On the RISE is a column by the Security Industry Association (SIA) in partnership with Security Sales & Integration profiling the next generation of security industry leaders. This column is part of SIA RISE, a community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security through networking and career growth events, education and professional development offerings and scholarship and mentorship opportunities.
For this installment of On the RISE, SIA spoke with Jonah Azarcon, project manager at M.C. Dean.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career path.
Jonah Azarcon: My background is mostly in finance and business analytics. I’ve always been good with numbers, but I find that I like to spend more time interacting with others than staring at data all day. I find that project management is a great career path for my skill set.
What first got you interested in security and safety as a career choice?
JA: I ran into the opportunity through a recruiter. Honestly, prior to this I had no idea how big the security industry really is! My interest grew as I met more people in the industry. I find that there is more to learn each day, which allows me to grow.
Who has influenced or mentored you – either within the security field or outside?
JA: I was involved in the mentorship program at Northland Controls and in SIA’s 2023 Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program. Both have been greatly beneficial to my personal and career growth.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
JA: I am originally from the Philippines, and I moved here alone to live with my dad, who I had only met a few times. The move was drastic, but it helped me adapt into new environments more easily.
What are some challenges and advantages of being a young professional in security and how does RISE help?
JA: Being a young professional can be quite challenging. This means a lack of knowledge in the industry, people and systems. Although being young can be challenging, it also comes with the advantage of having a clean slate. Take advantage of people that are willing to teach you and show you the ropes. There are a lot of open doors!
What advice do you have for young professionals just starting out in the industry?
JA: Keep learning, ask questions, take space!
What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?
JA: I enjoy not knowing what will happen next. I find that each day varies, depending on my current project and fires to put out. I find it exciting to solve arising problems and help my team complete the task at hand.
How do you define success?
JA: My simple definition of success is getting from Point A to Point B; however, real success lies in between those points. It’s what you learn and how you reflect this in your next task.
How do you think the SIA RISE community can help foster the careers of young people in the industry? What does the program offer that is most important to you/your company?
JA: SIA RISE offers a great community and resources to young professionals.
You have a lot of background in finance and business analysis – what are some of the top things you’ve learned, and how have you leveraged those skills in security?
JA: Making sense of data is a great skill! This has helped me create trackers for materials, make data visualizations for alarms, increase effectiveness of excel templates, etc.
What are your predictions for where the security industry may be headed in the next 5-10 years?
JA: I predict that technological advancement will enhance security materials but may also cause deterrence in cybersecurity. I see changes happening mostly in the commercial spaces first, and residential to follow once it becomes more affordable. Regardless, I’m excited to see the progress!