Career Spotlight  - Women in Security 

24-year-old Thea Slatyer, plays for the Australian national women’s football team, the Matildas.
Slatyer had been doing promotions for a modelling and promotions company when she was approached by Charlies Angels and persuaded to switch to security.

“I think I was kind of getting sick of having to get dressed up and wear heels and do the whole promotional thing that comes with it…that selling...and superficiality…Security is more me. It is more suitable for my personality,” says Slatyer.

Currently working as a casual with a number of companies, Slatyer is more likely to be found working places like the Museum of Contemporary Arts at weddings and functions, or working movie premiers, events, and plain clothes personal protection, with the occasional undercover diamond run or cash escort.

“I have never felt threatened or intimidated,” she says. “Usually, you should be able to use your mouth and be able to talk your way out of things before it even gets to that stage. I like being able to do that and avoid that kind of situation. I’m lucky. I haven’t had a serious problem.”

As a rising star in football, a big plus for her is the flexibility in hours security offers.
“I have a lot more freedom working casually, being able to turn down jobs or take them up at my own choice, so it fits very well with my football. The only thing is that sometimes I work late nights and that can affect my training in the morning,” she says.

She encourages other women to consider security work, too.
“I have recommended to female friends the fact that you don’t have to be standing on a door and sometimes get that aggressive crowd late at night in pubs and clubs, that you can do events and functions. A lot of it is PR work, which women are suited to. I would definitely recommend it to other women,” says Slatyer, “but I guess you would have to have the right attitude, as well. It’s not for everyone, but if you have got good people skills and you can get along with people and you are able to talk with people and communicate well, then it is for you.”

More about Security Careers for Women »