The Security Industry Association (SIA) has established a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) that will offer SIA memberships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in global security and intelligence studies. 

The initiative, held at the university’s campus in Prescott, Ariz., will provide students enrolled in the CBSI program with access to helpful SIA learning, development and career resources, according to an announcement. 

“SIA is proud to partner with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on this initiative to support students’ learning and career development and grow awareness of the many exciting, enriching opportunities available in the security industry,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We look forward to working together and helping to foster the next generation of security industry leaders.” 

The CBSI is the first degree-granting college of its kind in the nation, according to the college’s website, with courses emphasizing research in global business, international security and global intelligence to prepare people for work on both the national and international level. 

Embry-Riddle students, through their membership, will gain access to SIA’s online learning content and educational resources, as well as information pertaining to apprenticeships and internship and job opportunities available with SIA member companies. 

Additional plans include providing guest speakers for the university’s classrooms to build awareness of the various job roles, career paths and areas of technical expertise within physical and converged security and connecting student members with access to virtual and in-person career fairs, mentorship opportunities through SIA’s Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program, the SIA RISE community for young security leaders and the SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), networking and professional relationship-building opportunities and the ability to apply for the chance to attend a security industry conference. 

“I am excited about the partnership between the Global Security and Intelligence Studies program and the Security Industry Association. This partnership is a win-win for both parties, as our students will more opportunities to learn about careers in the security profession and SIA members will have opportunities to recruit and hire some of the best security students in the country,” said Tom Foley, chair of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Global Security and Intelligence Studies Department. “SIA’s proven commitment to developing the next generation of security professionals will be invaluable to our students as they begin their careers!”

To learn more about SIA’s various workforce development offerings, go here.