the famous, the so-called upper class, important political figures, and the at-risk.  A large number of skills are needed for those who plan to become  professional Bodyguards.

Successful Bodyguards are intelligent, loyal, and able to remain constantly alert to their surroundings and focused on the individual they are protecting.  Body guards must have good observation skills, good listening skills, be able to work well as part of a team, and remain calm in all situations.  They must be physically fit, be able to respond quickly, and be able to make appropriate decisions and take appropriate actions under any condition.  They must have good eyesight and good hearing.

If you wish to become a Bodyguard, you must be proficient in self-defense and the use of weapons.  You must also be able to use various types of electronic equipment, drive defensively, and establish a good working relationship  with the client and the rest of the team.  To be a competent security guard, you should have first aid training.

Well-trained Bodyguards  are security experts.  They first discuss client needs, check security measures already in place and ascertain what more is needed.  They assess potential or possible threats.  They practice ‘what if’ scenarios, and plan  how to avoid problems as much as how to deal with them.  They advise and recommend clients.

You must be prepared to accept some risks if you want to get a job as a Bodyguard.  Body guards may work for a company, and those with sufficient education, and experience may start their own executive protection agency.  Being a body guard may involve travel and being away from home for considerable lengths of time.

Education

If you wish to get a job as a Body Guard, get a college education, preferably in a related field.  You will need to pass a security check.

Some experience in a related field is a great asset to have before beginning training.  Bodyguards often start with experience in law enforcement, the military, or in other fields of investigation or protection.

Before you decide on an executive training program, do some research.  Learn all you can about the training facility itself, as well as the staff.  Check the staff’s qualifications to teach.  There are countless schools available, many of with are unscrupulous and incompetent.  Speak to any security guards you can find, the police, or other law enforcement personnel.

Once you have completed training, you may need to get a license.  States vary in this regard, so check the requirements or any states in which you may be working.

It is preferable to start off working for an executive protection agency, where you can get experience and build up a good reputation, as a testament to you knowledge and skill.